Blue Note Bourbon is not Dickel. I’ve had the opportunity to try both Blue Note and Dickel bourbons, and they are distinct and separate brands.
Blue Note Bourbon is a premium small batch expression that is sourced from elsewhere in Tennessee, which many speculate to be the Dickel distillery. However, the exact source is not disclosed. What we do know is that Blue Note is aged a minimum of 9 years, which is longer than the aging requirement for straight bourbon, giving it a more mature and developed flavor profile.
One interesting aspect of Blue Note Bourbon is that it is a blend of two mashbills. The first mashbill consists of 84% corn, 8% rye, and 8% malted barley. This high corn content gives the bourbon a sweeter, more rounded flavor. The second mashbill is made up of 70% corn, 22% rye, and 8% malted barley, adding a spicier and more complex element to the blend. This combination of mashbills creates a unique and well-balanced bourbon.
On the other hand, Dickel bourbon is produced by the George Dickel Distillery, which is located in Tullahoma, Tennessee. Dickel is known for its signature charcoal mellowing process, similar to Jack Daniel’s, which gives the bourbon a smooth and mellow character. The flavors in Dickel bourbon tend to be more on the rich and caramel side, with a touch of fruitiness.
Having tried both Blue Note and Dickel bourbons side by side, I can say that they have distinct flavor profiles. While they both showcase the characteristics of Tennessee bourbon, Blue Note has a slightly more complex and layered flavor, with a nice balance between sweetness and spice. Dickel, on the other hand, leans more towards a smooth and mellow profile, with a focus on rich caramel notes.
Blue Note Bourbon is not Dickel. It is a premium small batch bourbon sourced from elsewhere in Tennessee, aged a minimum of 9 years, and crafted from a blend of two mashbills. Both Blue Note and Dickel have their own unique qualities and flavors, making them enjoyable bourbons in their own right.