Nicole Austin
Known for quality, driven by passion
Featured Portfolio
A showcase of award-winning spirits and innovative releases that have defined my career in American whiskey development.
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Blade and Bow 12 Year Old Solera Reserve
Blade & Bow 12-Year-Old Solera Reserve demonstrates how aged inventory can be transformed into a differentiated, repeatable luxury proposition rather than a one-time release.
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Stitzel Reserve
The return of the legendary Stitzel brand with highly limited ultra-aged releases, already generating a cult following.
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Blade and Bow 30 Year Old Series
Blade & Bow 30-Year-Old establishes a new luxury tier for the brand, built around exceptionally aged and finite whiskey stocks.
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George Dickel Bottled in Bond
The inaugural release that earned Whisky Advocate's #1 Whisky of the Year, marking a defining moment in Tennessee whiskey innovation.
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Cascade Moon Series
A provocative line of limited edition whiskies paying homage to distillery history while setting the tone for the future
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Dickel Bourbon
8-year permanent expression launched in 2021, followed by the rare 18-year variant in 2023.
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Prestige Collection
A growing catalogue of coveted collectibles from Cascade Hollow, including 17YO Tennessee Whiskey and 18YO Bourbon.
Collaborations
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George Dickel x Leopold Bros
Rare, historically inspired blend of straight rye whiskies in partnership with Todd Leopold.
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Social Hour Cocktails
Ready-to-drink whiskey cocktails including Harvest Whiskey Sour and Bourbon Smash.
Awards & Recognition
Industry recognition for excellence in whiskey distillation, innovation, and leadership in American spirits.
Artisan Spirit of the Year
Artisan Spirit Magazine
2020 - First Ever Recipient
Recognized for outstanding innovation and leadership in American whiskey distillation.
Whisky of the Year
Whisky Advocate
2019 - George Dickel Bottled in Bond
The highest honor in American whiskey, marking a defining industry moment.Spirit Brand of the Year
Wine Enthusiast
2023 - George Dickel
Recognition for exceptional brand innovation and market leadership.
Founding President
New York State Distillers GuildCo-Founder
Empire RyeACSA Founding Board
American Craft Spirits AssociationIcons of Whisky
Distillery Manager 2021Press & Media Coverage
Featured interviews, articles, and media appearances across leading industry publications and platforms.
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Rating and reviewing Blade and Bow 12 Year Old Solera Reserve
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Bourbon Lens 400th Episode feating Nicole and 12YO Solera Reserve
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Stitzel Reserve 31 Year Old breaks rating record on American Whiskey Show
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Celebrating Whiskey of the Year on CBS
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Nicole Austin - Director of Luxury and George Dickel.
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Nicole Austin on George Dickel 13 year old Bottled in Bond
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See more from whiskeythiefchattanooga
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USA Spirits Rating By Beverage Trade Network
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George Dickel General Manager And Distiller Nicole Austin
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Cascade Hollow Distillery’s Nicole Austin Launches Cascade Moon Edition No. 1
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How Groundbreaking Distiller Nicole Austin Is Reinventing Tennessee Whiskey?
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BARLEYCORN INTERVIEW!
About Nicole
Nicole Austin leads American Whiskey Liquid Development & Capabilities at Diageo North America, setting the vision and strategy for innovation across the company's luxury American whiskey portfolio, including Cascade Hollow Distilling Co., Stitzel-Weller Distillery, Blade and Bow, and beyond. Before joining Diageo, she helped define the birth of the American craft whiskey movement and led the charge for major legislative changes that have enabled its growth.
Since joining Diageo in 2018, Nicole has become a defining voice in American whiskey, shaping some of the industry's most celebrated releases. Her leadership has earned recognition such as Artisan Spirit Magazine's first-ever Distiller of the Year (2020), the Icons of Whisky Distillery Manager award (2021), and numerous awards for her whiskey.
A chemical engineer by training (B.S., Manhattan College), Nicole began her career as Master Blender at Kings County Distillery before consulting at Oak View Spirits and commissioning a greenfield grain whiskey distillery for William Grant & Sons in Ireland.
Education
B.S. Chemical Engineering
Manhattan College, 2006
Industry Role
Founding Board Member
American Craft Spirits Association
Video Appearances
Watch interviews, presentations, and behind-the-scenes content from industry events and media appearances.
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Fire, Water & Grain: Empire Rye
Documentary appearance discussing the story of Empire Rye and American whiskey innovation.
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Spirit Brand of the Year
Recognition for exceptional brand innovation and market leadership.