American

Whiskey Review: Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye Whiskey

We review Basil Hayden's Dark Rye Whiskey, a combination of American rye, Canadian whisky, and California port-style wine.

OVERALL RATING

4
Like Conversation

Tasting Notes

About:

A blend of American rye from their Kentucky distillery, Canadian rye from the Alberta Distillery, and an addition of California port. Bottled at 80 proof, selling for around $40 to $50.
Appearance:
The color of freshly roasted chestnuts.
Nose:
Sweet notes of ruby port that lean into hints of oak, fresh leather, pickling spice, and dried dark red fruit.
Palate:
Port overwhelms the palate, with light notes of rye spiciness and briny pickles, chocolate, some oak, finishing with a slightly cloying hint of caramelized corn syrup.
Finish:
Comments:
This is a rye for people who have little to no experience with rye whiskey and usually drink sweet alcohol. It’s almost like a high-end flavored whiskey geared towards those who are interested in moving from light to dark spirits. Not the rye for aficionados, but great for adding to maple syrup, frappes, or using as a mixer in a cocktail. I would not drink this one neat.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Elizabeth Powell

All Posts

Latest On The Whiskey Wash