Basil Hayden's Caribbean Reserve Rye (Discontinued)

This is my second experience with this brand's rye whiskey specialty. That sounds oddly specific, but that’s the only way I can frame this review as the follow-up to the other rye. Speaking of which, the other rye featured one of my all-time favorite noses, but underwhelmed on the tongue. Let’s see how black strap rum plays in a blend of Kentucky and Canadian rye—hopefully it will be more consistent. Nose: The rum definitely stands out. Sugar cane, molasses, and maple. Blackberry jam, perhaps with some blueberry/strawberry jam too. Sawdust, rye spice, toasted almond, walnut, and cashew. Sun-dried tomato and dried apricot. Pistachio and vanilla. Baking spice and oak. A solid nose. Palate: The molasses, maple, and sugar cane lead again. More of the rye spice, with some rye bread, black pepper, and vanilla. Caramel and apple. Dill and baking spice. Significantly more bitter than the nose indicated. It clashes with the promise of black rum sweetness. Finish: More of the molasses, sugar cane, and maple. Apple and vanilla. Black pepper, clove, nutmeg, and pistachio. Rye spice and dill. Medium length. A solid nose, a middling palate, and a respectable finish. Nothing particularly stands out the way the nose did with the other rye, but this is more balanced at the very least. Much like with the wine in the other rye, the rum component dominates this Caribbean Reserve Rye. Unfortunately, this doesn’t get the same score from me. The other rye nose was so spectacular that I had to make an exception. Its score would’ve suffered were it not for that. Factor in that this cost an extra $13, and this unremarkable rye whiskey specialty garners a score of 2.75/5.

I, like many I suspect, purchased this hoping for a more affordable alternative to Angel's Envy Rye, which is finished in rum barrels. While the category is limited, it's growing. The proof is, in my opinion, the biggest disappointment. Very little rye character comes through. I'm unsure how moist the rum barrels are, but it's evident that, unlike Angel's Envy Rye (which is also not straight!), they incorporate significantly more rum or rum flavoring. The maple syrup is overpowering and almost unbearable. Aroma: Pure brown sugar and vanilla, nothing else. Palate: Just maple syrup, but imagine adding packets of artificial sweetener – that's the taste. Cloyingly sweet, much like Angel's Envy Rye, but lacking any body or spice to provide depth or support. Finish: Essentially just brown sugar with a touch of vanilla. Angel's Envy Rye is certainly pricey, but if this is the alternative, the extra cost is justified. Neither is a must-buy, but Angel's Envy Rye is worth the additional expense. I had to use this one in Dark 'n' Stormy cocktails, but at 80 proof, it didn't take long. It needs more spice and less sweetness. A very disappointing finish, likely due to the proof and mash bill. Definitely avoid.

The initial aroma is an undeniable rum note, almost wine-like, followed by sweet corn and creamy cereal grains reminiscent of buttered toast, then subtle traces of charred oak. The smell is very inviting, although it suggests the rum influence might be quite strong. The palate is thin and straightforward. Rum is immediately prominent, primarily on the front of the mouth, while a touch of earthy rye spice registers at the back. Very faint charred oak seems to surround it, with the corn contributing to the sweetness. The finish is short to medium, with a lingering rum sweetness and a slightly chewy oakiness. It's regrettably simple and sweet, with the rum influence clearly being excessive. Combined with its 80 proof, it's too diluted to reveal any potential complexities within the individual whiskies. It's a novel and very easy-drinking spirit, but ultimately falls short in providing genuine whiskey enjoyment.

Strong maple and caramel on the nose, followed by a smooth leather aroma. The initial taste offers a robust, sugary caramel flavor followed by an intense maple taste. The next layer delivers a solid pepper and leather upfront with a subtle hint of beautiful smoke. Typical spice and smoke of a rye, but with a smooth and sweet maple and sugary caramel to balance the bite usually found in a rye. A very pleasant experience!!

Purchased hoping for a less expensive, more accessible alternative to Angel's Envy Rye. It's close, I'd say. The aroma and palate feature a lot of maple syrup, but unlike in the AE, the rye spice is more prominent, and it's not nearly as sugary (though still quite sweet). While it won't substitute AE rye for me anytime soon, it's a strong contender and a bottle I'd be more inclined to share.

Aroma: Initially sharp with ethanol, but it evolves to reveal notes of maple syrup and pancakes! Flavor: Very mapley with a strong influence from black strap molasses. Quite sweet and lacking depth, with a very brief finish. Overall: This is not to my taste; it seems artificial and excessively sweet. There are many other options I'd prefer at any price.