George Dickel #1 White Corn Whiskey 750ML

George Dickel #1 White Corn Whiskey 750ML is an unaged, chill charcoal-mellowed corn whiskey bottled at 45.5% ABV (91 proof) in a 750ml format. This expression earned a Double Gold at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 93-point score from Wine Enthusiast in 2019, placing it among the most decorated white whiskeys on the American market.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45.5% (91 Proof)  |  Origin: Tullahoma, Tennessee, USA  |  Unaged Corn Whiskey  |  Distillery: Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. in Tullahoma, Tennessee, has produced whiskey under the George Dickel name since the 1870s. The #1 White Corn Whiskey uses an 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley mashbill — the same grain bill behind the distillery's aged expressions. What distinguishes this release is the signature Dickel process: the fresh distillate is chilled before passing through sugar maple charcoal, stripping heavier oils from the spirit and creating a smoother, more approachable profile than a typical unaged whiskey. Unlike Lincoln County Process spirits that are aged after charcoal filtration, the #1 goes straight to bottle, preserving the raw grain character while tempering its rougher edges.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bold corn dominates the nose immediately, recalling warm polenta and cereal grain soaked in cream. Behind that initial wave, lighter notes of vanilla and a faint berry sweetness emerge, along with a sugary, almost frosted-cereal quality.

Taste: The entry is unapologetically sweet, with rich corn sweetness pushing forward alongside marshmallow and coconut. At mid-palate, vanilla and a raspberry-taffy quality add complexity, while a subtle pie-crust note and hint of burnt cornbread develop toward the peak. A lemony tartness provides welcome balance against the grain-forward sweetness.

Finish: The finish is brisk and clean, flashing out with lingering corn, vanilla, and a trace of pie crust. It fades quickly but leaves a pleasant, ambiguous sweetness on the palate.

How to Drink Dickel #1

At 91 proof, Dickel #1 holds its own neat or over a single large ice cube, where the chill amplifies its creamy sweetness. Its clean, high-proof character also makes it a versatile cocktail base. A Moonshine Mule pairs the corn sweetness with ginger beer and lime for a refreshing serve. A White Whiskey Sour lets the lemony tartness in the spirit harmonize with fresh citrus and simple syrup. A Corn Old Fashioned — built with a barspoon of maple syrup and Angostura bitters — highlights the marshmallow and vanilla notes without burying the grain.

Best For

• Exploring unaged American whiskey beyond typical moonshine
• Building a home cocktail bar with a versatile white spirit
• Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who wants to taste the grain before the barrel
• Side-by-side tastings comparing white whiskey to aged Dickel expressions

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dickel #1 taste like? Dickel #1 leads with bold, sweet corn and marshmallow, followed by vanilla, coconut, and a touch of berry sweetness. A quick, clean finish carries lingering notes of pie crust and grain.

How does Dickel #1 compare to Jacob's Ghost? Jim Beam's Jacob's Ghost is bottled at a milder 80 proof compared to Dickel #1's assertive 91 proof, resulting in a lighter body and less intense grain presence. Dickel's chill charcoal mellowing also produces a noticeably smoother texture than Jacob's Ghost, which skips that filtration step.

Is Dickel #1 good for cocktails? Absolutely — the combination of 91-proof backbone and charcoal-mellowed smoothness gives it enough structure and flavor to stand up in mixed drinks without overpowering other ingredients. It works especially well in whiskey sours, mules, and spirit-forward stirred cocktails.

Where is Dickel #1 made? Dickel #1 is produced at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. in Tullahoma, Tennessee, nestled between Nashville and Chattanooga in the Duck River valley. The distillery has operated at this location since its founding in the 19th century.

What foods pair well with Dickel #1? Grilled sweet corn on the cob mirrors the spirit's dominant grain note. Buttermilk biscuits with honey complement the marshmallow sweetness. Fresh berry cobbler echoes the subtle blueberry and raspberry undertones. Smoked pork shoulder offers a savory contrast to the whiskey's sweetness. Cornbread with butter creates a natural flavor bridge to the cereal-forward palate.

What sizes does Dickel #1 come in? George Dickel #1 White Corn Whiskey is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Dickel #1 worth the price? Dickel #1 positions as an affordable entry point into the white whiskey category, yet it punches well above its price tier — a Double Gold medal, a 93-point Wine Enthusiast score, and 91 proof deliver serious credibility and versatility for the investment.

Why Dickel #1?

Most unaged corn whiskeys hit the market at low proof with rough, one-dimensional grain flavor. Dickel #1 breaks that pattern with 91 proof and a chill charcoal mellowing step that removes heavy oils before bottling — a technique almost unique in the white whiskey space. The result is a spirit with genuine complexity: marshmallow, coconut, berry, and vanilla layered over a powerful corn backbone, all confirmed by a 93-point Wine Enthusiast rating and Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For anyone who wants to understand what Tennessee whiskey tastes like before the barrel gets involved, this is the definitive starting point.