Basil Hayden has been a long time favorite and always rotating in and out of my collection. This is my first time tasting it to make notes on it here on Distiller. While I keep this in our stash it is not one of my favorites after trying other stand out bourbons but its like that friend I keep around anyway. Nose: Strong alcohol boozy aroma. Oak, possibly stone fruit but mostly spice. Nostril flaring spice. After first taste aroma develops into a nice browned sugar. Flavor: Warm, honey, slight butterscotch with a full creamy mouthfeel. Warmth develops as it spreads throughout the mouth and sits awhile. More warm on exhale. Upon second sip the fruitiness comes forward a tad more and a leather feel on the tongue accompanied by more chewy fullness and cream. Okay so maybe this is why I keep it on hand. Its not as awe inspiring as some but it absolutely is a good one! The price point is as inspiring if not more so than the bourbon itself but I do feel worthy of being on the self overall. I think my main complaint is that it does not stick around long once swallowed. There is nothing much left on the palate once it is down the hatch. The mouthfeel alone is a pleasure however with its fullness and creamy texture that I so do enjoy! Ratings have nothing to do with costs - just my impressions.