. Basil Hayden's Rye 10 Year. I'd go makers 46, it's a much more bold unique flavor in my opinion. 30 West 53rd Street. Weller vs. Willet: Weller wins with 79% of the social media vote. Is Basil Hayden more beginner-friendly than Woodford Reserve? Basil Hayden's 8-yr Old Bourbon, 750ml - $53.43 Black Velvet Canadian, 1.75 liter - $21.77 . Top 12 Bourbons Similar To Basil Hayden Bourbon. For those drawn to the peppery flavors of rye, this high-rye bourbon is sure to please. Beer Barrel Bourbon. The Whiskey Shelf noted that it "has some of the quintessential bourbon flavors, but overall there's not a lot going on," and Breaking Bourbon said its "straightforward and approachable flavor profile" makes it a "good base for cocktails.". This makes a wonderful sipper or gift to a friend, and since Woodford Reserve is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby, you best believe this makes an excellent base to a mint julep with its myriad notes of fruit and spice. But the rich aromatic notes of honey, peppermint, and citrus envelope the senses, welcoming your . The Bourbon Bard lauds it as "the bourbon that made me love the actual taste of bourbon," and Breaking Bourbon called it "instantly likeable and pleasant with notes of caramel, honey, orange, and vanilla" with a nose revealing "an underlying layer of oak and mint." Will remind you of: Basil Hayden (of course), or a little like Elijah Craig (though not quite as good). Here's the rub. Basil Hayden's Two by Two Rye Whiskey. Is Woodford Reserve bourbon smoother than Basil Hayden? Not all great bourbon comes from Kentuckytake for example this New York based bourbon which uses limestone-rich water (the same type of stone that proponents say gives Kentucky bourbons their distinct flavor) from New York's Rosendale Mines to create a lightly tannic, sweet flavor profile rich in spices. Old Forester 1910 memorializes a fortuitous accident: In 1910, a fire on a bottling line forced the distillery to store the bourbon it had planned to bottle in a barrel. Woodford Reserve ages its whiskey in 1870 stone barrel houses. Its a fantastic bourbon, especially for the money, he says. Jim Beam Double Oak Woodford Reserve Double Oaked; Price point: R 390: R 750.00: ABV: 43%: 43.2%: . Now, thanks to rising whiskey prices and a consistently strong product, the brand shortened to OGD by fans has a cult following. The Whiskey Reviewer described its 12-year-old bourbon as having a nose of "brown sugar, cinnamon graham crackers and vanilla, accented by toasty oak." Craft bourbon's rep is tarnished by a few bad apples makes subpar whiskey. Distillery: Jim Beam. It was intended from the start to be a premium brand a . 0. Elijah Craig's Barrel Proof expressions are regularly in the running for best bottle of the year, according to The Bourbon Bard. The Beam (originally Boehm) family settled in Kentucky and began selling whiskey there in 1795, according to The Whiskey Reviewer. From your daily sipper to the best bottle to bring to a party, here are the best bourbons to drink in 2023. The Basil Hayden is a greater intro for straight bourbon because of its mellower profile. The Woodford Reserve Distillery has been distilling on the same site for more than . If your idea of a perfect bourbon is a smooth sipper, characterized by delicate aromas of nuts and fruit and gentle on the palate, Old Grand-Dad is most definitely not for you. Made from hand-selected grapes, this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon boasts an intense aroma of black currant, cocoa, and vanilla. Woodford Reserve Bourbon. ABV: 45.2% . What makes Elijah Craig a critical favorite is its complexity and balance. This delayed batch proved to have a winning flavor, which the current distillers reproduced via a secondary six-to-nine-month maturation in heavily charred barrels. Basil Hayden's has the lowest proof of the Small Batch Collection coming in at just 80 proof. Despite its roots in Kentucky, Four Roses was not sold in the United States for some time, but instead became popular in Europe and Asia, according toThe Spruce Eats. He has contributed frequently to our bourbon coverage over the years and is someone we regard as a friend. Case in point - the Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon. $34.99 . Basil Hayden originates from the family of Jim Beam small-batch bourbons. Palate: Rich, rounded and smooth in texture with toffee, caramel, complex citrus, spice notes, and cinnamon hints. The Woodford Reserve Bourbon is nicely balanced, body is creamy and does not have any off-putting or demanding notes. After being somewhat underwhelmed by Blanton's and Basil Hayden, I'be come to the conclusion that my tastes lean towards the Wheated bourbons. Aging is both traditional and innovative. Order Basil Hayden's Dark Rye online from Hamilton's VI. We relied on one of the most-esteemed bourbon experts in America, Fred Minnick. The finish is short and unremarkable with more apple and pineapple hints, along some rye spice to it and just a little heat that you feel on the way down. In fact, given the prices of 23-year-old Pappy these days, coupled with the fact that we may never see 25-year again, it almost makes sense. Palate is sweet and spicy yet entirely smooth. As The Bourbon Bard noted, "It's versatile with the fruit notes lending themselves to summer drinking and the spice coming through for colder winter nights." But however spurious its suggested origin story, Evan Williams as a bourbon is the real deal. It's not lacking in sweetness, with tasting notes of nougat, figs, dates and caramel corn. Unlike many bourbons which aim for around 90 proof, Knob Creek hits shelves at 100 proof for a full flavor that won't get dulled down in your favorite cocktail (though it's equally delicious sipped neat, especially for those who want to test the waters of the cask-strength trend). 2039 Queen Cross Street . On the palate, Basil Haydens feels thin and watered-down lacking in body. Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. It's our best overall bourbon not by way of life-altering tasting notes which include marmalade, honey and maple but by stuffing the stat sheet in a way no other bourbon can. Woodford Reserve will cost you about $39 for a 750mL bottle at 90.4 proof, or 45.2 percent ABV. Woodford will make a better mixer, and Maker's will make a better sipper. If God gave birth to a bourbon child, this is what it would taste like, Minnick says. 84 % Wild Turkey Rare Breed [112.8/56.4] Review 72 % Kings County Distillery Straight Bourbon Review 94 % Four Roses Limited Edition Small Batch Review They come from different price segments Woodford Reserve is considered a premium brand, while Buffalo Trace's price puts it squarely in the standard segment. Non-Distiller Producers (NDP): Companies that purchase their whiskey from someone else rather than making it themselves. Basil Hayden is an easier drinking whiskey in my opinion. Online Ordering Unavailable. Whether you're looking for a truly unique splurge or searching for the perfect bottle to augment all of your favorite whiskey cocktails, we've got the best bourbon options from the classic to the esoteric that deserve a place in your drinking rotation. But brands like Basil Hayden and Woodford Reserve are both excellent introductions to the world of straight bourbon whiskey. This is because of its popularity; the brand simply can't make enough of the stuff to satisfy its thirsty fans. You also get a the roasted peanut note you get in every whiskey crafted at the Jim Beam Distillery. I've always enjoyed woodford far more. This 95% New York-grown corn bourbon holds the distinction of being the first (legal) whiskey produced in the state since Prohibition. It's a cask strength blend created by the blending masters at Barrell Craft Spirits and it is a doozy. But Evan Williams is a value brand. This rare bourbon doesnt have any age statement, but the blend was made up of 11 to 17-year-old barrels, considered rare. Its balance and wide appeal are what puts Knob Creek near the top of our list. "Chewing" teases out sweet caramel, chocolate, and oak. In Basil Hayden he created the kind of whiskey he loved; spicy yet smooth, both rich and sweet. Basil Hayden's is a low-proof, high-rye premium bourbon whiskey. The latter is a blend of a 16-year-old bourbon and a 15-year-old high-rye bourbon that pays tribute to the familys first distiller, Jacob Beam, and its said to be some of the best bourbon being produced at the busy distillery. Basil Hayden's 10 Yr Bourbon. Similiar to Basil Hayden, Bulleit also goes the route of a higher rye mashbill and ditches the wheat. The holy grail of bourbon brands announced its annual slate of whiskeys in October 2022, and the release includes a total of five bourbons along with a rye. Its got so much caramel, and a beautiful nutmeg note, Minnick says. Today, the brand produces numerous expressions of bourbon, from its young, sweet Original Bourbon to its Green Label, Black Label, Rye, and other varieties. Discover the differences between Basil Haydens vs Woodford Reserve in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You! and all are worth seeking out. It was created in honor of Meredith Basil Hayden Sr., who distilled his bourbon with a higher percentage of rye since 1796. Woodford Reserve is a modern bourbon brand with deep roots per Breaking Bourbon, it's produced and bottled in a distillery dating back to 1780. Woodford Reserve straight bourbon costs around $40 for a 750ml and is cheaper than Basil Hayden's 750ml bottle costs about $46. Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: Head to Head! Prices are approximate and stated in USD: I am a bar and liquor shop owner in Oaxaca, Mexico where I have tasted hundreds of different spirits; perhaps more than I should! It's not that Basil Hayden's is a bad whisky, far from it. We had to wait for another 10 years until 2012 when Woodford Reserve gave the world their double oaked offering. But deciding between two whiskey selections . Basil Hayden, Four Rose's, etc Hard to beat Angel's Envy and Woodford Double Oak for the price point, but I think Jim Beam hit a homerun with their Double Oak . Let's just say that it's very chocolatey. While not as big a name as Jim Beam or Wild Turkey, it's a widely distributed brand that you can serve at a big party without breaking the bank, yet won't be ashamed to mix into a cocktail for that bourbon snob friend. A 100-proof blend of 2017 and 2019 bourbons, Major's mix which is the first in Dread River's new Master Series has tasting notes of cherry, apples, oak and light vanilla. Basil Hayden has a bit more rye in the recipe from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where Hayden . If you're looking for a do-it-all bourbon, this bottle is exactly what your bar cart needs. This bourbon ages for 7 years in one of the few warehouses that uses heat cycling. Wheres the thirsty modern man, farmer or otherwise, to begin? Woodford Reserve is a really high quality sipping bourbon and an easy entry point for the whiskey newcomer. Average Price: around $50 /750ml (MSRP) Alcohol Content: 45% ABV. But remember, taste is subjective, and at the end of the day, your rankings are the only ones that count. It has a light mouthfeel and is less sweet than its aroma would suggest. It has 77% corn, 13% rye, and 10% malted barley, is made in small batches and is bottled at 80-proof or 40% ABV. The sour mash prevents wild yeast from entering the mash and causing infections. Much of the difference will come down to individual store and location, but you should be able to find a bottle of each for right around $30 and a full handle for $55-60. Jack Daniel's vs Knob Creek: Which Whiskey Wins? Nose: Mild nose with upfront hints of dried fruit and sweet notes of oak, vanilla, citrus, and caramel. Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon. And there are a lot of expressions, from their flagship 80-proof bourbon to their small-batch, single-barrel, and limited releases, offering bourbon geeks numerous options to collect and explore. At a minimum, bourbon must be 80 proof (or 40 percent alcohol), with its mash never allowed to exceed 160 proof (or 80 percent alcohol). Both bourbons are considered to be in the premium pricing segment. Color: It has a golden-brown color feature. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Clearly, such heritage brands have stood the test of time here's how they fare in comparison with newer players in the bourbon game. Expensive Bottle: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Woodford Reserve. Case in point is the original wheated bourbon, Wellers signature 12-year bourbon. It's buttery, and aged around eight years (although it no longer guarantees any such term), and has a pleasant spice that's nice . The finish brings additional sweetness, along oak, and satisfying warmth that lingers. Dont know if this peanut note is by design or by accident but is the common theme at Jim Beam. Even better, the brand crafts a special bottling for the Derby each year, making it perfect for collectorsthis year's version features an oil painting by Kentucky artist Jamie Corum. Basil Hayden's for the win on that count. Officially defined as American-made corn-based whiskey aged in new charred oak barrels, bourbon first emerged in the 1780s in Kentucky, where settlers from Scotland and Ireland adapted their whiskey-making skills to local ingredients, as explained byThe Spruce Eats. In other words, it's easy to drink with all the expected bourbon flavors and aromas, with plenty of depth for serious sippers to appreciate. You may or may not see these bottles show up in a more official form in a future version of this guide once we've tried them ourselves. Finish: Short finish with light fruity hints and lingering charred oak notes. You might notice there isnt a price, proof, tasting notes or distillery information listed on this pick. Itmakes a great sipper due to its smoothnessand is yet spicy due to rich cinnamon notes. Thats nuts in todays whiskey world. This Tennessee bourbon has become a runaway fan-favorite since it debuted in the spring of 2020. It is also produced in Jim Beams Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. However, its original distillery started in 1812 and eventually became a National Historic Landmark. Woodford Reserve has a creamy smooth texture but has the right level of heat for good bourbon. The McKenna distillery was established in 1855, founded by the noted Irish immigrant distiller. Oh, and it's sold in liters. Dread River Master Series by Eboni Major: Eboni Major is one of the rising stars of the bourbon world. In the case of Woodford Reserve, that's century after century. In short, Barton 1792 is nothing to write home about, but it offers solidly made bourbon that hits the right notes for those with traditional tastes. It could be smoother and its hotness may strike some as excessive but it offers remarkable quality for a budget tipple, which is why it deserves a position in our top five bourbons. Even serious bourbon connoisseurs know there's a time to break out the fancy stuff and a time when an affordable mass-market brand fits the bill quite nicely. Woodford Reserve is truly a giant in the whiskey industry and for good reason. Yes. All content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. This tends to produce a softer, less spicy whiskey. Woodford Reserve contains 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley and is bottled with 45.2% ABV or 90.4-proof. How about the fact that this is the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby? Plum, pear, cocoa and vanilla are among the tasting notes here. The notes kind of just linger. Numerous bourbon brands trace their roots to the 1800s or earlier. IN-DEPTH REVIEW. Produced by a respected distiller (Wild Turkey)? Bulleit Bourbon. 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