Basil Hayden Toast

My love of Basil Hayden is well documented. It is my north star of bourbon and the pour by which I judge all others. I’ve heard it described as a gateway to bourbon drinking with its low proof. I can agree, it is approachable, and the notes are easy to decipher. It is complex in its simplicity. I enjoy Basil Hayden Dark Rye too and for years I didn’t think I liked rye, but I can drink this rye neat.  It’s just that good. To say I am a fan of the Basil Hayden family is an understatement.

What’s not to love about a bourbon that has strong caramel and vanilla flavors?

So when I stumbled across an article of a new Basil Hayden release by Jim Beam, I was excited. I mean really excited. Toast – is a new permanent addition to the Basil Hayden family.  It has less rye in the mash and brown rice. Ooh la la.

I wanted a bottle immediately. I was checking my liquor store’s website to see if they had it in stock. I might have been a little obsessive. I had to get my hands on it. I was laser focused on finding it.

I knew I was going to love this. So much so, my review practically wrote itself, in my mind any way.

My stalking paid off and I grabbed a bottle during my lunch hour. I was ready for evening, when the young prince was asleep, and I could enjoy my first sip.

Welp. It is weird on the nose. There is a lot of alcohol which is uncommon for Basil Hayden. The first taste was interesting. Ok, bad. I didn’t love it; not even sure I liked it. I described it as regret in a Glen Cairn glass. I was determined though, so I finished my very full glass. I would love to say it turned around, but it did not.

I decided to wait on writing this and give it another chance. I literally had a strong reaction when I went to pick up the bottle. And it wasn't positive. I was that disappointed. So I waited a week and tried again. the second time is not the charm. Alas, no, it is not. I will say that it mellowed considerably, and it was better. I drank it without wincing. That’s an improvement. lol.

I needed to take a step back and figure out what was going on. As I stated at the beginning I love the Basil Hayden family, how did I land here? When I drank it without expectation and hype, it was far more enjoyable. I sipped it on its own merit. This is a bottle for cocktails - maybe.

Cheers! 

~Kimberly Elise
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