George Dickel Original #12 750ML

George Dickel Original #12 750ML is a 90-proof (45% ABV) Tennessee whisky defined by its chill charcoal mellowing process and a mashbill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. It earned a 97-point Chairman's Trophy and Extraordinary Ultimate Recommendation at the 2011 Ultimate Spirits Challenge — one of the highest scores recorded for any Tennessee whisky in that competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: 45% (90 Proof)  |  Origin: Tullahoma, Tennessee, USA  |  Style: Straight Tennessee Whisky  |  Distillery: George Dickel

Production & Heritage

The George Dickel distillery sits in Tullahoma, Tennessee, in the shadow of the Cumberland Plateau, drawing from limestone-filtered water — a resource shared by many of the state's whisky producers. What separates Dickel #12 from most Tennessee whiskeys is its chill charcoal mellowing method: rather than dripping new-make spirit through a column of sugar maple charcoal (as Jack Daniel's does), Dickel places the distillate directly into a vat packed with charcoal and lets it soak for several days before draining. This technique traces back to founder George A. Dickel's observation that whisky made in winter months tasted smoother, so the distillate is chilled before mellowing. The resulting spirit is then aged in new charred American oak barrels before bottling at 90 proof.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet corn and vanilla rise first, followed by butterscotch, roasted pecans, and dried figs. A secondary wave brings hints of peanut oil and crushed dried herbs.

Taste: The entry is round and grain-forward, with sweet corn and mild vanilla giving way to a layered mid-palate of allspice, dark chocolate, and cocoa. Bitter orange and cherry notes emerge at the peak alongside drying oak and a touch of tobacco. The body is slightly oily and medium-weight, balancing maple sweetness against peppery oak tannins.

Finish: Long and warm, with lingering sweet corn, tobacco leaf, and a subtle acidic bite that keeps the palate engaged. Late notes of maple butter and gentle wood smoke fade gradually.

How to Drink Dickel #12

At 90 proof, Dickel #12 holds up well neat or with a single large ice cube, which opens the vanilla and butterscotch notes without drowning the oak structure. It also works as a versatile cocktail whisky:

• Old Fashioned: The maple sweetness and oak spice complement bitters and a sugar cube without needing much adjustment.
• Whisky Sour: The slightly oily body and dark fruit notes add richness to the citrus-forward template.
• Manhattan: The cocoa and tobacco undertones pair naturally with sweet vermouth, creating a layered, warm drink.

Best For

• Exploring Tennessee whisky beyond the Jack Daniel's family
• Building a home bar with a versatile, cocktail-friendly American whisky
• Gifting a bourbon or American whisky enthusiast something distinctive at an accessible price point
• Side-by-side tastings comparing charcoal mellowing techniques across Tennessee distilleries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dickel #12 taste like? Dickel #12 leads with sweet corn and vanilla, develops into allspice, dark chocolate, and tobacco on the palate, and finishes long with maple butter and gentle smoke. The overall impression is a medium-bodied, slightly oily Tennessee whisky that balances sweetness against oak-driven spice.

How does Dickel #12 compare to Jack Daniel's Old No. 7? Both are Tennessee whiskeys made using the Lincoln County process, but Dickel soaks its distillate in charcoal rather than dripping it through a charcoal column, resulting in a fuller body and more pronounced oak and spice character. Jack Daniel's Old No. 7 is bottled at 80 proof versus Dickel #12's 90 proof, which gives the Dickel noticeably more weight and intensity on the palate.

Is Dickel #12 good for sipping neat? Yes — at 45% ABV it carries enough proof to deliver concentrated flavor without excessive heat, and the long finish rewards slow sipping. A few drops of water can further open the butterscotch and vanilla notes.

Where is Dickel #12 made? George Dickel #12 is produced at the George Dickel distillery in Tullahoma, Tennessee, situated in Coffee County near Cascade Hollow. The distillery uses limestone-filtered spring water sourced from the area.

What foods pair well with Dickel #12? Smoked pork ribs or pulled pork complement the whisky's maple and smoke notes. Sharp aged cheddar plays well against the oak spice. Pecan pie echoes the roasted nut aromas on the nose. Dark chocolate truffles match the cocoa and bitter orange mid-palate. Cornbread with honey butter mirrors the sweet corn foundation of the spirit.

What sizes does Dickel #12 come in? George Dickel #12 is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle and is also commonly found in 1L and 1.75L formats.

Is Dickel #12 worth the price? Dickel #12 positions as a solidly affordable Tennessee whisky that consistently punches above its price tier in competition — it scored 97 points at the 2011 Ultimate Spirits Challenge and took Best Tennessee Whiskey at the 2015 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. For its proof and complexity, it represents strong value in the American whisky category.

Why Dickel #12?

The chill charcoal mellowing process is the single biggest reason Dickel #12 tastes different from every other Tennessee whisky on the shelf — soaking rather than dripping through charcoal produces a noticeably rounder, more textured spirit. Its competition record backs that up: a 97-point Chairman's Trophy from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2011, a Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2007, and a Best Tennessee Whiskey designation from that same competition in 2015. At 90 proof with a mashbill leaning heavily on corn but carrying enough rye for spice, Dickel #12 occupies a sweet spot between easy-drinking and complex. For anyone serious about Tennessee whisky as a category distinct from bourbon, this bottle is essential reference material.