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Cascade Springs to George Dickel
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Between Nashville and Chattanooga lies Tullahoma, Tennessee. It is the home of the George Dickel Distillery and the Cascade Springs that gives the whiskey its famous flavor.
Though prohibition (first in Tennessee and then nationally) slowed the production of whiskey in this area, there was never a doubt that this was the spot with the limestone shelf giving that perfect spring water. But what makes this whiskey and not bourbon? It's the charcoal that makes the difference and how it's burnt that changes the flavor.
At George Dickel, they make their own charcoal out of sugar maple wood. The key to the taste is in the timing of the burning and drying of wood so the charcoal will pick up a consistently unique flavor. Another important factor is that it is all done by an old fashioned, hands on process. There are no computers in the George Dickel Distillery -- the products are manufactured by smell and taste.
Since it is the charcoal mellowing and Cascade Spring that give George Dickel Whisky its taste, there is no secret to a recipe that can't be duplicated anywhere else. It's simply a mixture of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malt barley that goes through the milling and distillation before it is aged in American White Oak.
The visitors' center at George Dickel was built in 2003, complete with a picnic area. We enjoyed some delicious barbecue (finished with perfect pecan pie) before heading to the tasting room. Despite all the work that goes into making George Dickel, the products are reasonably priced, with Barrel Select (aged 12 years and finished at 86 proof) the most expensive at a retail of $39. The Cascade Hollow is the newest blend (and aged just over three years). Both Cascade and No. 8 Black Label (aged a bit longer for 6-8 years) are available for under $20.
The most popular with our group was the No. 12 White Label. This 90 proof whiskey was aged for eight to ten years. It is a bit sweeter and smoother than the others with a bit more thickness. Visitors are welcome to taste for themselves as the George Dickel Distillery is open to all (and tastings open to all over 21) Tuesday through Saturday. (For more information on tours, visit their website or call 931-857-3124.)
After the tasting, we were off to an entirely different world. From the small country-like home of George Dickel to the mega distillery of Jack Daniels.
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We stayed in Nashville at the beautifully old Hermitage Hotel, where we began the state's whisky experience with the a "Tennessee Two Step" -- George Dickel and Gentleman Jack on the rocks with a twist). Though it's an hour and a half drive to the George Dickel Distillery from there, it's hard to beat the accommodations, nightlife (including the Grande Ole Opry). For a more quaint trip, Lynchberg is only 20 minutes away and offers a number of bed & breakfast accommodations.
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