Basil Hayden's Caribbean Reserve Rye (Discontinued)

I had wanted to try this for a while and finally got to at Whiskeyfest SF. Admittedly I'd had several tastes before this but I did remember enjoying it so I picked up a bottle the other day and got to it. I should preface this by saying this is not technically rye in the traditional sense. It's rye with rum added and is NOT rum cask finished. You really need to approach this from the perspective of "it's something completely out of the box". Nose: Bananas foster! Dark caramelized sugars, molasses, ripe banana, vanilla, rum, and some ripe apple notes. Flavor: More bananas foster and I like it! Tastes just like it smells though with a little bit of heat. Kind of thin but very approachable with the lower proof. Finish: Finishes a little dryer than the taste but that isn't saying a lot given how sweet this is. A hint of rye black pepper spice and herbal notes on the finish with just a little bit of barrel char. I like this! It's very desserty and sweet. Does not check the box if I want a rye at all but definitely a great after dinner dram. It's more of a digestif.

Nice change of pace, sweeter and all around good flavor.