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Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon Review

By Patrick "Pops" Garrett on April 18, 2013 in Bourbon Reviews

Back in February I shared with everyone that Wild Turkey was putting out a single barrel release of their Russell’s Reserve line. As a fan of the original 10 year old Russell’s Reserve I was pretty excited to hear about this new release. Knowing that Jimmy’s “at home” drinking preference is Russell’s Reserve, I knew the product woud need to be something special for Jimmy to release it to the public. Here’s the original press release to bring everybody up to speed.

LAWRENCEBURG, KY (February 20th, 2013) – When it comes to whiskey making in the United States, Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie are America’s bourbon aristocracy. After an incredible 90 years combined experience distilling award-winning whiskey, the two are rolling out one of their richest and most flavorful bourbons to date: Russell’s Reserve® Single Barrel Straight Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey. This much anticipated bottling at a take-no-prisoners 110 proof is non-chill filtered, resulting in an unparalleled burst of flavor in every sip. As the crowning glory of America’s famed Wild Turkey bourbon family, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel promises to not only be the choice for bourbon connoisseurs, but it will also be what Jimmy and Eddie reach for time and time again. As they say in Lawrenceburg, “Our experience guarantees yours.”

What makes Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel unique is not only its high proof, but the fact that the whiskey bypasses the chill-filtration process. Chill-filtration is a common process whereby the whiskey is chilled at temperatures below freezing and is passed through an absorption filter thus removing fatty acids and other flavor contributors such as esters and proteins. By avoiding the chill-filtration process, the whiskey is bottled with more flavor compounds and a deeper color which is denoted by an impressive haze when ice or chilled water is added.

Every expression of Russell’s Reserve – both the Bourbon and rye Whiskey – is matured in only the deepest number 4 or “alligator” charred American white oak barrels to ensure the richest flavor and color. Jimmy and Eddie insist on this char level and are among only a handful of whiskey distillers who use it. The best aged whiskey barrels are hand selected by this legendary pair themselves and only from the center cut of the rick house – since that’s where the optimal maturation occurs. Adamant about quality, the Russell’s will only use the natural, weather-driven process for maturation – never air conditioned or heated “because it’s the right thing to do.”

“This is Bourbon at its best,” declares Jimmy Russell, Master Distiller. “What is incredibly special about the Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel is that each barrel has its own personality, but still captures the rich, creamy toffee vanilla style of Russell’s Reserve. This bottling celebrates what we love about Russell’s Reserve, but takes it to another level.”

Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel delivers a burst of intense vanilla and hints of burnt orange, along with tastes licorice and anise seed, on the palate, culminating with a rich and long finish. Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel (750ml) will be available nationwide at specialist liquor stores priced at $49.99. It will also be available in select bars and restaurants specializing in fine whiskies.

Explore our complete library of bourbon reviews to help you choose your next perfect bottle.

Based on the press release here’s a few things to note about this release:

The name is redundant and Wild Turkey knows it. As a single barrel release there’s really no reason to include “small batch” on the label. When I asked the brand about it I was told that although it’s redundant, a single barrel is the inherently the smallest of batches and I shouldn’t give it any mind. I know what they mean but I think they should be a little bit more concerned with the possible confusion they may create among less experienced bourbon drinkers. The bourbon industry knows what happens when the labels don’t match up with the product and I hope they will remember this and put extra effort into making sure that what they put out is as easy to understand as it is to drink.
This release bypasses the chill-filtration process. I agree that it adds some additional complexity to the flavor profile but be warned that your bourbon may turn a bit cloudy when chilled. Taste won’t be affected but we think you should be aware so you don’t throw it out thinking there’s something wrong with it.
There’s no age statement on this bourbon. The original Russell’s Reserve has a stated age of 10 years. It’s unclear why they decided to skip putting on age on this release but my gut tells me it was done to simply give them more latitude in choosing stocks for future releases. Some will argue that an age statement should have been included at this price point but if you drink enough bourbon you’ll know that age doesn’t mean quality.

Armed with the details let’s dive in and see if Jimmy Russell’s got another hit on his hands.

Bourbon Name: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon

Proof: 110

Age: 8-9 years (no age statement)

Year: 2013

How I Drank It: Neat, in Glencairn whiskey glass.

My Nose Noticed:* Vanilla | Baking Spice | Toasted Oak | Hint of Orange

First Sip: Caramel | Cinnamon & Spice | Oak | Mint (just a hint)

The Burn:** This ones come in smooth and silky, with a sweetness that belies the burst of cinnamon and spice that has come to be a hallmark of Wild Turkey. The spice surges to life in the back of your throat and radiants outs leaving a meandering finish filled with oak and just a suggestion of mint on the tail end. In the end the burn continues to revisit the back of the throat with the warmth that only a good bourbon can deliver.

Neat, Splash or Rocks: Drinking this one neat was an interesting experience. At 110 proof you would expect a little bit of heat but as I stated earlier, each sip comes in so smooth you forget about the proof until you’re hit with a burst of spice. But even then it doesn’t feel lik a full 110 proof. Adding water really toned down the cinnamon and spice notes. It also increased the complexity of flavors, adding layers of depth that I can only describe as chewy and meaty. I think I’ll continue drinking this one with a bit of water to open things up and make a meal out of it.

Share With: Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon is bourbon how it should be done. Bold, but with character and a hint of a sensitive side. I’d share this one with good friends. Friends that you’ve invested a lot in and look forward to spending time with on a regular basis. It’s quality bourbon that deserves quality friendship and banter. Absolutely a banter-worthy bourbon in my book.

Worth The Price: At a suggested price of $49.99, Russell’s Reserve Single Barrel Bourbon is roughly $25 more than the original Russell’s Reserve 10 year bourbon. That’s a pretty significant price difference if you compare the two by price only. I decided to sip them side-by-side and I’d choose the single barrel release every time. It’s has more complexity and depth than the 10 year. Honestly the 10 year comes across as rather flat in comparison and is full of oak and leather flavor without the sweetness of vanilla and caramel. I don’t think you can really compare them as a result of the significant difference in flavor profile. I do, however, feel that the Single Barrel is fairly priced for what you get out of the bottle when compared to other bottles in that price range.

Bottle, Bar or Bust: If you’re a fan of Wild Turkey and their signature spice, this is definitely a bottle to add to your home collection. Perfect for a gathering of friends to celebrate the arrival of Spring out on your recently cleaned up patio.

*I like to let my bourbon sit in the glass for at least 5 minutes before I start to smell it or have a drink. I personally find that it’s better to let some of the alcohol waft off before diving in. If I’m drinking bourbon on the rocks I skip the waiting and dive in both feet first.
**Some of you refer to this as the “finish” but let’s be honest. Don’t we all just want to know if it burns good?

Would love to hear your thoughts on this release if you’ve had a chance to try it. Let us know what you think in the comments section.

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Jefferson’s Bourbon Review – Presidential Select 21 Year Old

By Patrick "Pops" Garrett on April 8, 2013 in Bourbon Reviews

Almost a month ago, I posted news about Jefferson’s planned April 1st release of their new Presidential Select 21 Year Old bourbon. After waiting impatiently for weeks I was thrilled to arrive home a few nights ago to find a tasting sample nestled in the safety of a well-padded FedEx box. As I carefully removed the sample bottle all I could think about was whether or not the Presidential Select 21 would measure up to previous Presidential Select releases like their 17 and 18 year olds which consisted of stock from the legendary Stitzel Weller distillery.

Here are a few details about this release that we received directly from Trey Zoeller, Jefferson’s Master Blender:

There’s no wheat in the mash bill
Bourbon was not distilled at Stitzel Weller
Aged in barrels with a No. 3 charr
Release yield is 1,800 6-bottle cases
Big flavors with an outstanding finish

Add it all up and it’s plain to see – Jefferson’s Presidential Select 21 Year Old is going to be totally different juice than previous Presidential Select releases.

The lack of common ground with previous Presidential Select releases is part of the reason I’ve been looking forward to getting my hands on a sample. I need to know if it measures up to previous releases and is worth the hefty price tag set by Trey and his team. The other reason I’ve been looking forward to it is the fact that I really enjoy older bourbons. Many folks regard 8-12 years as the sweet spot for bourbon, but I have to say that an older and well-aged bourbon is something really special. I can only hope that Jefferson’s Presidential Select 21 year is worthy of that distinction.

Before we get into my official review let’s revisit the official press release issued by Jefferson’s Bourbon in early March:

Castle Brands is proud to introduce Jefferson’s Presidential Select 21 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey, the latest addition to its line of “Ridiculously Small Batch” whiskies and the Presidential Suite (Jefferson’s Bourbon, Jefferson’s Reserve, Jefferson’s Presidential Select and Jefferson’s Rye). Jefferson’s Presidential Select 21-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey is aged in new oak barrels for 21 to 24 years and bottled at 94 proof (47% ABV). Inspired by its namesake Founding Father, this mature, complex and exceptionally full-bodied aged Bourbon will be released nationally on April 1, 2013.

“This is precious bourbon since there are very few bottles of this age with this complexity,” says Jefferson’s founder and master blender Trey Zoeller. “This limited release whiskey aged beautifully. Because of the nuanced flavor profile, this Jefferson’s Presidential Select Straight Bourbon Whiskey is sure to become one of our most coveted bottlings.”

Jefferson’s Presidential Select 21-Year-Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey consists of 15 lots of bourbon aged from 21 to 24 years. Bourbon of this age is extremely fragile; Zoeller discovered that these stocks had aged undisturbed for many years in a cooler area of the warehouse, which added further nuance to the spirit’s flavor profile and engendered a later peak. The resulting blend is a uniquely robust and extremely flavorful bourbon with deep, concentrated notes of vanilla, toffee and leather that finishes extraordinarily smoothly. Because of the evaporation that occurred over the aging period, Jefferson’s will have just 2,000 cases to release of this rare, complex spirit that embodies a presidential combination of age, purity and strength.

To learn more about the Jefferson’s line of spirits, please visit www.jeffersonsbourbon.com. Jefferson’s Presidential Select 21 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey is priced at $119.99 for a 750ml bottle and is available for purchase at fine spirits retailers across the country.

Sounds really good, right?

I love the marketing and mystique around bourbon and Trey’s team are some of the best at telling the story of their “Ridiculously Small Batch” releases. Fortunately for them, and for us, their bourbon typically lives up to the marketing hype. However, even though I’ve come to expect great things from Jefferson’s Presidential Select line, the new release’s $119 price tag concerns me a bit. That’s a lot of money in my opinion, considering that one of my favorite bourbons, Elijah Craig 18 Year, was available for $55 in my part of the country until they put a hold on releasing it.

Trey promised me that I won’t be disappointed. If it’s as good as he says, I’m sure the price won’t be an issue. The issue will be finding a bottle locally before it’s all gone.

Let’s get on with the review and dive in to see if it measures up to my expectations.

Bourbon Name: Jefferson’s Presidential Select 21 Year Old

Proof: 94

Age: 21 years

Year: 2013

How I Drank It: Neat, in Glencairn whiskey glass.

My Nose Noticed:* Leather | Oak | Lots of Spice | Hint of Orange

First Sip: Honey | Vanilla | Spice & Black Pepper | Oak

The Burn:** Much to my surprise there wasn’t much of a burn. It finishes extremely smooth and is rather mellow. There’s a faint lingering burn in the back of the throat but if you’re not paying attention you’ll miss it.I really expected something a little bolder based on its nose and was a little disappointed. But then again, once you get used to it being a lighter profile bourbon, especially compared to its nose, it’s actually pretty nice. There are also some very pronounced (strong) wood notes in the finish that linger quite a long time. But that’s to be expected from a bourbon of this age. If you’re not a fan of a strong oak finish, you’ll probably not enjoy this one.

Neat, Splash or Rocks: I enjoyed it neat but when I added in a bit of water the honey and vanilla notes became more pronounced. At the same time the pepper/spice flavors got bolder and help to drive the oak into the background a bit. And then the big surprise, by adding in water it actually accentuated the burn and got closer to the type of lingering back of throat burn that I really enjoy. I can’t explain why it caused it to happen but I’m glad it did. I would definitely repeat adding water whenever drinking this one.

Share With: As with any older bourbon there is a price premium associated with drinking Presidential Select 21. That alone changes who I would drink it with, but I think that despite the price, it’s best shared with someone who has a good base level of bourbon knowledge and is interested in comparing how this fairs against previous Presidential Select releases. I’m afraid it’s not quite up to the task of knocking someone’s socks off so don’t invite your boss over unless he’s really into bourbon.

Worth The Price: Is it worth it worth $119? That’s the million-dollar question. To help answer that I question I had a small glass of Presidential Select 18 for a quick comparison. The Presidential 18 is in a totally different class. It’s richer, more complex and has the flavor profile that I really enjoy. In comparing the two I think the Presidential 21 is ultimately too oaky and lacking in flavor complexity to suit my tastes. That doesn’t mean you won’t like it but it’s definitely something to consider.

Bottle, Bar or Bust: After comparing it side-by-side with Jefferson’s Presidential Select 18 Year, my recommendation is to buy yourself a glass at your local bourbon establishment before investing in a bottle. As much as I was looking forward to this one I have to say that this one misses the mark for me. Your mileage may vary, as they say, but for my money I’d rather hunt down a few more bottles of the 18 Year where no one is looking for them.

In summary let me say that while Jefferson’s Presidential Select 21 didn’t meet my expectations, it is still a well crafted product and Jefferson’s continues to impress me with their ability to put out solid bourbons as a blender. I personally prefer their Presidential 18 over this new release and I’m glad that I stocked up before it disappeared from the shelves. I’ll be happy to enjoy this one again though if you want someone to help taste your newly purchased bottle. I just won’t be going out and spending $119 to get my own.

If you happen to get a bottle please let us know what you think in the comments. As one of the first official reviews of this release I’m curious to hear what others have to say about it.

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Bulleit Bourbon 10 Year Review

By Patrick "Pops" Garrett on February 5, 2013 in Bourbon Reviews

Bulleit Bourbon has always been one of my favorites. It’s easy to drink, priced right and has a nice story surrounding the brand and its founder, Tom Bulleit. In fact, I like it so much that it’s one of the Bourbons I usually recommend to folks who are looking to try something beyond the “entry level” Maker’s Mark. The fact that you can’t walk into a bar these days without spying Bulleit’s distinctive frontier bottle is further proof that Bulleit Bourbon is a clear favorite among Bourbon drinkers.

As a long-time fan, I was honored to attend a Bulleit tasting event this past November where I was able to meet Tom Bulleit in person. At that event I was one of the first to see the label for Bulleit 10 and was able to spend some time with Tom after the event learning about the upcoming release of Bulleit 10. Since then, I’ve been eagerly awaiting my chance to taste Bulleit 10 and share my review with all of you.

Two weeks ago I received a Bulleit 10 tasting sample and was finally able to sit down this weekend to do a proper tasting. To make it even more interesting, I decided to do my testing side-by-side with the original Bulleit Bourbon so I could properly compare them. Before we dive into my tasting notes, let’s learn a little bit more about Bulleit 10.

Here’s a bit of information direct from the brand.

Bulleit 10 is the brand’s selected reserve, a delicious bourbon that, at 91.2 proof, is consistently smooth, russet in color, rich with oaky aromas and hints of vanilla and dried fruit with a long smoky finish.

Aged in charred American white oak, a select number of Bulleit Bourbon barrels were set aside to age for ten years to see how the already award-winning bourbon would develop. Bulleit distillers were thrilled to find that the additional years resulted in a special expression of Bulleit bourbon that provides a rich, deep, incredibly smooth sipping experience that maintains the inherent character and high rye content for which the Bulleit brand is best known.

Sounds good, right? Let’s jump right in and see what an extra 4 years in the barrel does for Bulleit Bourbon.

Bourbon Name: Bulleit 10

Proof: 91.2

Age: 10 years

Year: 2013

How I Drank It: Neat, in a Glencairn Whiskey Glass

My Nose Noticed:* Lots of Toasted Oak | Dried Fruit | Spice | Hint of Vanilla

First Sip: Oak | Rye/Spice | Trace of Vanilla

The Burn:** As with regular Bulleit, Bulleit 10 has very little, if any, bite on the tongue. In fact, it’s rather light on the tongue with a pronounced dry oak finish. The burn appeared in the back, lower part of my throat and was very pleasant albeit non-committal. It was gone way too soon and left little behind to remember it by.

Neat, Splash or Rocks: I started drinking this one neat and was nervous about adding water to it. I feared the water would amplify the oak flavor and drown out the hint of vanilla I tasted earlier. I decided to add water anyway and was rewarded with more of the subtle vanilla notes I noticed earlier backed up with some nice spicy notes from the higher than normal rye content of Bulleit’s mash bill.

Share With: Bulleit 10, just like original Bulleit, is a great bourbon for sharing with folks who are relatively new to bourbon. It’s highly approachable, easy to sip neat and provides a good introduction to traditional bourbon flavors like oak, vanilla and spice.

Worth The Price: The MSRP for Bulleit 10 is $44.99 as compared to $24.99 for original Bulleit. I know there’s been a lot of online discussion with the prevailing thought being that Bulleit 10 is asking too much of a price premium based on how similar it is to regular Bulleit. In the St. Louis market, I’ve seen Bulleit 10 listed for $31.99 which eliminates much of the premium price argument. For me, it comes to what tastes better. Try them both and then decide which one you prefer.

Bottle, Bar or Bust: At the end of the day, I prefer regular Bulleit over Bulleit 10. I think Bulleit 10′s extra years in the barrel were not well spent. Deep traditional flavors were sacrificed for increased oak notes and a stronger spice profile. While I enjoy both of those, it has to be in balance with things like caramel, vanilla and honey. Try a glass at your local bar, but make sure to do it along with a glass of regular Bulleit. Then you can decide which one should take up a slot in your home collection.

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Baker’s Bourbon Review

By Patrick "Pops" Garrett on January 22, 2013 in Bourbon Reviews

Today we continue our tasting journey within the Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection by featuring a review Baker’s Bourbon.

Baker’s, like Basil Hayden’s, is one of four Bourbons that make up Beam’s Small Batch Bourbon Collection. (Knob Creek and Booker’s round out the Small Batch Collection.)

According to information found on the Small Batch Collection website, Baker’s was…

Named after Baker Beam, grand nephew of the legendary Jim Beam, Baker’s® Bourbon is seven-years-old and hand-bottled at 107 proof. Embracing over six generations of distilling experience, Baker’s Bourbon utilizes a special strain of jug yeast that has been in the family for over 60 years. This time tested yeast provides Baker’s with a silky smooth texture and consistent taste from batch to batch.

This was my first time tasting Baker’s, as it was never really on my radar before receiving some samples from Beam. I’d read a lot of mixed reviews on Baker’s so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Some people say it’s a great Bourbon for Cognac lovers while others have stated it took them 3 or more tastings, on separate occasions, before they decided the really enjoyed Baker’s. Not exactly the type of endorsements that make you rush out a grab a bottle for your personal collection.

So how did my tasting go? Let’s jump right in and explore the findings of my Baker’s Bourbon review.

Bourbon Name: Baker’s

Proof: 107

Age: 7 years

Year: 2012

How I Drank It: Neat, in my special bourbon glass (please don’t be jealous)

My Nose Noticed:* Caramel | Vanilla | Cedar | Hint of Orange

First Sip: Sweet Spice | Oak | Dried Fruit

The Burn:** Upon my first sip I noticed two things. First, a nice fiery bite on the front of my tongue. Second, the liquid has a nice balance to it. Whereas Basil Hayden’s is very light on the tongue, Baker’s has more weight to it but not enough to feel heavy. I would say that the weight of the Bourbon is perfect. Spice quickly fills your mouth and then resolves into a warm mid-throat burn that disappears way too quickly. Once the burn is gone you’re left with a slightly sweet after taste that is rather dry and not to my liking.

Neat, Splash or Rocks: At 107 proof, Baker’s is starting to get serious, but I found that adding water took a lot of the flavor out of this one and over-amplified the oak flavor. I’d try to drink this one neat if possible. If you need to temper it a bit, drop a single ice cube in but don’t sit around too long or it will wind up releasing a heavy dose of oak without the required companion flavor notes to make it work.w

Share With: I’d share Baker’s with someone who is learning about Bourbon and eager to do some side-by-side tastings to develop their palette. It’s not a Bourbon that I would single out to drink on its own.

Worth The Price: If you’re serious about your Bourbon and are looking to have bottles on hand to compare and contrast during tastings I think it’s worth the $35 you’d spend to pick it up at most liquor stores.

Bottle, Bar or Bust: If you’re new to Bourbon I think you can skip this one for now. Those of you who are well into your Bourbon journey might want to grab a bottle as part of obtaining the entire Small Batch Bourbon Collection. It’s not a bad Bourbon in my opinion but it’s also not one that fits within what I like personally. There’s a lot to learn by having some on hand but I would consider it a educational investment more than a pleasure purchase.

To recap, Baker’s has a wonderful texture and mouthfeel. However, the burn is too little, too late and too short. I was left wanting more but not in a good way. I’ll revisit this one a few more times over the next few months to see if it grows on me as others have reported. If I change my mind I will let you know. Until then let us know your thoughts on Baker’s in the comments.

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Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Review

By Patrick "Pops" Garrett on January 16, 2013 in Bourbon Reviews

Now that 2013 is well under way I thought I should get back into the swing of things and start posting some Bourbon reviews. To kick things off we’re featuring a Basil Hayden’s Bourbon review for your reading pleasure. Many of you are probably already familiar with Basil Hayden’s, but for those who are new to the brand I encourage you read on and learn about this under-rated gem of a Bourbon.

Basil Hayden’s is one of four Bourbons that make up Beam’s Small Batch Bourbon Collection. Baker’s, Knob Creek and Booker’s round out the Small Batch Collection with Basil Hayden’s being the lightest of the four Bourbons coming in at 80 proof, which makes it a fantastic Bourbon for those who are new to Bourbon and want to take a measured approach to their tasting journey.

According to information found in Wikipedia,

The Basil Hayden’s bourbon brand is named in honor of Basil Hayden, Sr., who was a Maryland Catholic that led a group of twenty-five Catholic families from Maryland into what is now Nelson County, Kentucky (near Bardstown) in 1785. This area is home to many of the famous bourbon brands, including Jim Beam. There Hayden donated the land for the first Catholic church west of the Alleghenies and the first Catholic church in what is now the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Hayden was also a distiller, and he used a larger amount of rye in his mash than in some other bourbons. Later, Hayden’s grandson Raymond B. Hayden[citation needed] founded a distillery in Nelson County and named his label “Old Grand-Dad” in honor of his grandfather. The picture on the bottle was copied from a rendering of Basil Sr.’s likeness. When Beam Industries introduced their “small batch” collection, among the four was “Basil Hayden’s”, which the company says uses a mash similar to that originally utilized by Hayden in 1792.

Basil Hayden’s was one of the first Bourbons I was exposed to and I immediately fell in love with it’s spicy flavor due to its higher than normal rye content. Even now it’s one that I always keep on hand and often buy as a gift for friends who are looking to get into Bourbon. Now only is it a tasty Bourbon but the bottle looks damn cool. Definitely a nice one to have sitting out on your home bar the next time guests stop by for drinks.

Let’s dive right in and find out a little bit more about this wonderful Bourbon:

Bourbon Name: Basil Hayden’s

Year: 2012

How I Drank It: Neat, in my special bourbon glass (please don’t be jealous)

My Nose Noticed:* Spice | Mint | Tea Leaves

First Sip: Honey | Hints of Vanilla | Lots of Rye

The Burn:** As you take your first sip you’ll notice that it’s very thin on the tongue but packs a wonderful spicy punch. The burn is minimal and is focused solely on the mouth as opposed to the back of the throat like higher-proof Bourbons. It should also be noted that the burn disappears quickly with a very short, dry finish. Add it all up and you have a great Bourbon for novices.

Neat, Splash or Rocks: This is an easy one to sip neat since it’s only 80 proof. Adding water takes away too much of the spice and renders it too mild or bland. However, pouring over ice and drinking it on a hot day is a nice way to enjoy it. Just don’t let it sit for too long and get watered down to the point where its signature spicy notes are killed off.

Share With: This is a Bourbon that you can really share with anyone. From Bourbon novices to more experience Bourbon drinkers, Basil Hayden’s has a lot to offer albeit on the ligher end of the proof spectrum. I think it’s especially good on a hot summer day on the rocks.

Worth The Price: At an average retail price of $40-45 it’s a little more expensive than it should be in my opinion but I wouldn’t let that deter you from keeping a bottle or two on hand at all times.

Bottle, Bar or Bust: This is definitely a bottle that you should keep on your bar at all times. In fact, since it’s not very expensive you might actually want to keep a few bottles on hand “just in case”. Basil Hayden’s makes a great gift for Bourbon lovers who appreciate a spicier, rye-heavy whiskey as well as for folks just getting started on their Bourbon journey. If anyone ever complains about receiving a bottle you can be certain that they have no taste at all.

PS – A Basil Hayden’s Bourbon review wouldn’t be completed if I didn’t address the fact that I often hear folks arguing about the proper pronunciation of Basil Hayden’s. To shed some light on the issue I’ll leave you with what Bernie Lubbers shared with us at dinner during last year’s Bourbon & Banter Pilgrimage.

The story goes that Bernie was talking to a friend from the UK (if my memory serves me right) and Bernie asked him how he would pronounce the name Basil Hayden. His friend answered by letting him know that /ˈbāzəl/ is a herb, while /ˈbæzəl/ is a person’s name. And since no one would ever want to named after a herb, the proper pronunciation must be /ˈbæzəl/.

Make sense to me. Just remember that the folks at your favorite liquor store probably aren’t going to have any idea what you mean if you use the proper pronunciation. Be prepared for some blank looks and possible verbal harassment.