There is a story behind every bottle of whiskey, and Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon vs Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Is Premium Worth the Price? carries one worth telling.
Is the premium price tag really worth it? We compare Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon ($30.00) against Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years ($510.00) to find out whether spending more actually means drinking better.
This is a matchup every whiskey enthusiast faces at the store shelf. We'll break down nose, palate, finish, and value so you can make an informed choice.
Specifications at a Glance
| Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon | Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | N/A | N/A |
| Type | Bourbon | Bourbon |
| Age | N/A | 18 years; mash bill of 84% corn |
| ABV | 40% ABV | 90 proof |
| Price | $30.00 | $510.00 |
| Rating | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Nose
Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon: The nose carries some classic bourbon notes of vanilla, cherry, and orange. I was intrigued to also get notes of pine, which I think is appropriate given a name like Fireside.
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Bourbon perfume vanilla, some oak, apricot, a touch of orange and dark chocolate.
Both whiskeys present distinct aromatic profiles. The differences on the nose already hint at the divergent tasting experiences to come.
Palate
Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon: Vanilla and orange is present on the palate too, which is joined by baking spices, brown sugar, and coffee. The initial sip seemed a bit watery but then exploded with flavor and a strong alcohol punch. I get some light smokiness, but not as much as I was anticipating from what I read. But that could be because Im comparing smokiness against Islay scotch. The finish is warm and smooth.
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Simply gorgeous and well balanced. Creme brulee, butterscotch, apricot, vanilla, orange and a hint of chocolate. Oak is just barely there. Finish is short and a bit sharp, but has a pleasant, slightly sweet note as it fades.
On the palate, the character of each whiskey really comes to life. This is where personal preference plays the biggest role.
Finish
Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon: Comments: 40% ABV. $30
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Comments: Tennessee bourbon aged 18 years; mash bill of 84% corn, 8% rye and 8% malted barley; bottled at 90 proof; priced at $510/700 ml bottle. Very lovely orange-amber color in glass with this one
The finish can make or break a whiskey. A long, satisfying finish keeps you coming back for another sip.
Value for Money
When it comes to value for money, Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon offers significantly more bang for your buck at $30.00 compared to Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years's $510.00.
The significant price gap between these two makes value an especially important factor in this comparison.
The Verdict
Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years edges ahead in this comparison with a rating of 9/10 versus Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon's 8/10. It offers a more refined experience overall.
However, Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon still has plenty to offer, and depending on your taste preferences, it might be the one you reach for more often.
Read the Full Reviews
Final Reflections
Mile High Spirits Fireside Bourbon vs Dickel Bourbon Aged 18 Years: Is Premium Worth the Price? is the kind of bottle that rewards the curious — those willing to sit with a glass and let the story unfold at its own pace.
