George Dickel Original #8 750ML

George Dickel Original No. 8 750ML is a Tennessee whisky bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof) that showcases Cascade Hollow's signature chill-charcoal mellowing process. This expression earned a Gold Medal at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and an 89-point Silver Medal with a Best Buy designation from the Beverage Testing Institute in 2012 — recognition that underscores its quality-to-value ratio.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40%  |  Origin: Tullahoma, Tennessee, USA  |  Style: Straight Tennessee Whisky  |  Distillery: Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

George Dickel whisky is produced at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. in Tullahoma, Tennessee, a facility with roots stretching back to the 1870s when George A. Dickel began his involvement in Tennessee whisky. The No. 8 expression uses a sour mash process with a mashbill of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. What distinguishes Dickel's approach from other Tennessee whisky makers is the chilling of the distillate to 40°F before it passes through sugar maple charcoal — a variation on the Lincoln County Process that the distillery credits for its notably smooth, clean character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Green apple and light caramel rise first, followed by honey, cinnamon, and a layer of maple sugar. Underneath, there are subtle notes of corn sweetness and gentle wood.

Taste: The entry is soft and approachable, with buttered corn and vanilla leading into a mid-palate of hazelnut, caramel, and a touch of burnt brown sugar. The 84% corn mashbill drives a natural sweetness that the rye component keeps in check with mild spice.

Finish: Medium in length with a light smoky quality, hints of maple, leather, and baking spice. Espresso and oak linger at the tail end, leaving a clean, dry close.

How to Drink Dickel No. 8

Neat or over a single large ice cube, the No. 8 reveals its full range of caramel and maple character without any harsh edges. Its 80-proof weight and clean finish also make it a versatile cocktail base. A Whisky Sour benefits from the sweetness of the corn-forward mashbill balancing against citrus. An Old Fashioned built with this whisky highlights the maple and vanilla notes without requiring heavy sweetener. A Lynchburg Lemonade — the classic Tennessee whisky long drink — pairs naturally with Dickel's smooth, lightly smoky profile.

Best For

• Introducing someone to Tennessee whisky who finds bourbon too aggressive
• Building a home bar with a reliable, everyday sipping whisky
• Mixing craft cocktails where smooth sweetness matters more than bold heat
• Side-by-side tastings comparing Tennessee and Kentucky whiskey styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dickel No. 8 taste like? Dickel No. 8 is a light, corn-forward Tennessee whisky with dominant flavors of caramel, vanilla, maple sugar, and buttered corn, finishing with mild smoke and baking spice. It drinks softer and sweeter than many whiskeys at its proof.

How does Dickel No. 8 compare to Jack Daniel's Old No. 7? Both use the Lincoln County Process of charcoal mellowing, but Dickel chills its whisky to 40°F before filtering, while Jack Daniel's drips at room temperature. Many drinkers find Dickel No. 8 smoother and more delicate, with a pronounced maple sweetness versus Jack Daniel's slightly more assertive banana and caramel profile.

Is Dickel No. 8 good for sipping neat? Yes — at 80 proof with a corn-heavy mashbill and chill-charcoal mellowing, it drinks clean and approachable enough for neat sipping without needing water or ice to tame any harshness.

Where is Dickel No. 8 made? Dickel No. 8 is produced at Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. in Tullahoma, Tennessee, situated in the hills of Coffee County where the distillery has operated since the 19th century.

What foods pair well with Dickel No. 8? Smoked pulled pork complements its maple and smoke notes. Pecan pie echoes the nutty, caramel character. Cornbread with honey butter mirrors the corn sweetness in the mashbill. Grilled peaches draw out the whisky's fruit and vanilla tones. Sharp cheddar provides a savory contrast to the spirit's natural sweetness.

What sizes does Dickel No. 8 come in? George Dickel No. 8 is commonly available in 750ml and 1L bottles, with 1.75L handles also found in many markets.

Is Dickel No. 8 worth the price? Dickel No. 8 positions as an entry-level Tennessee whisky and consistently ranks among the best values in the category, reinforced by the Beverage Testing Institute's Best Buy designation — it punches well above its price tier for both sipping and mixing.

Why Dickel No. 8?

The chill-charcoal mellowing technique at 40°F is a genuine production differentiator — not marketing language — that produces a measurably smoother spirit by filtering out heavier congeners before they can pass through the charcoal. A Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and an 88-point rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge confirm that industry judges recognize the result. Among Tennessee whiskeys at this proof and price tier, the No. 8 stands as a quiet overachiever: less famous than its Lynchburg neighbor but consistently praised by critics and bartenders who value its clean, sweet, workable character. For anyone building a whiskey collection or a cocktail menu, it earns its shelf space on merit.