BDanner
Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke (2022 Release)
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
April 21, 2022 (edited June 13, 2023)
BH SUBTLE SMOKE
NOSE: The nose starts Good and with time becomes Great. Vanilla, Butterscotch, Circus Peanuts Candy, Rye Spice, Creme Brûlée, Apple, Pink Bubblegum, and Hickory Smoke that grows in intensity the longer it sits. TWTWIRBM makes a delicious Cast Iron Skillet Apple Pie that ends up all crust, canned apple and burnt brown sugar. That is what this becomes.
NEAT: Mouthfeel is Light and Thin, but the flavors are there. Vanilla, Maple, Brown Sugar, Light Peanut Funk, and Cola. The Hickory Smoke is present throughout, but doesn't really assert itself until the backend and slightly drying finish. There is absolutely zero KYHug. This Old Granddad is smooth to a fault. Sweet Hickory Smoke and Mint coat and build on the palate the deeper into the pour you get.
SPLASH: The Hickory Smoke is reduced, but the Palate gains a note of Caramel Covered Granny Smith Apple.
VERDICT: The more time I spent with this one, the more I liked it. I love the Hickory Smoke influence, but I think that Peg Leg Porker may pull it off just a little better, but it is close. This one gets dinged a quarter point by the thin mouthfeel, but it's overall a solid, enjoyable bourbon.
55.0
USD
per
Bottle
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
I like this a little more each time I have it, but damn you 80 proof! Even 86 would help the mouthfeel so much.
@Whiskey_Hound agreed. I think they’ve decided that BH is the line they’re going to experiment with. This type of experimentation is great and challenging. Infusing one alcohol into another is called a pre-batched cocktail. I'll take the former over the latter every time.
I’m glad they’re taking the line in this direction instead of more spirit/wine infused “whiskey specialties.” Nice review!