George Dickel Superior No.12

George Dickel Superior No.12, 45% ABV, 1 Liter

Package: Similar bottle shape with the Old No.8, only with a cream-colored label. To be honest, the white/cream coloration allows more nuance of the label’s design to shine through; the fonts are really old-fashioned (can’t tell what type they are), complicit in the equivocating (?) trend of nostalgic-overload marketing strategy of American Whiskeys. I like it though; it creates the illusion of a product with a redoubtable lineage, and erases the violent dysfunctions that occurred during the prohibition (ha!).

Color: Maple amber, with a hue of orange.

Nose: The nose is very subdued and mellow. Notable is the lack of rye smells prominent in bourbon; an impression of charred maple sugar, vanilla sweetness, some citrus, cherries (cough-syrup like) and faint leather hints.

Body: Such smoothness! Cold-chilling the spirit before it is applied to the Lincoln County Process really contributes to the whiskey’s texture. The body is medium-slinky smooth and very pleasing.

Palate: On the tip of the tongue some strong vanilla/corn sweetness erupts, followed by an interesting banana note that is intertwined with cherry flavors. Most but not least is prominent roasted peanuts in the nostrils, and the distinctive “Tennesseean” burnt maple sensations lurk around. It’s by far more intense than the Old No.8.

Finish: To my preference, the finish is very dry, akin to how a Laphroaig resurfaces with peat smoke, but in a more controlled, meticulous and transient manner.

Bang for Buck Meter: BBBB

Comment: George Dickel strikes again. Last time I drank it (the Barrel Select) was in July, watching “The Place Promised in Our Early Days” by Makoto Shinkai. Six months later, Dickel manages to reinvigorate the rigor in my complacent, Jack Daniel’s-tamed taste buds. Its eccentric, singular flavor is brash and confrontational at first (especially after having some Tomatin), after a little air is allowed into the bottle, its subtleties gradually reveal themselves. Make no mistake, it is a challenging whiskey, like some of the best critical theory out there – it takes time, patience and love to ease into its multiplicities - those whose impressions of Tennessee whiskey are predetermined by Jack Daniel’s may be offended at first! Overall, it’s a great cabinet spirit to keep around, especially when your pockets don’t run deep. Compared to its superstar neighbor Jack, George’s products are usually 3~4 dollars cheaper, and with a higher proof, I find Superior No.12 still a well-kept secret among whiskey drinkers. Selfishly I hope it continues that way.

2/05/09