Basil Hayden Dark Rye

Aroma - vibrant red fruits (strawberries and apples), honey crackers, pie spices, brown sugar, and caramel. It's reasonably balanced. Smells like a suitable fall or dessert whiskey. Taste - That initial sip was dreadful. The second sip wasn't much better. It's like drinking a puree of prune juice mixed with mint toothpaste. The port and rye clash, with the port completely overwhelming the rye. Perhaps it might be improved with orange bitters and ice, prepared like an old-fashioned sans cherry and sugar. Gulp it down, do yourself a favor and never buy this bottle again. Put it out for birthday parties and hope someone tries it. Then, watch from a distance and record their reaction as they sip this awful drink. Save your money.

Starts with berries, then some dark prune-like notes develop into mild oak, hints of caramel, a nice prominent vanilla note, and some brown sugar. The finish is a bit unusual, somewhat thin but possesses a familiar rye spice that lasts quite a while without being unpleasant at all. An acceptable sipper for a good price (35) for anyone seeking a sweet yet spicy, fruity rye.

I typically enjoy rye, but the port barrels add a unique dimension to this. I understand some may not care for that aspect, but I find it smooths the spirit and imparts rich, dark, and dried fruit characteristics that make it an enjoyable dram. It also adds an extra layer to cocktails.

A bottle of this was given to me for my 31st birthday. It's still wonderful. I might experiment with it in cocktails, but it's also good served neat. I still get notes of cherry, fig, and a touch of dates. The finish is brief, but the taste is distinct and pleasing.

Very sweet, likely from the port cask influence. Abundant caramel and molasses on the nose and in the aftertaste, along with some dried fruit. Pleasant to sip neat, though a bit too sweet for Manhattans in my view, but a good whiskey overall.

This spirit has a clear, rust-red appearance. The aroma is of potent rye with a full bouquet, including a detected raisin note. The flavor is moderately sweet, featuring oak and raisin. It possesses a light body and a dry finish. RJT