George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye Review

One part Cascade Hollow column still rye, one part Leopold Bros Three Chamber Rye, 100% unique: George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye. I’m excited to try, but going to lie, I’m more than a little sad that this is how I get to try my first taste of George Dickel rye made at the distillery (instead of sourced from MGP). The general concept is cool, but c’mon, the first time we get to try their new rye is in a $100+ blend?

And Leopold Bros as part of the initial release? I know some folks like their stuff, but I’ve had a rocky experience with Leopold Bros whiskey, so while I was excited to try it, I felt a little trepidation. It’s an unknown product, from a distillery I love, mixed with a distiller I haven’t been the biggest fan of; seemed like a recipe for heartbreak.

However, I’m happy to report that all my organs, heart specifically, are still intact after drinking it. And speaking of drinking, it’s time we got on with this rye review.

George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye – Details and Tasting Notes

 

Whiskey Details

Cask Strength | Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color

Style: Rye (Blend of Straight Whiskeys)
Region: TN and CO, USA
Distiller: Leopold Bros and Cascade Hollow (George Dickle)

Mash Bill: At least 51% Rye + Corn + Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: NAS (4+ years)
ABV: 50%

Batch: 1 – Inaugural Release

George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye Price: $110*

Related Whiskey

Leopold Bros. Maryland Style Rye Whiskey
George Dickel Rye
George Dickel Bottled In Bond
George Dickel 12
George Dickel 8

“George Dickel has teamed up with the Leopold Bros to produce an innovative rye whisky offering. The release blends George Dickel’s column still rye produced at Cascade Hallow Distillery with Leopold Bros’ Three Chamber Rye to recreate a historic style.” – George Dickel

 

George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye Tasting Notes

EYE
Medium caramel

NOSE
Rye spice, oak, apples, caramel, fresh nutmeg and dried dark fruit with touches of citrus peels, cocoa, copper and vanilla.

Expressive and warm, this is a great aroma.

PALATE
Oak, caramel, rye bread, candied apples, honey and bits of copper, dried dark fruit, nutmeg, citrus and dill.

FINISH
Long -> Spiced apples, honey, caramel and oak fade to oaky cocoa and citrus.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Perfectly balanced, med-full body and a warm slightly oily feel.

George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye – Overall Thoughts and Score

You don’t need to add water to this whiskey, but if you do, hidden layers of pastry sweetness and rustic biscuits emerge on the nose. The palate and finish get a boost of chocolate but remain largely the same.

I’m a bit stunned by this whiskey. I haven’t had the best experiences with Leopold Bros whiskey in the past, but this… this is good. It carries none of that woody craft funk I’ve experienced in anything else they’ve done.

That could be because the Leopold Three Chamber Rye makes up the minority of the blend and the Dickel column still rye makes up the majority. Or it could be a more equal blend and both sides of the George Dickel x Leopold Bros Collaboration Blend Rye were tasty. Either is possible, but regardless of what the percentage is, the end result is quite good.

SCORE: 4/5 (good, definitely recommend – B+ | 87-89)

*Disclosure: The bottle for this blended rye whiskey review was graciously sent to me by the company without obligation. The views, opinions, and tasting notes are 100% my own.

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