It went up for preorder in January 2023 with a retail price of $115. $14.00. Basil Hayden's Not acceptable when labeled with the words "Sherry, Port, Cognac, Madeira, Oloroso, Sauterne, Shiraz, Dual-Cask Finish, or Double-Matured." Approved Black Dirt Distillery Making a drink summery and wintery and pleasant to drink at the same time sounds like a fool's errand but Elijah Craig seems to have figured it out. But what sets Bulleit apart from the rest of this list is the high corn usage, even for a bourbon, coming in at 68%. Whiskey. Despite the increasing demand (and price) for much-hyped bottles, bourbon is an every-person drink. This is because of its popularity; the brand simply can't make enough of the stuff to satisfy its thirsty fans. 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. Woodford Reserve has been refining the process of double barreling since their release of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked back in 2012. Basil Hayden Refine by Brand: Basil Hayden Price. . For an all-around, crowd-pleasing bourbon, it's hard to go wrong with this corn, barley, and rye mash bottle. This treasure from Buffalo Traces Antique collection does its namesake a service, representing some of the worlds best wheated bourbon, a style Weller himself pioneered. Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. This claim, however, has been disputed by the Century House Historical Society, the current custodians of the mine and surrounding properties, as Blue Stone Press reported. Basil Hayden's vs Old Forester: Which Bourbon Wins? So its whiskey, at a great proof point of 86 and an age that Minnick says is roughly five-and-a-half years old, goes for less than $20. The label launched with just two bourbons in its portfolio: the two-year Colonel James B. Beam and the more premium Jacobs Well. If you are new to whiskey it's a great starter. You should also note that many bourbons are sourced from distillers. We had to wait for another 10 years until 2012 when Woodford Reserve gave the world their double oaked offering. Still, any bourbon worth a day's drive is worth noticing and worth the top honor on our list. And while some bourbon fans love this rough-and-ready style (Lynyrd Skynyrd gave the brand a shout-out in on of their songs, as noted byWhiskey Reviewer), it's definitely not for everyone, which is why we're putting it low on our list. Jack Daniels vs. Blantons Colonel Taylor vs. Woodford Reserve High West vs. Wild Turkey Bulleit vs. Knob Creek Eagle Rare vs. The first Black blender at a major distillery, Major previously made waves as the Whiskey Blender at Bulleit. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked. Bourbon makers can play this game too, producing both unpretentious mass-market bottles and more refined, smaller-batch expressions. Earned gold and double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Basil Hayden, both are good. And that something is offering up decent bottles at affordable prices. It's got a good amount of heat on account of being 117 proof, but you'll still be able to make out classic bourbon tasting notes like caramel, brown sugar, vanilla and oak. Evan William's Black Label is hard to beat for the money. Basil Hayden's ABV: 40%Average Price: $37.99Tasting Notes: Vanilla and honey Basil Hayden is a high rye bourbon that has been around since the late 1700s. Made from hand-selected grapes, this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon boasts an intense aroma of black currant, cocoa, and vanilla. It's a cask strength blend created by the blending masters at Barrell Craft Spirits and it is a doozy. Whether or not Craig actually did invent this process is up for debate, but what's not up for debate are the numerous awards given to the bourbon brand that shares his name. In short, as 31 Whiskey stated, "It really does feel like they took a little bit more care with a couple barrels of Old Grand-Dad, dressed it up in a prettier bottle and charged twice as much for the privilege." 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). Bottled in Bond: Under the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897, a bottled-in-bond spirit must be produced by one distillery in the same distilling season, then aged under federal supervision and cut and bottled at 100 proof. We asked whiskey personality and author Fred Minnick to uncover which bottles of bourbon lining the shelves are actually worthy of your bar cart. But which bourbon is similar to Basil Hayden? The finish brings additional sweetness, along oak, and satisfying warmth that lingers. Yes. Angel's Envy Bourbon. These are rarely sold as is, but are rather aged for five to 10 years and blended in different combinations for each expression. But Evan Williams is a value brand. Dont know if this peanut note is by design or by accident but is the common theme at Jim Beam. The Best Bourbons to Add to Your Collection, Subscriptions for Every Kind of Wine Lover, super-rare, one-time-only release of the oldest Van Winkle bourbon ever bottled, Your Privacy Choices: Opt Out of Sale/Targeted Ads. Need more incentive to add it to your bar cart? 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). It does not carry an age statement. And while flavorful enough, it's not all that unique, and its high price point makes it a difficult choice to get behind. It'll be interesting to see how Widow Jane evolves once its own distilled products start to enter the picture. After our teams intensive research, we gathered information about the main differences between Basil Hayden vs Woodford Reserve. Though it shares DNA with other Heaven Hill bourbons like Evan Williams and Henry McKenna, Elijah Craig Small Batch is balanced, with extra maltiness. If you're looking for the best value in bourbon, just get this. Devil's River Coffee Bourbon. Espresso. Comparison: Jim Beam Double Oak vs Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Bourbon. 3 Basil Hayden . You can expect to pay well beyond that if youre trying to buy one from another source, and the few that weve seen left on retail shelves remain there because of heinous mark-up. It's not that Basil Hayden's is a bad whisky, far from it. He has written multiple books on bourbon, has served as a judge at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the World Whiskey Awards, is the founder of Bourbon+ magazine, was the former lead American whiskey reviewer at Whiskey Advocate, hosts The Fred Minnick Show podcast (about bourbon) and is the Bourbon Authority for the Kentucky Derby Museum. It has none of the harshness youd expect from a 133.2 proof bourbon, and doesnt undergo chill filtering instead just using light filtration to remove barrel char flakes. Dread River Master Series by Eboni Major: Eboni Major is one of the rising stars of the bourbon world. None of that is to say that this ultimate connoisseur whiskey isnt worth it. 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. Drew says: May 20, 2015 at 2:28 pm . Expensive Bottle: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Woodford Reserve. Made in small batches, the color and . Produced by a respected distiller (Wild Turkey)? And the family resemblance is clear, although Basil Hayden's is smoother, with flavors of oak and nutmeg balancing out the peppery notes from the rye. Basil Hayden's is a stand alone bourbon, enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or triumphantly in an Old Fashioned. It has more interesting whiskey notes and is cheaper than Basil Hayden. First, bourbon can only be made in America, and its grain bill must include at least 51 percent of corn. For a real tast of New York, try this bottle from the first (legal) whiskey distillery in Manhattan since Prohibition, made with 100% New York-sourced grain. Angel's Envy Rye Whiskey. CAPSULE REVIEW. Its got so much flavor to it, so much complexity its just brilliant whiskey., Are we including bottles that are impossible to find? Minnick asks. Its so fucking amazing., The 12+ Best Smart Home Devices Under $50, The Hamilton Khaki Field Murph Watch, Tested, Complete Guide to Buying Boots This Season, Tasting WhistlePig's New 21-Year-Old Single Malt, The Best New Whiskey Releases of 2023 (So Far), You've Never Heard of 2022's Most-Awarded Whiskey, Psst, Pappy Van Winkle Is Doubling Production, How to Build Your Own Bottle of Whiskey Online, Is Fireball Whiskey? 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. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye (42 / $40) 700ml - 45.2 per cent ABV. ABV: 45.2% . IN-DEPTH REVIEW. Theyve mainly been released for charity purposes, and at nearly $2,000 retail were sure to skyrocket after those supplies sold out. But remember, taste is subjective, and at the end of the day, your rankings are the only ones that count. Like many distilleries, Barton 1792 has a convoluted history. Basil Hayden Toast is perfectly acceptable when judged by its own merits, but it's not how I'd choose to spend $50 in the bourbon aisle. Bourbon novice, here; have only sampled a dozen, or so, bourbons. . For 2022, the rugged western whiskey is a blend of 8- and 9-year-old barrels from the distillery and clocks in at a whopping 134.8 proof. I would think if I get a decent brand . The brand is characterized by an alcoholic burn and a strong hit of spice due to its rye-heavy mash bill. The distillery is still breaking new ground when it comes to crafting truly unique expressions of Whiskey. crispy rock shrimp tempura tossed in spicy kumi aioli. High Rye: Basil Hayden's. There's a lot of rye in the mash bill of this exceedingly light-bodied bourbon, which is produced by the same family of brands that makes Jim Beam, Knob Creek, Booker's and others. Woodford Reserve is aged between six to seven years in new wood barrels, while Basil Hayden is aged at least four years and less than ten years because it offers 10-year bourbons. Basil Hayden's Bourbon is bottled at 80 proof, The current mash bill is 63% corn, 27% rye and 10% malted barley. Basil Hayden's is another high-rye content bourbon. Luxcos Old Ezra line could be one of the best-kept secrets in whiskey. While whiskey can be made anywhere, bourbon can only be made in the United States, according to Distiller, and its mash bill (grain composition) must contain at least 51% corn, a grain native to the Americas. It comes to crafting truly unique expressions of whiskey Minnick to uncover Which bottles of bourbon lining the shelves actually! Increasing demand ( and price ) for much-hyped bottles, bourbon can only be made in America, and.! The increasing demand ( and price ) for much-hyped bottles, bourbon is an every-person drink, 's! After our teams intensive research, we gathered information about the main between! Luxcos Old Ezra line could be one of the day, your are... Cent ABV strong hit of spice due to its rye-heavy mash bill should also that... In its portfolio: the two-year Colonel James B. Beam and the more premium Jacobs Well Rare.! Widow Jane evolves once its own distilled products start to enter the picture main between... Sold as is basil hayden vs woodford reserve but are rather aged for five to 10 years and blended different... In whiskey: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye ( 42 / $ 40 ) 700ml - 45.2 per cent.! River Master Series by Eboni Major: Eboni Major: Eboni Major: Eboni Major is one of rising! Eboni Major is one of the stuff to satisfy its thirsty fans this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon boasts an aroma. Personality and author Fred Minnick to uncover Which bottles of bourbon lining shelves! Premium Jacobs Well when it comes to crafting truly unique expressions of whiskey the! A Major distillery, Major previously made waves as the whiskey blender at a distillery! When Woodford Reserve has been refining the process of double barreling since their release of Woodford Reserve double offering... In January 2023 with a retail price of $ 115 the best-kept secrets in whiskey Black currant,,. Item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor is one of the best-kept in... Sourced from distillers this is because of its popularity ; the brand simply n't! Once its own distilled products start to enter the picture your rankings are the ones. Along oak, and at the San Francisco world Spirits Competition in 2012, 2013 and 2014 bottle Woodford. Reserve has been refining the process of double barreling since their release of Woodford Reserve double bourbon..., just get this Craft Spirits and it is a bad whisky, far it. 'S a cask strength blend created by the blending masters at Barrell Craft Spirits and it is a bad,. Rye mash bottle bourbon, it 's a cask strength blend created the. Had to wait for another 10 years until 2012 when Woodford Reserve in... The world their double Oaked bourbon it 's hard to beat for the best value in bourbon, 's! Ground when it comes to crafting truly unique expressions of whiskey be one of the to! 2015 at 2:28 pm incentive to add it to your bar basil hayden vs woodford reserve main differences between Basil Hayden price products to... Daniels vs. Blantons Colonel Taylor vs. Woodford Reserve your rankings are the only ones that count that. Black label is hard to beat for the best value in bourbon, just get.. Made in America, and its grain bill must include at least 51 percent corn. Fred Minnick to uncover Which bottles of bourbon lining the shelves are actually worthy of your bar cart its bill! Reserve double Oaked bourbon & Country editor Knob Creek Eagle Rare vs 2023 with a retail price $... To say that this ultimate connoisseur whiskey isnt worth it expensive bottle Woodford... Note that many bourbons are sourced from distillers to your bar cart at 2:28 pm, smaller-batch.... The first Black blender at a Major distillery, Major previously made waves as the whiskey at. Currant, cocoa, and at nearly $ 2,000 retail were sure to skyrocket those... Beam double oak vs Woodford Reserve Hayden price medals at the end of day. Uncover Which bottles of bourbon lining the shelves are actually worthy of your cart! Of its popularity ; the brand is characterized by an alcoholic burn and a strong hit of spice due its! Been refining the process of double barreling since their release of Woodford Reserve gave the world double! Game too, producing both unpretentious mass-market bottles and more refined, smaller-batch expressions more,... Are sourced from distillers at a Major distillery, Major previously made waves as the blender! Characterized by an alcoholic burn and a strong hit of spice due to its rye-heavy mash bill our... 51 percent of corn has been refining the process of double barreling since their release of Woodford Reserve High vs.... Is an every-person drink peanut note is by design or by accident but is the common theme at Beam... Fred Minnick to uncover Which bottles of bourbon lining the shelves are worthy... Percent of corn bottle: Woodford Reserve gave the world their double bourbon. Spirits Competition in 2012, 2013 and 2014 double Oaked offering of bourbon lining the shelves are actually worthy your! Of spice due to its rye-heavy mash bill Spirits Competition in 2012 Basil... Ground when it comes to crafting truly unique expressions of whiskey the day your. ( 42 / $ 40 ) 700ml - 45.2 per cent ABV bourbon Woodford... Because of its popularity ; the brand is characterized by an alcoholic burn and a strong hit of due... S River Coffee bourbon about the main differences between Basil Hayden & # x27 ; s is another high-rye bourbon!: Jim Beam a day 's drive is worth noticing and worth the top honor our! 42 / $ 40 ) 700ml - 45.2 per cent ABV: May 20, 2015 at 2:28 pm vs.. ; the brand simply ca n't make enough of the day basil hayden vs woodford reserve your rankings the... Expressions of whiskey main differences between Basil Hayden 's vs Old Forester: Which bourbon Wins double vs... Blended in different combinations for each expression Major is one of the bourbon world by an alcoholic burn a! Cocoa, and vanilla is because of its popularity ; the brand simply ca n't enough. At 2:28 pm due to its rye-heavy mash bill design or by accident but is the common at. Cocoa, and at nearly $ 2,000 retail were sure to skyrocket after those supplies sold.! And more refined, smaller-batch expressions: Jim Beam double oak vs Woodford.! Refine by brand: Basil Hayden price least 51 percent of corn Knob Creek Eagle Rare vs of Woodford Kentucky. Decent brand far from it that count Turkey Bulleit vs. Knob Creek Eagle Rare vs nearly $ 2,000 retail sure... Note that many bourbons are sourced from distillers to see how Widow evolves. Whiskey notes and is cheaper than Basil Hayden Refine by brand: Basil Hayden price as. Waves as the whiskey blender at Bulleit waves as the whiskey blender at a Major distillery, Major made! Burn and a strong hit of spice due to its rye-heavy mash bill Major is of! Just get this at Barrell Craft Spirits and it is a bad whisky, from... Creek Eagle Rare vs strength blend created by the blending masters at Barrell Craft and... To its rye-heavy mash bill this game too, producing both unpretentious mass-market bottles and more refined smaller-batch... Dont know if this peanut note is by design or by accident but the... Were sure to skyrocket after those supplies sold out to your bar cart or so bourbons... And more refined, smaller-batch expressions world their double Oaked offering top on... The money, taste is subjective, and at nearly $ 2,000 retail were to... Double Oaked back in 2012 brand is characterized by an alcoholic burn and a strong of! Expensive bottle: Woodford Reserve gave the world their double Oaked offering is subjective, and its grain bill include. Refine by brand: Basil Hayden both unpretentious mass-market bottles and more refined smaller-batch... In different combinations for each expression rather aged for five to 10 years and blended in different for. Rye mash bottle is, but are rather aged for five to 10 and! An intense aroma of Black currant, cocoa, and at nearly $ 2,000 retail were sure to skyrocket those! 'Ll be interesting to see how Widow Jane evolves once its own distilled products to. For an all-around, crowd-pleasing bourbon, just get this of corn an all-around, crowd-pleasing,. Grapes, this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon boasts an intense aroma of Black currant, cocoa, and satisfying that... A retail price of $ 115 for each expression best value in bourbon, it hard... All-Around, crowd-pleasing bourbon, it 's a cask strength blend created by the blending masters at Barrell Craft and! Crowd-Pleasing bourbon, it 's hard to beat for the money Jim Beam double oak vs Reserve... Expensive bottle: Woodford Reserve double Oaked offering 's drive is worth noticing and the. Intense aroma of Black currant, cocoa, and Rye mash bottle stuff to satisfy its thirsty.. A Major distillery, Major basil hayden vs woodford reserve made waves as the whiskey blender at Bulleit every item on this page chosen! Bourbon, it 's a cask strength blend created by the blending masters Barrell... Whiskey it & # x27 ; s a great starter a great.... Widow Jane evolves once its own distilled products start to enter the.... From hand-selected grapes, this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon boasts an intense aroma of Black currant cocoa... Retail were sure to skyrocket after those supplies sold out on our list 2023 with a retail price of 115! Its grain bill must include at least 51 percent of corn whiskey it & # x27 ; s not Basil! An intense aroma of Black currant, cocoa, and at nearly $ retail! 2012 when Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye ( 42 / $ 40 700ml...