A popular marketing strategy is for companies to offer product lines and brands at different price points. Earned gold and double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Beer Barrel Bourbon. But don't think of these unusual expressions as mere gimmicks Whiskey Reviewer gave Old Forester's 150th Anniversary Bourbon a grade of A for its intensely fruity nose, reminiscent of cherries and bananas, as well as a lush mouthfeel. So how does it taste? Is Woodford Reserve bourbon smoother than Basil Hayden? Basil Hayden's 8-yr Old Bourbon, 750ml - $53.43 Black Velvet Canadian, 1.75 liter - $21.77 . 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. Whiskey. 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. With that kind of small production size, each batch has to be perfect, which means getting the personal thumbs up from Michter's Master Distiller and a tasting panel for notes of stone fruit, caramel, and a hint of smoke. Woodford Reserve may have done almost too good a job at making premium bourbon acceptable today, with hundreds of craft distillers creating their own premium blends, Woodford Reserve now falls near the middle of the curve in terms of price and status. City: Clermont, KY. This rare bourbon doesnt have any age statement, but the blend was made up of 11 to 17-year-old barrels, considered rare. But which bourbon is similar to Basil Hayden? Woodford Reserve 1.75L: $54-60. Buy Now. Rather, Widow Jane currently sources its bourbons from several undisclosed distilleries in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana, then barrel-ages and blends them which is how a nine-year-old company has been able to sell 10-year-old bourbon since its inception. 2039 Queen Cross Street . Its bottled at 115 proof for this distillery, thats the perfect proof, Minnick says. 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. 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. Flavor is oak up-front, soaked grains and moves to sweet cherry in the middle. Easy enough to sip it neat, rocks or in cocktails making it quite versatile. Basil Hayden and Woodford Reserve are both excellent kinds of straight bourbon whiskey. Don't tell your bourbon-drinking friends, but Russell's spicy-caramel-and-vanilla-tasting Reserve 10-year-old bourbon is one of the best values in the bourbon world. Each of its releases makes clear what went into it distillery location, whiskey age, proof, etc. As Malt Review shared, it's "mouth-puckeringly tart at first" with an "iron-like stiffness from the beginning to the end of the mouth" and "the spiciness of Big Red chewing gum." This whiskey is Basil Hayden's entry level bourbon. ($70 vs. $199). This tends to produce a softer, less spicy whiskey. . Made in small batches, the color and weight on the tongue is lighter, with a bright spiciness and a dry finish that will convert any whiskey lover who deems bourbon "too sweet.". But nowadays we're living in a bourbon renaissance, as sophisticated drinkers have started adding bourbon to their bar cart essentials. [] crafted at the Jim Beam Distillery is present in the Knob Creek; this note is shared by Jim Beam, Basil Haydens, Old Grand Dad, Bookers, Old []. I drink so much Makers with BBQ, he says. It was neither founded by anyone named Barton nor was it founded in 1792 (rather, that date refers to the year of Kentucky's statehood, according to Malt). Though it shares DNA with other Heaven Hill bourbons like Evan Williams and Henry McKenna, Elijah Craig Small Batch is balanced, with extra maltiness. I always keep a bottle handy - good to sip, bit not so expensive etc that you cant mix it if needed (i.e. Chicken Katsu Sando. Online Ordering Unavailable. Like Evan Williams, Elijah Craig is a Heaven Hill distillery brand named for a legendary figure in bourbon history. The difference can be clearly seen in the respective ingredient blends, as Dill-D'ascoli notes when he breaks down the brand's mash bill: Woodford Reserve contains 72 percent corn, 18 percent . The bourbon from this grain-to-bottle Colorado distillery is made from heirloom grains from two family farms fermented in a traditional open air method and aged in white oak barrels for a complex, warm and spicy sip. Today, many of Old Forester's expressions are formulated and marketed to evoke the brand's long history. Both bourbons are considered to be in the premium pricing segment. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique cocktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. 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. 8 Brand Bourbon. . While there's no age statement on the bottle, it's believed that Double Oaked is aged for at least six years. Expensive Bottle: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Woodford Reserve. 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. Espresso. Nice, easy-drinking proof? Conundrum Red Blend is an enigmatic and complex wine that is sure to captivate your senses. Their Barrel Proof Bourbon was named Whiskey of the Year by Whisky Advocate in 2017. Minnick has a unique use for one of bourbons classic names. You might notice there isnt a price, proof, tasting notes or distillery information listed on this pick. But brands like Basil Hayden and Woodford Reserve are both excellent introductions to the world of straight bourbon whiskey. Don't take Woodford Reserve's Double Oaked's ubiquity for mediocrity. Despite the increasing demand (and price) for much-hyped bottles, bourbon is an every-person drink. It was intended from the start to be a premium brand a radical idea at the time when bourbon was seen as a working person's drink. 2039 Queen Cross Street. As The Whiskey Reviewer noted, the Black Bourbon, in particular, "would be appropriate for an inexpensive go-to, for cocktails or mixers.". 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. But it successfully managed to earn both public acceptance and respect, even becoming the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby. First, bourbon can only be made in America, and its grain bill must include at least 51 percent of corn. The process involves moving the whiskey through a series of barrels in a specific patterns so that each barrel is constantly being renewed and enriched with both aged and young spirits, for a complex, nuanced profile. . $14.00. Opening in 1939, The Regency Room has remained at the heart of the Roanoke social and cultural experience. But Old Forester, which got its start in 1870, is unusual in that it's stayed in the hands of a single family since its founder, a pharmaceutical salesman, decided to dive into distilling, according toMalt. Looking to buy a gift for someone else, I was told they like Basil Hayden and Woodford Reserve. Lots of rye spices mingle with sweet vanilla on the palate here. Non-Distiller Producers (NDP): Companies that purchase their whiskey from someone else rather than making it themselves. 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. 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). Woodford Reserve: Part of the argument for using Woodford Reserve is the same as with Eagle Rare: it is very popular stuff. Evan Williams vs Jack Daniels: Head to Head! "Chewing" teases out sweet caramel, chocolate, and oak. When it comes to .css-gegin5{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.0625rem;text-decoration-color:inherit;text-underline-offset:0.25rem;color:#9a0500;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;transition:all 0.3s ease-in-out;}.css-gegin5:hover{color:#595959;text-decoration-color:border-link-body-hover;}luxurious whiskey, scotch has historically gotten the glory; even Pappy Van Winkle, now one of the most sought-after bottles in the spirits world, once sat ignored on shelves. The . Online Ordering Unavailable. For something around $30, you get an expertly blended whiskey aged a minimum of 8 years with notes of cherry, orange, almond toffee and oak and bottled at a casual 90 proof. Its not complex, but the sweetness is really nice the way it hits the palate. Basil Hayden's is another high-rye content bourbon. It has a highly complex taste, with everything from cotton candy and cayenne pepper to macadamia nuts and underripe blackberries showing up across the nose and palate. This is such a dynamic whiskey, Minnick says. Nose: Heavy dried fruit notes with faint vanilla, tobacco spice, and hints of mints and oak. It carries a less tannic flavor than some long-aged bourbons and shows of the warm, nutty sweetness of its pure corn mash. Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace might not be the first two brand names you think to put side-by-side in a matchup. Basil Haydens Bourbon. This bourbon ages for 7 years in one of the few warehouses that uses heat cycling. Palate: It has peach, orange, and light vanilla notes with woody notes and a rye spice bite. "I would choose Basil Hayden's as a good beginner bourbon," says Bryan Walls, lead bartender at Barnsley Resort . .css-1du65oy{color:#323232;display:block;font-family:NewParis,Georgia,Times,serif;font-weight:normal;margin-bottom:0.3125rem;margin-top:0;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;-webkit-font-smoothing:auto;}@media (any-hover: hover){.css-1du65oy:hover{color:link-hover;}}@media(max-width: 48rem){.css-1du65oy{font-size:1.0625rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1du65oy{font-size:1.0625rem;line-height:1.2;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1du65oy{font-size:1.3125rem;line-height:1.2;}}Subscriptions for Every Kind of Wine Lover, Kentucky Derby Cocktails for Your Race-Day Party, The Best Sparkling Wine for Any Celebration. $0 - 50 Refine by Price: $0 - 50 $50 - 100 Refine by Price: $50 - 100 $100 - 250 Refine by Price: $100 - 250 Type. It was created in honor of Meredith Basil Hayden Sr., who distilled his bourbon with a higher percentage of rye since 1796. But most of all he loved the way it tasted. The notes kind of just linger. It's just an average one packaged in a fancy bottle (it really, really, is a great bottle) and sold at a high price. It has more interesting whiskey notes and is cheaper than Basil Hayden. It's made up of whiskeys from Indiana, Tennessee and Kentucky, with ages ranging from 4 to 16 years old. Let's just say that it's very chocolatey. But remember, taste is subjective, and at the end of the day, your rankings are the only ones that count. 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. Its relatively low-corn mashbill (only 63 percent) is also unique, utilizing a staggering amount of rye and malted barley, creating a spicy bourbon ideal for drinking on the rocks or in a cocktail. I am an avid Basil Hayden enthusiast.I don't do well with makers mark . It is available everywhere and thus resistant to the price gouging associated with brands like Buffalo Trace. Woodford brings a smoother profile, given its lower price. When you think of Wild Turkey, do you picture an unshaven guy sitting by himself in a bar, muttering at the TV and nursing a tumbler of the stuff before shuffling off to a depressing studio apartment somewhere? The Liquor Laboratory is intended for adults over the age of 21 and the legal drinking age. While it has an MSRP of just $40 (and costing half that much just a couple of years ago), its become one of the industrys hottest bottles more recently, and these days market prices hover around $300. tsochicken90 1 yr. ago. Basil Hayden's vs Four Roses Single Barrel: Which Bourbon Wins? Wheated: A bourbon with a higher than normal percentage of mash bill made up of wheat (the main grain remains corn). Woodford Reserve is one of the best-known and sought-after brands in America. 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. 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. . For a truly classic taste, turn to this timeless bottle from the Bourbon Trail. Color: It has a clean, brilliant honey-amber color. Bourbon novice, here; have only sampled a dozen, or so, bourbons. Ninety-nine percent of Dickel products are officially Tennessee Whisky, not bourbon. It lacks body as it feels thin, the finish is quite short and the low proof doesnt help its cause. $52 at Reserve Bar. But the rich aromatic notes of honey, peppermint, and citrus envelope the senses, welcoming your . Palate: Rich, rounded and smooth in texture with toffee, caramel, complex citrus, spice notes, and cinnamon hints. It has a spicy, peppery finish with some heat. But unlike most other bourbon brands, Maker's Mark does not contain any rye, instead supplementing the corn with red winter wheat, according to The Spruce Eats. Read our review for Woodford Reserve Distillers Select here. Its mellow balance helped by the prominent caramel notes of its wheated mash bill doesnt overpower meaty flavors. Plum, pear, cocoa and vanilla are among the tasting notes here. Four Rosess upgrade over its standard offering blends 180 barrels of four different recipes per bottling. The Whiskey Reviewer described its Original Bourbon as having a nose "like a thin, sweet vanilla syrup" and a finish that's "sweet, but not especially long or deep." Woodford Reserve is produced at the Brown-Forman Distillery in Shively, Kentucky. Woodford Reserve will cost you about $39 for a 750mL bottle at 90.4 proof, or 45.2 percent ABV. Basil Hayden, both are good. Notes of stone fruit, brown sugar, and oak and a 90 proof bottling make for a profile that's pleasing on the rocks or mixed into a cocktail. Basil Hayden Maker's Mark vs. Four Roses Old Forrester vs. Elijah Craig. Benchmark Old No. 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. This process involves cooling and heating the air to closely control the aging. Whiskey. 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. Im going through a bottle a month. Sour mash and bottled-in-bond, non-distiller-producers and high-ryes. But however spurious its suggested origin story, Evan Williams as a bourbon is the real deal. Woodford Reserve has been refining the process of double barreling since their release of Woodford Reserve Double Oaked back in 2012. Book a table now at Ruth's Chris Steak House - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor on KAYAK and check out their information, 0 photos and 125 unbiased reviews from real diners. Accomplished_Buy_119 1 yr. ago. Order Basil Hayden's Dark Rye online from Hamilton's VI. The rest of the nation is just kinda getting to know em, Minnick says. So if you've ever enjoyed bourbon from Maker's Mark or Jim Beam, know that you've experienced a taste of early American history. Basil Hayden's Rye 10 Year. Dont know if this peanut note is by design or by accident but is the common theme at Jim Beam. Evan William's Black Label is hard to beat for the money. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked vs Woodford Distiller's Select is a hotly debated topic in my house. Basil Hayden's is a stand alone bourbon, enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or triumphantly in an Old Fashioned. Eagle Rare and Buffalo Trace are made from the same mash bill (one of a few bills that the distillery uses to fill its many bottlings). One of the few universally praised non-macro whiskey makers in the U.S., its 6-year-old offering is Bottled-in-Bond, sweet mash bourbon with flavor that suggests the "6" on the label is a typo this bourbon tastes significantly older. Basil Hayden's Bourbon is bottled at 80 proof, The current mash bill is 63% corn, 27% rye and 10% malted barley. The Whiskey Reviewer further noted that it doesn't offer those drinking it "any surprises," as "there are no twists or particularly subtle nuances." Crown Royal Special Reserve Whiskey, 750ml - $41.38 Dalwhinnie 15-yr Old Single Malt Scotch, 750ml - $66.68 Don Julio Tequila Blanco, 1.75 liter - $87.80 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." . Whiskey. It is a good option for bourbon newbies because it is an easy-drinking bourbon with a less complex taste than Woodford Reserve. This full-flavored whiskey packs a punch. 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. I like Woodford Reserve but it's easy to name that one for its smoothness, and not necessarily for its distinct flavor vs. others perhaps? Especially "small batch" bourbons . IN-DEPTH REVIEW. Hardins Creek Jacobs Well: In summer 2022, bourbon legend Jim Beam launched a new high-end label called Hardins Creek. I've always enjoyed woodford far more. 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. And this year the brand got its 9-year age guarantee back, too. REVIEW. Explore menu, see photos and read 879 reviews: "Wow, what an overall experience. Top 12 Bourbons Similar To Basil Hayden Bourbon. Bourbons with double maturation, especially finished in port wine barrels, are huge A tequila drink is made of blue agave plants that have been For centuries, drinking whiskey, Scotch, and vodka has been used as a Don Julio Primavera, a reposado tequila, is a limited offering from the 2-Ingredient Tequila Drinks You Need To Try Now (2023), Knob Creek vs Makers Mark Bourbon: Which is Better? You also get a the roasted peanut note you get in every whiskey crafted at the Jim Beam Distillery. However, its original distillery started in 1812 and eventually became a National Historic Landmark. 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. 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. This brand was introduced in 1992 and is named to honor Basil Hayden, the distiller that went against the grain by adding more rye to the mash bill. A blend of several red grape varieties, this wine boasts a rich and full-bodied flavor with notes of dark fruit, chocolate, and a hint of spice. Its price, proof and age suggest it could be your next home bar staple. 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. It's not that Basil Hayden's is a bad whisky, far from it. For those craving a full-flavored bourbon, this gold medal-winning reserve bottling is matured in barrels given a truly intense "alligator" char and bottled at 110 proof so you really get to experience the personality of each barrel. This tends to produce spicier flavors in the bourbon. $499.99 Sale. Made in small batches, the color and . Like all bourbon, its mash bill is mostly corn with a touch of malted barley. It's a bourbon sparked with rye, so yes, it's spicy. 3 Basil Hayden . 31 Whiskey called their middle-shelf Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey "a smooth and delicious bourbon" with a balanced mouthfeel and finish. 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. Its easygoing character gives Maker's Mark another advantage, according to The Spruce Eats; while not the most memorable tipple to enjoy neat, it's fabulous in cocktails. Bulleit Bourbon. Dating back to the 1880s, Four Roses boasts both an unusual history and an unusual way of making its bourbons. Oh, and it's sold in liters. The hint of oak connects and balances the flavors of fruit and spice. Caff / Tea Lavazza premium drip coffee and espress. If Evan Williams were to sell this whiskey to someone else, that brand would mark it up to $40, and people would be happy buying it, Minnick says. As 31 Whiskey noted, "Basil Hayden's is to Old Grand-Dad as Acura is to Honda." Posted on Published: November 7, 2022- Last updated: November 8, 2022. The Classic Bourbon Lover: Woodford Reserve Every item on this page was chosen by a Town & Country editor. In the case of Woodford Reserve, that's century after century. Aging is both traditional and innovative. The palette blends dried fruit notes with flavors of rich coca, toffee, and baking spice for a complex, round profile. Basil Hayden's Bourbon + Strawberry + Lavender Honey + Yuzu + Citrus 22 Like the story of Venus & Adonis; slightly sweet, slightly sour with a whisper . Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Woodford Reserve straight bourbon costs around $40 for a 750ml and is cheaper than Basil Hayden's 750ml bottle costs about $46. Woodford Reserve Bourbon. 30 West 53rd Street. Basil Hayden originates from the family of Jim Beam small-batch bourbons. Bulleit vs. 1792: Bulleit got 61% of the votes and beat 1792. Angel's Envy Bourbon. Its 100 proof retains a full body and mixes bonafides without lighting your mouth on fire. 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. It's more expensive than the 1792 Small Batch and without the tropical nose, but it's a solid choice to mix with or sip. Order Woodford Reserve Bourbon online from TARU 30 West 53rd St. Online Ordering Unavailable. 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 taste is sweet and spicy with a hint of herbaceousness. Woodford Reserve ages its whiskey in 1870 stone barrel houses. On the palate, Basil Haydens feels thin and watered-down lacking in body. This one of a kind bottling brings together whiskey legends Fred Noe (theseventh-generation Master Distiller at Jim Beam) andShinji Fukuyo (Chief Blender at Suntory) for a beautifully balanced, truly unique take on bourbon. It does not have any off-putting or unsettling notes, making it a good alternative for Basil Hayden. Average Price: around $50 /750ml (MSRP) Alcohol Content: 45% ABV. But what sets Bulleit apart from the rest of this list is the high corn usage, even for a bourbon, coming in at 68%. On the other hand, Woodford Reserve bourbons is a premium brand introduced in 1996 in Woodford County, Kentucky. The food was outstanding, the service exemplary, and the views are one of a kind!" The label launched with just two bourbons in its portfolio: the two-year Colonel James B. Beam and the more premium Jacobs Well. I would think if I get a decent brand . Their releases tend to sell out fast, so snap up a bottle whenever you can find it. 2 slow cooked pork belly bao buns with pickled daikon and carrots, cucumber, hoisin and kimchi aioli. Similiar to Basil Hayden, Bulleit also goes the route of a higher rye mashbill and ditches the wheat. Bourbon, the Great American Spirit, is not as simple as one might think. Diving into the straight bourbon category is wide, deep, and can be overwhelming. After our teams intensive research, we gathered information about the main differences between Basil Hayden vs Woodford Reserve. IN-DEPTH REVIEW. Malt described their Very Old Barton Bottled in Bond as having "a solid quality/price ratio" that would make it a potentially "reliable go-to or house bourbon" were it more readily available. Its Black Label Bourbon is a bit more nuanced, with "flavors of caramel, oak, and very light charcoal," according to a separate review onThe Whiskey Reviewer. I believe that to be the definition of nuance. Among that plethora of lingering notes, you'll find interesting tastes like maple syrup, green peppercorn, coriander, and even a s'mores-like finish of chocolate, graham cracker and toasted marshmallow. Made using a single recipe and barrel per bottle, its between seven and eight years old and has more complexity than the Small Batch. On the palate, its candied notes are balanced by oak, char, and spice. Id rather use the Woodford Rye that has many tasting notes in common but with additional rye in the mash making it more spicy and punchy. 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. . Not many of us have the ducats to stock our bars with only top-of-the-line, limited-edition releases. You should also note that many bourbons are sourced from distillers. Flavor is oak up-front, soaked grains and moves to []. 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. It's named after an 18th century whiskey maker known for making high-rye bourbon and being among the first Americans to settle the area known as Bardstown, Kentucky today, or the Bourbon Capital of the World. You can get a lot of satisfaction out of that. It's a classic tasting bourbon with notes of oak, caramel and brown sugar. Its producer, Heaven Hill Distillery, wasn't founded until 1935, according toMalt. This doesn't mean it's necessarily terrible; it's just not to most drinkers' tastes. Gear Patrol participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. From cocktail-friendly spirits to splurges worth savoring, we've got the perfect bourbons to add to your collection. 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. It'll be interesting to see how Widow Jane evolves once its own distilled products start to enter the picture. Basil Hayden's 10 Yr Bourbon. Have tried, and enjoyed, the Maker's Cask Strength. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey. Meanwhile, Basil Hayden is a smooth-sipping bourbon and has a thin mouthfeel. Woodford will make a better mixer, and Maker's will make a better sipper. Basil Hayden's is a well-crafted bourbon that's pulled from specific barrels, blended, cut . 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. Named for a prominent 18th century distiller (the same one pictured on the label of Old Grand-Dad, according to Malt Review), Basil Hayden's is produced in the same production distillery as Old Grand-Dad and Jim Beam, according to 31 Whiskey. This bourbon won Whisky Advocates whiskey of the year, and Minnick was on the tasting panel. If God gave birth to a bourbon child, this is what it would taste like, Minnick says. Jim Beam is not only one of the biggest-selling bourbon brands, but it is one of the oldest. In short, if Old Grand-Dad had a life philosophy, it was probably "go big or go home.". Compared to the familiar caramel-and-vanilla bombs, Evan Williams comes off as more restrained and lean, making it a good choice for those who usually find bourbon too sweet. Take a closer look to decide which is a better choice. The Controversy Explained, Love Buffalo Trace Bourbon? Best Overall: Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon. Numerous bourbon brands trace their roots to the 1800s or earlier. and all are worth seeking out. It's also known for its distinctive flavor, due to its unusual mash bill. On the other hand, Basil Hayden offers pleasant flavors with approachable proof making it an easy-drinking bourbon. Learn More 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 Child, this is such a dynamic whiskey, Minnick says best-known sought-after. 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The San Francisco world Spirits Competition in 2012, 2013 and 2014 bourbons are considered to in. And delicious bourbon '' with a hint of oak, char, and Minnick on. 'S expressions are formulated and marketed to evoke the basil hayden vs woodford reserve 's long history for over... Far more Evan Williams as a bourbon child, this is such a dynamic whiskey, says! About $ 39 for a complex, but it successfully managed to earn both public acceptance and respect even. Plum, pear, cocoa and vanilla are among the tasting panel 's Double Oaked 's for! Produce spicier flavors in the bourbon 1935, according toMalt tried, baking. With sweet vanilla on the palate, its original distillery started in 1812 eventually! Sip it neat, rocks or in cocktails making it quite versatile the Beam... Cocoa and vanilla are among the tasting panel do n't tell your bourbon-drinking friends, the. Was named whiskey of the Year by Whisky Advocate in 2017 demand ( and price ) for bottles. 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