Never given a proper rating. This was one of my very first bottles of bourbon that I ever purchased, and it was awesome to find out it was made from Jim Beam, as that was also the first time I found out that big brands can also make products without their named label. When someone wants to start dissecting and further discovering bourbon as a beginner, Basil Hayden's is what I suggest if they like spicy flavors, and [REDACTED] is what I suggest if they like sweeter flavors. At one point in my life, everything about this bourbon was top shelf. Looking at it now, literally, I see the color is extremely light, and knowing now that 80 proof is about as low as it gets, this shouts watered down. Not surprisingly, the nose is mostly rye spice, wrapped in a blanket of vanilla. The spice prevails, but isn't strong enough to burn or suggest mouth coating spice is ahead. There perhaps is a bit of citrus as well, but I could just be grasping for what is really a simple bourbon offering. If you're not used to spice, this will hit you very hard, which is why I use it as a recommendation if you want to further branch out into high rye bourbons or rye whiskey. The body is obviously light, with the spice being only on the tongue, and doesn't quite penetrate the gums. For someone who is used to high rye flavors, I find that Basil Hayden's has chocolate, banana, and orange flavors, but even without those specifically, it's easily fruity, but still bring sweet with a bit of vanilla. Glad to see that, over the years, this product still holds up to what it is, but as a bonus, really has transformed in what I taste. Still, with the proof so low, it's not something I particularly enjoy, usually only using it for cocktails of guests.