Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke (2022 Release)

BH SUBTLE SMOKE AROMA: The aroma begins well and improves over time, becoming excellent. It features vanilla, butterscotch, circus peanuts, rye spice, crème brûlée, apple, pink bubblegum, and hickory smoke that intensifies with duration. It evokes a delicious apple pie with a crust, canned apple, and burnt brown sugar finish. NEAT: The mouthfeel is light and thin, but the flavors are present. Notes include vanilla, maple, brown sugar, a slight peanut funk, and cola. The hickory smoke is noticeable throughout, but doesn't strongly assert itself until the backend and slightly drying finish. There is absolutely no harshness. This Old Granddad is exceptionally smooth. Sweet hickory smoke and mint coat and build on the palate as you drink deeper. SPLASH: The hickory smoke is diminished, but the palate gains a note of caramel-covered Granny Smith apple. VERDICT: The more time I spent with this whiskey, the more I appreciated it. I enjoy the hickory smoke influence, but I believe Peg Leg Porker executes it slightly better, though it's close. The thin mouthfeel detracts slightly, but overall, it's a solid, enjoyable bourbon.

I arranged a visit for a holiday and encountered Mr. Smokesalot. Despite the moniker, this whiskey had a pronounced, unsubtle grilled meat flavor. Smoke isn't my preference in a drink, so consider my opinion with a grain of salt and have something strong ready to wash away the smoky aftertaste.

Light hints of vanilla accompany a subtle, unobtrusive smoke from beginning to end. Given its excellent flavor profile and only 80 proof, this is a highly drinkable bourbon. I often find bourbons at this lower proof lacking in flavor; this is exactly what I would imagine they aimed for!

The aroma is delicate, with hints of syrup and brine. The palate begins with unexpected spice and warmth, followed by a touch of caramel. The finish is slightly bitter, retaining some warmth from the palate, with subtle oily undertones. A very intriguing bourbon!

The aroma offers almond, toasted wood, and butterscotch with a subtle smokiness, as expected from the name. The taste is underwhelming. It has some smoke and very faint basil notes, but nothing truly stands out and it dissipates quickly. Somewhat disappointing.

Terrible. I struggled to get down the first taste. I waited a bit, tried again, and spit it out. It's my first ever drain pour after sampling hundreds of different whiskies. This bottle might work for mixing drinks, but that's its limit.