Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:56 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. 12 vs Wild Turkey 101 in this in-depth comparison and decide which Whiskey is better for You!
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 vs Wild Turkey 101: Comparison
George Dickel 12: This Tennessee whiskey offers a smooth, sweet profile with notes of corn, and vanilla. It’s an approachable option for those exploring Tennessee whiskey or seeking an affordable, everyday drink. Priced at $20, it represents excellent value, combining moderate warmth with enjoyable sweetness and spice.
Wild Turkey 101: A robust bourbon that balances spice, sweetness, and oak with a punchy 101 proof. Its complexity and approachability make it a favorite for both neat sipping and cocktails. At $23, Wild Turkey 101 is celebrated for its quality and value, offering a rich, flavorful experience without breaking the bank.
Verdict: George Dickel 12 and Wild Turkey 101 are both outstanding choices within their respective categories. George Dickel is perfect for those who prefer a smooth, sweet whiskey with a unique character at a very approachable price point. Wild Turkey appeals to those looking for a bolder bourbon with deep flavors and high proof, also offering great value for the quality, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top 100-Proof Bourbons
George Dickel 12: Smooth & Sweet Tennessee Gem (Easier on the Wallet)
- 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 Barrel Select
George Dickel 12 isn’t just another bourbon-wannabe. This Tennessee whiskey boasts its own unique charm, offering a smooth, sweet character for a great price.
Sweet Escape:
- Nose: Pleasant sweetness with warm corn notes, hints of fried banana, and a touch of alcohol.
- Palate: Gentle warmth followed by sweet vanilla, balanced by oak spice.
- Finish: Long, warm, and satisfying, with caramel, bitter oak spice, and toasted oak notes.
Easy Does It:
- Don’t be fooled by the 12 in the name – it’s typically aged around 5 years, resulting in a moderate warmth, not an intense burn.
- Sweetness with a characterful vanilla note perfectly complements the barrel spice for easy drinking.
- A hint of “Flinstones Vitamins” flavor – a signature Dickel touch some find unique.
Value Champion:
- Budget-friendly choice that delivers a satisfying “kick” for spirited drinkers.
- Great option for those new to Tennessee whiskey or seeking a smooth, everyday sipper.
Bonus Facts:
- 84% corn, 8% rye, 8% barley mash bill.
- No official age statement, typically around 5 years old.
- Gold medal winner at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Owned by Diageo, the beverage giant behind Johnnie Walker, Don Julio Tequila, and more.
Wild Turkey 101: Punchy & Flavorful Bourbon for Every Day
- Nose: Caramel, oak, vanilla, citrus
- Palate: Baking spice, caramel, oak char, mint
- Finish: Long, baking spice, oak char
- Alcohol content: 101 proof (50.5% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, Cocktails
- Similar to: Bulleit Bourbon
Wild Turkey 101 isn’t your average bourbon. This 101-proof gem packs a sweet punch, but hides it like a champ.
Honeycomb of Flavors:
- Nose: Sweet honey, caramel, vanilla, with a hint of toasted oak to balance.
- Taste: Smooth entry despite the proof, bursting with vanilla, brown sugar, spices, hazelnuts, and a touch of refreshing mint.
- Finish: Long, warm, and oaky, leaving a satisfying impression.
Spice, Sweetness, and Value:
- Wild Turkey 101 strikes a perfect chord between oak spice, sweetness, and aged leather notes. It’s complex, yet easy to approach.
- Moderate, pleasant burn that can be tamed with a big ice cube for even smoother sipping.
- A highly respected “best-value” bourbon, holding its own against pricier competitors. Makes it a no-brainer for bourbon lovers!
Bonus Facts:
- 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% barley mash bill.
- Aged at least 5 years in heavily charred barrels.
- Made with non-GMOs.
- Lower entry proof for richer flavor extraction.
- Gold medal winner at the International Wine & Spirits Competition.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| George Dickel 12 | $20 |
| Wild Turkey 101 | $23 |
George Dickel is a Tennessee Whiskey and Wild Turkey a Bourbon
Both types of whiskey require the same corn percentage in the mash bill (at least 51%) and must be aged in new charred oak barrels before bottling.
The main difference is that Tennessee whiskey must go through a charcoal filtering process, which mellows the spirit’s character.
For that reason, bourbon is often but not always bolder and has a more robust flavor.