Reply #27: George Dickel Old No.12 or Old Rip Van Winkel 10-year-old

[Quahog]

If you like Tennessee style, the Dickel is way smoother than anything Jack Daniels is turning out. Fruity nose, very clean finish, a little bit spirity, but hey, with 90 proof bourbon what do you expect? I bought a bottle of this on a recent business trip to Nashville... which was kinda silly, since I can buy it in RI! Cracked it open with some buddies the other night and, well, it didn't last long!

The Van Winkle distillery adds a touch or wheat to replace some of the rye in the traditional Kentucky sour mash recipie. The result is subtle, but remarkable. These guys crank out a bunch of boutique bourbons of various ages, and all are wonderful (the family reserve is 23 years old, and indesribably delicious and expensive). But the nice thing is you don't have to shell out the big bucks for one of their limited edition offerings, their basic 10-year-old is the best working man's bourbon out there, bar none ($20 for 750ml). Gobs of vanilla and honey, as smooth and easy to drink as chocolate milk. You never hear of this company, and have to scrounge to find their products in most cities. But this is the #1 ranked bourbon in taste testings around the world. Worth the hunt.

BTW, I used to love Makers Mark many years ago, although their style is a bit smoky and flinty for my taste. But I feel they have suffered greatly for their popularity, and their quality has dropped to the point where I won't buy MM anymore. Not trying to dis you MM fans! Just suggesting that if you think MM is the kitty's titties, you owe it to yourself to try Dickel Old No. 12 and Old Rip Van Winkle. Just try 'em!