Basil Hayden Toast
80 proof
NAS
Bourbon
James B. Beam Distilling Company
$49.99
Corn, brown rice, malted barley (rice replaces rye)
Nose
Sweet with sour skittles and fruity notes; floral aromas; toasted wood sugars; not heavily marshmallow-like; minimal aggressive bite; well-acclimated aromas after 10 minutes in glass
Palate
Very sweet and easy; no impact or wow factor; soft and smooth across the tongue; subtle white pepper spice; hint of smokiness on the backend that pairs with sweetness; sautéed pear notes as the glass sits
Finish
Medium finish that is not long-lasting; lacks some palate stickiness; clean exit due to lower proof
Overall Score
3.7 / 5
A rebranded and reformulated whiskey with a new rice-based mash bill that offers an approachable, sweet summer sipper with improved packaging and broader appeal than its predecessor.
1.0
Undrinkable
2.0
Substandard
3.0
Average
4.0
Very good
5.0
Perfection
Play the excerpt from this tasting