Cascade Moon Edition 2 Review

By Josh Peters @TheWhiskeyJug

Aged for 17 years, this Cascade Moon Edition 2 is the second oldest George Dickel I’ve had. The Orphan Barrel Whoop and Holler surpasses it by a staggering 11 years and when released was $75 less than this Edition 2 – though now it regularly sells for north of $1,200 and I’ve seen it listed as high as $3K. Who knew Dickel could command and hold such value?

But I’m not here to talk about the pricing of whisky these days, well – at least not in this post anyway, I’m here to talk about the liquid itself.  A couple of weeks ago we tried the Cascade Moon Edition 1 and it was good, but it was lacking a certain something, a certain kick and cough that lets you know you’re drinking whisky. It was missing some of that dryness and oak that typically comes from Dickel. Let’s see where this one falls.

Cascade Moon Edition 2 – Details and Tasting Notes

Whiskey Details

Region: Tennessee, USA

Distiller: Cascade Hollow (George Dickel)
Mash Bill: 84% Corn, 10% Rye, 6% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 17 years
ABV: 45%

Batch: 2

Price: $250*

“Further tying back to George Dickel’s history, the liquid for this second release was taken from a small batch blend curated around the first barrel of TN Whisky filled a­fter the distillery returned from shutdown in 2003. This small batch blend used less than 20 barrels, holding some of our best whiskies aged at least 17 years that are befitting a celebration of a 150 year heritage.” – Cascade Hollow

Tasting Notes

EYE
Dark amber

NOSE
Dried grain, oak, dried dark fruit, baking spice, cereal grain sweetness, honey, vanilla and some strawberry shortcake and toffee. It carries an earthy, human-like, note that mixes with the softly sweet and grainy notes and it reminds me of working on my uncle’s farm as a kid, so strange – yet nice

PALATE
Oak, dried dark fruit, baking spice, dried grain, Belgian Waffles, caramel, dried apples and a touch grassy and powdered cocoa. Deeper, oakier and more darkly fruity and sweet than the aroma, but the palate on this Cascade Moon Edition 2 carries a slightly yeasty waffle undertone that’s surprising and lovely

FINISH
Med-long -> Dried grain, oak, apple cider spice, chalky cocoa, copper and grassy. It’s a warm velvety fade that starts brooding but ends up bright.

BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Perfectly, med-full, touch dry but mostly velvety and warm.


Cascade Moon Edition 2 – Final Thoughts and Score

Slowly drinking through this bottle will be a joy. If you’re a fan of George Dickel, this Cascade Moon Edition 2 is a must. It’s every aspect and character that fans love about this distillery in one bottle including a solid, heavy, oak presence that balances everything out wonderfully. It’s fantastic.

SCORE: 4.5/5

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

Cascade Moon Edition 2 Review $250

Summary

I can’t say enough good about this whisky, it’s a George Dickel fan’s dream come true. The only thing I’d want more is at least 50% to really pack that punch.

Overall
4.5
  • Nose (4.5)
  • Palate (4.5)
  • Finish (4.5)
  • BBF (4.5)
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