Editor’s Note: This whiskey was provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs.
Basil Hayden continues releasing new and exciting whiskies to attract new consumers. The distillery also overhauled the look of its bottles and dropped the apostrophe from its name. Quite a change for those of us who’ve been drinking Basil Hayden’s for decades. So what is new from Basil Hayden of late?
One of the latest bourbons released is the Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish. The whiskey comes from the mind of eighth-generation master Beam distiller Freddie Noe. The labeling gets confusing as it states “red wine cask finish” and “partially finished in wine casks.” Noe took the signature Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon and blended it with bourbon finished in California red wine casks. Unfortunately, the red wine cask remains undisclosed.
Typically grouped with Booker’s and Knob Creek, Basil Hayden is a high-end small-batch product from Beam Suntory. Only at 80 proof, the whiskey is more gentle to sip than its high-octane counterparts. Meanwhile, the partial blending in California red wine casks allows for deeper flavor and complexity. Sadly, for no-age statement fans, this expression in the Basil Hayden lineup is only around for a limited time.
On the other hand, for rye fans, Basil Hayden is a bourbon to try because it has a high rye content compared to other bourbons. In 1796 Basil Hayden Sr. moved from the North to the South, and he set out to make a whiskey with only grains he had on hand. As a result, Basil Hayden’s whiskey-making ways broke from the traditional bourbons. Will the new Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish change the minds of bourbon purists?
Tasting Notes: Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish
Vital Stats: 40% ABV, 80 proof. Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey partially finished in wine casks. 750mL ~$60.
Appearance: Burnt umber with glints of burgundy.
Nose: Loads of vanilla bean ice cream make me feel like I’ve walked into Baskin Robbins. The red wine casks clearly influence the base Basil Hayden bourbon. There is a mix of dried fruit with apricot and cranberry. Aside from the vanilla, raisins dominate the nose.
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Palate: The whiskey is so aromatic that the palate is disappointingly subtle. It is sprinkled with black pepper for some spice, and the raisin and cranberry give it some brightness. However, the whiskey comes off tannic and dry with a lot of French oak.
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