Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:20 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between George Dickel No. 8 vs George Dickel No. 12 in this head-to-head comparison and decide which is better!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
George Dickel 8 vs George Dickel 12: Comparison
George Dickel 8: A smooth, fruit-forward Tennessee whiskey, offering a delightful blend of fruit and butterscotch flavors with a caramel and oaky finish. Ideal for cocktails and neat sipping.
George Dickel No. 12: Sweet and spicy with a nose of corn and vanilla, transitioning to a palate of brown sugar and cinnamon, finished with caramel and oak.
Key Difference: George Dickel 8 goes down smooth at 80-proof, while the bolder 90-proof Dickel 12 packs a punch.
The Verdict: Both George Dickel 8 and No. 12 showcase the smooth, approachable character of Tennessee whiskey, each with its unique appeal. Whether you prefer the fruit-forward charm of George Dickel 8 or the sweet and spicy balance of No. 12, both offer quality and value, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best-Tasting Bourbons Under $30
George Dickel 8: Smooth & Fruity Tennessee Sip
- Nose: Ripe fruit, vanilla, apple, alcohol
- Palate: Oak spice, butterscotch, vanilla
- Finish: Medium length, caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks
- Similar to: Jack Daniel’s
Looking for a Tennessee whiskey that’s easy on the wallet and the palate? George Dickel 8 stands out as a smooth, fruit-forward sipper that’s perfect for everyday enjoyment.
What’s in the glass? The aroma is a sweet serenade of fruits with a gentle whisper of alcohol. Take a sip and prepare for an oak spice welcome, quickly transforming into a delightful dance of fruit and butterscotch flavors. Don’t forget the signature George Dickel vitamin note, but hey, even Superman had his Kryptonite!
The finish? Moderately long, leaving you with a lingering caramel sweetness, a gentle bite, and a smooth oaky character.
Why choose it?
- Easy on the wallet: Great value for the price, making it a budget-friendly pleasure.
- Smooth sipper: Perfect for enjoying neat or on the rocks, no harshness here.
- Fruit forward: A refreshing departure from heavier profiles, with fruity notes taking center stage.
- Cocktail champion: Shines in the classic Lynchburg Lemonade, making it a versatile choice.
Not your complexity king: While not the most intricate dram, it surpasses many in its category at the price point.
Bonus facts:
- 8 years of character: Aged for 8 years in charred oak barrels, developing richness.
- Classic 84/8/8 mash bill: 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley for consistent quality.
Ready for a smooth and affordable Tennessee treat? Give George Dickel 8 a try! Cheers!
George Dickel No. 12: Sweet Sipping at a Sweet Price
- Nose: Corn, vanilla, banana, ethanol
- Palate: Brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, pie crust
- Finish: Caramel, oak spice, toasted oak
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: George Dickel Barrel Select
Craving a budget-friendly bourbon with charm? Look no further than George Dickel No. 12! This easy-drinking Tennessee whiskey offers a pleasantly sweet and spicy experience, making it a crowd-pleaser for casual sippers and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Take a whiff: Imagine warm cornbread drizzled with honey, paired with a hint of fried banana. A touch of ethanol heat rounds out the aroma.
First sip: Brace yourself for a gentle warmth that swiftly transitions to sweetness. Think vanilla buttercream frosting balanced by robust oak spice.
A lingering finish: Expect caramel and toasted oak to hang around, leaving a touch of bitter oak spice behind.
The good stuff:
- Easy on the wallet: Dickel delivers solid value, making it a great choice for budget-conscious whiskey lovers.
- Sweet & spicy balance: The pleasing sweetness dances harmoniously with oak spice, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.
- Versatile: Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails – Dickel adapts to your preference.
A friendly heads-up:
- Slight warmth: This one packs a noticeable kick, so ease into it if you’re a newer drinker.
- Flinstones flashback: Some detect a subtle vitamin-like note, but it’s minor and shouldn’t deter you.
Bonus facts:
- Corn-forward: Made with 84% corn, its sweetness shines through.
- No age statement: Don’t be fooled by the “12”, it’s typically aged around 5 years.
- Award-winning: Scored a gold medal at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Ready for a delicious and affordable whiskey adventure? Give George Dickel No. 12 a try! Cheers!
How do George Dickel 8 and 12 differ?
The primary distinction between George Dickel 8 and 12 lies in their respective proofs.
George Dickel 8 is bottled at 80 proof, whereas the 12 is bottled at a higher 90 proof.
As a result, the George Dickel 12 offers a more robust flavor profile compared to the smoother character of the George Dickel 8.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| George Dickel 8 Year | $24 |
| George Dickel 12 | $20 |
George Dickel 8 and 12 are Tennessee Whiskeys
George Dickel is often confused as a bourbon but it is a Tennessee Whiskey.
Bourbon and Tennessee whiskeys are both made using at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred barrels.
The main difference is that Tennessee whiskey must go through a charcoal filtering process, which mellows the whiskey’s character.
For that reason, bourbon is often but not always bolder and has a more robust flavor.