Basil Hayden's Rye (Discontinued)

Last Saturday I visited the Liquor Barn in Louisville instead of a distillery. I was in town for NAILE and could only get away from the delightful Cottswalds and Southdowns for a quick liquor purchase. Fortunately, Basil's offered a tasting that afternoon. It drew quite a crowd for a Saturday! This spirit has all the qualities I appreciate in Basil's, plus the advantages of Rye. I wouldn't purchase the original, but I would have bought this bottle if not for the queue at the checkout. It's peppery without an aggressive spicy kick, offering a pumpernickel-like rye flavor rather than the harsh, unaged spirit I can find locally. Its extended maturation in oak barrels imparts a raw, woody, tannic taste that enhances the complexity of what most distilleries would simply offer as a standard rye whiskey.

A- Light honey, reminiscent of early-season maple syrup. N- Faint ethanol presence alongside light caramel and butterscotch, softened by hints of vanilla. T- Classic bourbon characteristics, presented delicately. A mild sting from the rye, but the warmth is manageable. M- A light, oily texture, just a touch more viscous than water. It coats the palate without filling the mouth. O- Positioned as a step up from entry-level, approaching premium tiers. It's certainly not low-end, but doesn't quite reach the stature of Booker's, Baker's, or Knob Creek, sharing its Jim Beam small batch heritage. While the flavor is commendable, it feels lacking the substance required for truly exceptional spirits. It might be ideal for those seeking a sophisticated image without the dedication.

Aroma: The characteristic Beam funk is undeniable, along with grain, sweetness, caramel, vanilla, mint, and baking spice. Taste: Thin, watery grain flavor, a touch of brown sugar, with a lingering cinnamon spice. Perhaps my bottle requires more time to breathe, but this is a disappointing rye for a premium brand. Fortunately, I received this bottle from my place of employment, but it's not worth the $40 price point. Lacks any depth, is diluted – when will the Basil Hayden range increase its proof and cease diminishing its flavor?

This is by far the finest offering from Basil Hayden's to date. It's a smooth, pleasant drink that serves as an excellent introduction to rye whiskey. However, it's not so basic that it lacks character. It placed in the top three of a blind tasting featuring eight different rye whiskeys for our group, outperforming some highly regarded names like Baby Saz and Templeton Rye. It finished behind AE Rye and Michter's Rye.

The lower alcohol content makes this taste somewhat watery compared to many premium ryes available, but it still offers enjoyable spice notes, like ginger. I don't have many detailed notes from my tasting at Fine & Rare in New York, but it's an easy-drinking spirit with a pleasant spicy finish.

It's easy to drink on the rocks. However, be aware that the lower alcohol content quickly gives a diluted impression. I received this as a gift and will finish the bottle, but there are better bourbons available for the price that are also easy to find.