Basil Hayden Bourbon

Went in to this one not expecting to like it. I have refused to buy this one at $45 per 750ml bottle here, especially after they dropped the age statement. I finally relented when my ABC started carrying the 375ml size for $22. I figured for that price I could finally give it a fair shake. The nose is sweet with a hint of menthol and a strong backbone of oak. Neat those notes carry over into the palate with caramel, cinnamon, light leather and a nice rye spice. A little oak and cinnamon candy linger on the finish. I thought it was delicious! A large cube of ice tames the rye kick just a hair and seems to accentuate the leathery note I was picking up just a bit. This bourbon shows how barrel placement and selection can really influence a flavor profile. I know that this and the Old Grand Dad line share a mashbill and are around the same age, but I really feel that Basil Hayden is a superior product. Where it loses a star is value. I can buy two bottles of OGD BIB for about the same price as one Basil Hayden, and for $15 less I can buy a bottle of one of my personal favorites, OGD 114. At 80 proof, I feel that this one should be in the $25-$30 range. At that price, I would always have it on hand.