BOTM,11/07:Basil Haydens

[bobbyc]

This Month we'll look at another entry from Jim Beam in their Small Batch Collection, Basil Haydens. Old Granddad's youngest offspring and at a lighter proof. Some mention has occurred in the past about the expensive package and the price, but what about the bourbon in the glass.

Raise a glass to Jim Beam and the Old Granddad himself, Basil Hayden.

Sound off

[camduncan]

Now there's my perfect excuse to go out and buy a bottle tonight

[WhiskeyRiver]

I'm a Maker's Mark and water guy, but when I want something neat, BH is always my choice.

[nor02lei]

Lacks proof. I would really want to taste this at 100 proof instead!

Leif

[jburlowski]

BH is actually one of my favorite pours. It was the first "real" (i.e., not JBW) bourbon that I got into. Love the rye tang. And it;s old enough to show some balance and maturity without woodiness.

I know that others will object to the low proof, but I like that aspect when I want a lighter pour, like on a hot summer day while barbecuing.

Wish the price were lower.... but that can be said for many things in life.

[cas]

This is one I'll opt for in a restaurant or bar when the choice is limited. But I don't ever buy it to have on the shelf at home. There are too many better options.
Craig

[camduncan]

I know this isn't about tasting......yet

In the available small batch collection here (I don't count the crap 'Small batch with port added' bottle Jim beam replaced Knob Creek with) - Basil Hayden (AU $70), Bakers (AU $85) and Bookers (AU $90), Basil Hayden is the cheapest. However the Small Batch Collection bourbons are the three most expensive bourbons widely distributed in this country.

When I can buy two bottles of Makers Mark for $90, a bottle of Wild Turkey Russells Reserve 101 for $75, Bulleit for $45, Elijah Craig for $40 and Evan Williams Single Barrel for $45..... I have trouble justifying spending $70 on BH.
Of course, in the spirit of BOTM, I'll be buying one on my trip to the bottle shop today

[cowdery]

It's really the price, more than the low proof, that keeps me from drinking Basil Hayden's more often. Same deal with Blanton's, to which I would compare it. Both are good bourbon starters for scotch drinkers, especially drinkers of blended scotch. The low proof mainly limits your options, because you pretty much have to drink it neat if you want any flavor at all.

Beam has not followed many of the other companies in terms of frequent new product intros or limited releases, but while I think BH as it is has its place, I'd love to taste Beam's high-rye formula in maybe a 10-year-old BIB.

[HighTower]

Had some of this tonight, and enjoyed it as always.
Very easy to drink.

Scott

[Jono]

I never was a fan of this whiskey...however...after trying it again from an opened bottle purchased about 5 years ago it seems to have improved...though I won't be buying it again.