Dickel bourbon is made by the George Dickel Distillery, which is located in Tullahoma, Tennessee. The distillery has a rich history, dating back to its establishment in the late 19th century. It is known for producing high-quality Tennessee whisky, including the popular Dickel bourbon brand.
Owned by Diageo, a multinational alcoholic beverages company, the George Dickel Distillery has been producing whisky for over a century. The modern brand of Dickel bourbon was introduced in 1964, but the distillery itself has a longer and more storied past. This history and expertise are reflected in the exceptional quality of their bourbons.
What sets Dickel bourbon apart is their commitment to traditional production methods and attention to detail. The distillery uses a unique charcoal mellowing process, known as the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the whisky through charcoal made from sugar maple trees. This imparts a smooth and distinct flavor profile to the bourbon, setting it apart from other whiskies.
Personal Experience:
I had the opportunity to visit the George Dickel Distillery and witness the bourbon-making process firsthand. The distillery's picturesque location in Tullahoma adds to the charm of the experience. As I toured the facility, I was struck by the dedication and passion of the distillers, who take great care in crafting each batch of bourbon.
The production of Dickel bourbon begins with the selection of high-quality grains, including corn, barley, and rye. These grains are carefully milled and cooked to create a mash, which is then fermented using yeast. The resulting liquid, known as the distiller's beer, undergoes distillation in copper stills to separate the alcohol from the impurities.
Once distilled, the bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels. The aging process is a crucial step in developing the complex flavors and aromas that make Dickel bourbon so exceptional. The barrels are stored in warehouses, where they are exposed to the natural elements, including temperature fluctuations and the aging effects of the wood.
During the aging process, the bourbon undergoes the Lincoln County Process, which involves filtering the whisky through charcoal made from sugar maple trees. This step not only helps to remove impurities but also imparts a smooth and mellow character to the bourbon. The charcoal mellowing is done prior to filling the barrels for aging, ensuring that the bourbon has a consistent flavor profile throughout.
After years of aging, the bourbon is carefully selected by the distillery's master blender to create the final product. This involves tasting and evaluating each barrel to ensure that only the finest bourbon is bottled under the Dickel name. The result is a well-balanced and flavorful bourbon that is enjoyed by whisky enthusiasts around the world.
Dickel bourbon is made by the George Dickel Distillery in Tullahoma, Tennessee. With a rich history and commitment to traditional production methods, the distillery produces exceptional bourbons using high-quality grains, copper stills, and the unique Lincoln County Process. The result is a smooth and flavorful bourbon that is highly regarded in the whisky industry.