Let's vat some Basil Hayden

[Jono]

Who is up for some science? I have some Basil Hayden to finish off....how about some suggestions for vatting!

I think the Basil Hayden is missing something...body to start with...so how about starting off middle of the road and working our way up?

I have a bunch of shot glasses set up...will try:

1. BH 50% + MM 50%
2. BH 50% + BT 50%
3. BH 50% + EC 12 50%

Jump in if you dare!

[Jono]

BH + MM.....still too much BH...the MM was not strong enough to add much.
BH + BT....now there is a difference...more burn...more flavor.
BH + EC...not good...something is off.

Definitely go with the bolder bourbon to bring the BH up.
However...none of the flavor profiles above are good enough to recommend.

[CorvallisCracker]

BH + MM.....still too much BH...the MM was not strong enough to add much.

Two wrongs don't make a right.

although it's been said that three lefts do.

[Jono]

Dumping the 3 shots together...hey..not bad...smooth...decent body...actually, fairly yummy!

[TNbourbon]

Rye has a stronger flavor presence than wheat, though that is somewhat offset by Hayden's low proof. 50-50, rye/wheat is too much rye.
Ideally, I think, I'd assay maybe 1 part Basil Hayden's with 3 parts Old Weller Antique 107. If that's not available, go with 1:2 or 2:3 Hayden:Weller 12/Weller SR/Maker's.

[Jono]

I have some Weller Special Reserve...

[Jono]

Ok....comparing straight BH w WSR...forgive my limited adjectives.

Shot glasses.,..BH + WSR (1:4) slightly darker..more honeyed...BH light gold..straw colored.

Nose...BH + WSR...sweeter smell...BH a little more alcohol odor.

Taste - BH...some sweet note plus somewhat sharp, astringent..a lingering bitter finish...wood.
BH + WSR...still sharp but less so...not as astringent...has a thicker mouth...orange notes? ...still, a somewhat bitter finish.

Improved with WSR...yes...but still not an ideal flavor.

Dumped the rest of the BH shot into the mix...ratio about 3:5 BH to WSR. Not much difference in overall taste...

[Jono]

If anyone comes up with a killer vatting of BH let me know!

[Gillman]

All the suggestions are good but the 1:2 BH to Weller 107 or Weller 12 from Tim sounds perfect. BH has a strong taste of the Beam trademark anise. It's a taste that I find adds character to bourbon if the full-bore Beam taste is brought down a bit. The relative lack of body of BH at 80 proof is dealt with by using the fuller body of a good wheater like the ones mentioned. It might work with MM too at the same ratio but you'd be staying with an overall light-bodied bourbon (nothing wrong with that though, sometimes). Had to smile at Scott's joke!

Also, any combination mentioned above but 1:3 instead of 1:2. A little of the BH taste will go a long way.

Gary

[Jono]

Master Gillman...here goes:

Weller SR...has a nice, light nose, sweet..mild on the tongue...actually....reminds me of BH without the woody taste at the finish.

BH:WSR 1:3..........pick up more alcohol and complex scents in the nose...taste...interesting....not a classic...but a decent light bourbon...the wood finish is lessened.

Ok, as both bottles are about finished...they will be dumped together. Now, more room for some new selections....doubt I will be buy either again.

P.S. as my Blackbush is about empty...dumped that in too...hey..that perks things up abit...added some sweetness....maybe a winning dump/vat! Final...1 BH, 1 BB, 3 WSR.