Brown sugar | Raisin | Caramel | Light

Raisin | Rich brown sugar | Sweet cinnamon bun | Fresh pastry | Graham cracker

Nutmeg | Brown sugar | Milk chocolate | Aged oak

Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. is the distillery behind the George Dickel brand. The brand is known for their Tennessee whiskey, which is bottled at various ages and proofs and serves as a source for other brands. George Dickel does not list a wheat whiskey in its portfolio, and little is known about the fact that Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. has distilled and laid down wheat whiskey.

This blend combines six barrels aged 4-8 years with a total yield of only 672 bottles. The flavor profile is quite concentrated, with a strong focus on sweet brown sugar. Notes of raisin, caramel, cinnamon bun, graham cracker, and nutmeg add depth, with milk chocolate and aged oak in the finish adding intrigue. It has potency at its 120 proof point but stays flavor-focused throughout, never feeling overly hot because of the proof.

Wheat whiskey is fairly underrepresented in the American whiskey space, and producers often struggle with higher levels of acidity, which can make whiskeys taste heavily tannic. Golden Grove bucks that trend, with a flavor profile that’s decidedly sweet. The whiskey centers on rich brown sugar; however, there are enough complementary flavors to add a satisfying level of depth.

While Golden Grove doesn’t sport the same notable credentials as other Lost Lantern releases in this series, it’s a particularly notable release. Those familiar with the typical George Dickel Tennessee Whiskey flavor profile, with its distinct, polarizing mineral note, will be surprised by its absence in this release. At $80, it’s a must-buy bottle from the collection for anyone curious about what George Dickel's straight wheat whiskey tastes like.    

The whiskey in review is 1 of 672 bottles from edition #GD-W.