George Dickel Taps Emmy® Award Winning Original Productions Team To "Raise The Bar" With New Original Series

TULLAHOMA, Tenn., March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- From "Deadliest Catch" and "Ice Road Truckers" to "Storage Wars" and beyond, acclaimed reality television producer Thom Beers is known for shedding an entertaining light on some of America's toughest jobs.  Now, Beers and his team at Original Productions have partnered with Tennessee whisky brand, George Dickel on his next project titled "Raising the Bar."  The original reality series offers an introspective look at expert craftsmen as they tackle the challenge of building complete, hand-made bars capable of pouring a shot of George Dickel in eight hours or less.

Set to debut today, March 5, via online video service Hulu, "Raising the Bar" was shot by Original Productions in Kansas City, Mo. during the 2012 American Royal World Series of BBQ.  The series follows six teams of real-life craftsmen as they construct unique bars by hand.  The pieces created range from a metallic design welded using thousands of washers, to an automotive bar crafted from the front end of a classic convertible car.

George Dickel collaborated with Beers based largely on his passion for celebrating American craftsmanship showcased in his popular series' "Monster Garage," "Biker Build-Off" and "Monster House."  "Raising the Bar" also gives George Dickel another platform to encourage adult consumers to drink responsibly – whether they are enjoying cocktails at home or sipping whisky after a day of bar building. 

"Just like the creations of these inspiring teams of builders, our whiskies from Cascade Hollow are Handmade the Hard Way, with 25 employees who personally oversee every step of the distillation process," said John Lunn, George Dickel Master Distiller.  "'Raising the Bar' is an authentic way for us to celebrate the beauty of American craftsmanship."

The Original Productions crew produced six, twelve-minute episodes featuring 18 master craftsmen from the greater Kansas City area.  All builders were selected for their various skills including woodwork, welding and robotics.  The series is hosted by Diageo Master of Whisky, Gerry Graham and former professional baseball pitcher and current national radio host, Rob Dibble.  

"Both brands pursue the same goals and standards of excellence in our respected crafts," said Beers, Original Productions (OP) Chairman.  "Like Original Productions, George Dickel is a unique American brand with a team dedicated to developing a hand-crafted and distinctive product. The parallels are remarkable."

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