Tastes

Nose: Smooth and soft, that trate will carry through. The nose is pleasant with a floral range. Pallet: Again smooth with a slight spice (cinnamon?), and strong fullness of citrus (orange) which is interesting and a very slight smokiness which is likely the oak carrying through. Finish: Full and long lasting. The cirrus flows through and ends in a dryness to let you know you need another sip. This is not the best I’ve had, however it’s very good and more than worth may more than the price. I’m betting that every time I have this it will change, and I’m a tributing that to the 15 year that it spent in a barrel. Perhaps a cigar is needed next time. What a great amber color, you could pick it out of a blind just by the color.

Savoring the last oz in the bottle. Even with a small pour you still get a nice nose and a flavor that puts just a little tingle on your tongue as you pick up the char from the oak staves. The finish is the best part that ends with heat and a vanilla caramel roll off the tongue. I will get another bottle.

Nose: Light char and caramel Pallet: Surprising amount of spice for 80 proof and little bitter. The toasting added a flavor intensity with toffee but at the cost of the traditional Basil Hayden. Finish: Dry with a lingering tingle. While the traditional BH is one of the smoothest sippers out there the toasted barrel increases the flavor but pulls the sweetness out of it.

Tj’s Market Store Pick: Nose: Full with a touch of clove Pallet: Pepper spice that stays on the tongue and leaves a tingle that almost goes into your nostrils. Finish: There’s not a long linger and it does get a little sour at the very end. This is one of those store picks that they were looking for something with character and this has it. It’s full flavor and has a 110 proof spice but it’s not hot. A perfect pour to finish off the evening with and looking for sitting around a fall fire with this bottle.

Nose: There is a nice nose with hints of the wine but it falls quickly. Pallet: There is a roasted nut flavor and I would expect some wine notes for flow through in the flavor profile. Finish: There is a hint of port as the flavor fades to a nice spice to let you know it still has a younger side. This comes up short compared to the Rye but it’s also half the price. I don’t usually comment on color but it seam light. It’s enjoyable but in the mid to high $30 but at $55 it’s just a cool name and bottle. I’ll have one around but it won’t become a go to.

Nose: stronger than expected but one dimensional with young whiskey. Pallet: It’s mellow that helps with the younger ethanol that comes through, also picked up hints of spice and a unrefined caramel. Finish: Ends with bits of sour notes, I’m not sure if that is an effect the pecan barrel finishing adds. The formula is good but just needs more time in a barrel. I read where the pecan wood has an effect of aging the whiskey faster, as that may be true it still needs to go longer. Belfour is doing it right by owning the process with putting down their own barrels so I’m expecting this brand to only get better in time (plus the bottle has a kickass gatsby era style to it).

Nose: There is a woof of proof that finishes with vanilla and mature oak. Pallet: The oak and char covers the tongue at first, then a tingle and the dryness of the 46 seared staves. Finish: Flavor forwardness carries through and ends with spice notes that pleasantly linger. Perfect to enjoy after the pour has had a chance to breath and open up. I’m a big fan of the Makers Mark Cask Strength, if you’re looking for something with a step up in flavor and spice then this fits the bill.

The first bottle bought and paid extra for. It’s been a long few years having this ever so often, I’ve had more pours that were just okay than ones I’ve really enjoyed. Not sure if I’ll get a replacement other than to have the full Basil Hayden’s set.