Basil Hayden Dark Rye

Decent “whiskey”. I think the expert’s comment that this whiskey is “one-dimensional” is accurate. The port imparts some nice flavor (if you enjoy port), but it just feels flat in your mouth. I’m reminded of Angel’s Envy Bourbon, finished in Port Barrels. You can definitely taste the port in that whiskey, but the flavors are deep and subtle. The Basil Hayden’s just tastes like Rye whiskey mixed with Port wine. Like I could mix up a new bottle in my kitchen. I guess that’s what it really is, but it’d probably be 4 stars for me if it was blended and then finished in a port barrel. Then again, it’d probably be $50+ instead of $35. You get what you pay for sometimes.

Port is up front and it tastes light

Tried at a bar in a rocks glass Nose: Oak spice, and that sweet port Palate: A toasty rye bread, a subtle dry oak, followed by a lengthy molasses and black tea finish. Final impression: i have never really been of basil hayden, but the rye has me questioning my taste of this Jim Beam small batch line. I would recommend this to a rye fan that is looking for something a little different