Basil Hayden Toast is a unique bourbon whiskey that stands apart from other Basil Hayden bourbons. This whiskey is made with US-grown brown rice and secondary finishing in a toasted barrel, giving it a one-of-a-kind flavor. In this review, we'll take a closer look at Basil Hayden Toast and discuss the flavor profile of this exceptional whiskey.
Basil Hayden Toast starts with U.S.-grown brown rice that is mashed and distilled into bourbon whiskey. The bourbon is then aged in level four char barrels for several years before being transferred to toasted barrels for an additional two months of aging. During this time, the whiskey draws out notes of caramelized sugar and toasted wood from the toasted barrels for an extra layer of complexity.
When tasting Basil Hayden Toast, you'll notice notes of honey, oak, vanilla, and butterscotch on the nose folowed by flavors of dark caramel sweetness, dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and a hint of spice on the palate. The finish is smooth with lingering notes of oak and spice providing balance to the sweetness.
Overall, Basil Hayden Toast is an exceptionally unique bourbon whiskey that offers up layers of sweet and spicy flavors with evey sip. Fans of Basil Hayden bourbons should definitely give this one a try; it's sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Differences Between Basil Hayden and Basil Hayden Toast
Basil Hayden Toast is a unique bourbon whiskey that is made with U.S.-grown brown rice, and undergoes a secondary finishing in a toasted barrel. After aging, the toasted brown rice is blended back with more brown rice bourbon which has been rested in level four char barrels. This gives Basil Hayden Toast a smoother taste and balanced flavor profile compared to Basil Hayden's original formula, which uses rye and corn in addition to the barley used in Toast. The result is an exceptionally smooth whiskey that offers notes of caramel and oak on the nose, followed by hints of spice and vanilla on the palate.
Finding a Bourbon Similar to Basil Hayden Toast
When cosidering bourbons with a similar flavor profile to Basil Hayden, you may want to consider Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Four Roses, George T. Stagg, Old Forester, Old Grand-Dad, and Woodford Reserve. All of these bourbons have a similar flavor profile to Basil Hayden Toast – they are all well-balanced and smooth, with subtle notes of spice and oak. Buffalo Trace has a rich caramel and vanilla flavor with hints of leather and tobacco. Eagle Rare has an oaky sweetness with hints of almond and orange peel. Four Roses has aromas of floral honey and spice. George T. Stagg is a bold bourbon that offers notes of dark chocolate and butterscotch. Old Forester has hints of sweet vanilla, oak, toffee and spices. Old Grand-Dad has a light sweetness with flavors of peppermint, citrus fruit and herbs. Finally Woodford Reserve is a smooth bourbon that offers flavors of sweet fruitiness with nutty undertones.
The Meaning Behind the Name Basil Hayden Toast
Basil Hayden Toast is called Toast because of the barrel-aging process it undergoes. The bourbon undergoes two maturations: an initial maturation in level four char barrels, and a secondary maturation in toasted barrels for approximately two months. During this secondary maturation, the bourbon absorbs the flavors from the toasted barrels, giving it unique flavor characteristics. After these two maturations are complete, the bourbon is mingled back together to create Basil Hayden Toast. This unique barrel-aging process gives Basil Hayden Toast its distinctive flavor and name.
The Sweetness of Basil Hayden Toast
Yes, Basil Hayden Toast is sweet. Its unique mash bill replaces the traditional rye grain with brown rice, whch adds a hint of sweetness to the whiskey. Additionally, the whiskey is secondary-aged in a toasted and flash-charred oak barrel, enhancing its depth of flavor and sweetness.
Source: gobourbon.com
Which is the Best Basil Hayden Whiskey?
The best Basil Hayden whisky for you depends on a few factors, including your personal taste preferences and desired flavor profile. If you're looking for a bold rye whiskey, Basil Hayden's Rye Whiskey is an excellent choice with its complex flavor of spice and pepper. For a smoother finish that still packs in pleny of flavor, Basil Hayden's 08-year-old is a great option. If you prefer something more unique, try Basil Hayden's 10-year-old Artfully Aged for its blend of flavors from four different barrels. Finally, if you're looking for something special to toast with, Basil Hayden's Toast is an unforgettable sipping whiskey that offers notes of vanilla and honey with a hint of oak. Ultimately, the perfect Basil Hayden whisky for you will be the one that delivers the flavor profile and experience you desire.
Aging Process of Basil Hayden Toast
Basil Hayden Toast is a blended whiskey that does not carry an age statement. However, the majority of the whiskey used to make Basil Hayden Toast is aged 8 years in charred oak barrels.
Evidence of Basil Hayden's Toast
Basil Hayden's Toast is an 80 proof whiskey. It has a unique mashbill that features brown rice instead of the traditional rye grain, which adds a hint of sweetness and decreases the spiciness. This whiskey is further enhanced by secondary aging in a toasted then flash-charred oak barrel, which adds increased depth of flavor.
Is Basil Hayden a Rye or Bourbon Whiskey?
Basil Hayden is a high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey. It is made with a mash bill of corn, rye, and barley. The high-rye content gives Basil Hayden its signature spicy taste and smooth finish. The final product has been aged for 8 years in charred American oak barrels, giving it its trademark amber color and sweet aroma. All in all, Basil Hayden is a delightful blend of spirited spices and delicate sweetness that truly stands out from othr bourbons on the market today.
Conclusion
Basil Hayden Toast is an innovative bourbon that combines U.S.-grown brown rice with a toasted barrel finish, creating a complex and balanced flavor profile. It offers notes of caramelized sugar and toasted wood with a smooth, mellow finish. If you're looking for a unique bourbon experience, Basil Hayden Toast should be at the top of your list. Additionally, if you're looking for similar options, consider Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, Four Roses, George T. Stagg, Old Forester, Old Grand-Dad or Woodford Reserve.
