Basil Hayden Dark Rye Review

Welcome back to the show! Today, we’re exploring a twist on the classic Basil Hayden — Basil Hayden Dark Rye Whiskey. It’s a bold, unconventional pour that brings together rye, Canadian influences, and a splash of port. Let’s break it down. 🥃

🌍 Behind the Blend

• Type: Rye whiskey blend — starts with Kentucky straight rye and includes Canadian rye whiskey, plus a dash of port wine for color and sweetness.
• Proof: 80 (40% ABV).
• Mash Bill: At least 51% rye (from the Kentucky component), mixed with Canadian rye and port-influenced spirit.

This isn’t your typical rye; it’s a bold experiment blending American and Canadian elements with a wine finish.

👃 Nose

A deep, red-hued pour with a sweet and fruity aroma:

• Red fruits (plum, cherry) and molasses from the port influence.
• Apple, banana, and a hint of rye spice up front.

👄 Palate

• Soft caramel and brown sugar open the flavor profile.
• A wave of black pepper spice slices through mid-palate.
• Then comes the port’s jam: figs, blackberry, and black cherry.
• Subtle orchard fruit (apple, banana) completes the taste.

Quite a journey—from sweet to spicy to jammy.

🔥 Finish

• A lingering warmth with black pepper, port fruit, and oak.
• The finish emphasizes the wine’s sugary tail, balanced by spice.

💬 Whiskey Community Reactions

From the r/bourbon crew:

“They actually dump port into the mix”
“For me, tastes like wine” 

While some love its fruity charm others criticize the port addition and low proof.

🍹 How to Sip It

• Neat: You’ll get full jammy sweetness and finish.
• On the Rocks: Ice tames sweetness and surfaces oak and spice.
• Cocktails: Works in whiskey-forward drinks—especially an Old Fashioned with orange bitters, or a rye Mule.

✅ Final Thoughts

Basil Hayden Dark Rye is no ordinary rye—it’s a creative, port-infused whiskey that’s sweeter and softer than expected. If you love sweet, fruit-forward whiskey or want something unique for a cocktail, give it a try. But if you're craving classic rye spice or high proof, this blend might not hit the mark.

Rating: ⭐ 3.5/5

That’s the pour on Basil Hayden Dark Rye! Unconventional, fruity, and memorable—just don’t call it traditional rye. Until next time, stay curious and keep sippin’. Cheers! 🥃

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