Category: Infused/Special Finished Whiskey

Basil Hayden Toast Review

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Basil Hayden Toast Review

Original review written March 8, 2022

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Simple, but not a bad addition to the bunker. Nutty, buttery, and definitely unaggressive in terms of alcohol. I do like it, though I don’t think I’ll be pressured to repurchase. 81/100

VITALS:
Basil Hayden Toast Review

– Made In: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
– Distiller: Jim Beam Distillery
– Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey; Special Finish
– Age: nas; it is believed an undisclosed portion of the bourbon receives approximately two months of additional aging in the toasted barrels, then is reintroduced to the untoasted distillate.
– Mash Bill: Corn=63%; Brown Rice=27%; Malted Barley=10%
– Casks: Char #4. Finishing barrels are slightly toasted.
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– ABV: 40% (80 proof)
– Price: $49.95 USD in Idaho 2022

Visit basilhaydenbourbon.com for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the bourbon neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this bourbon here!

SETTING:

I imagine enjoying Basil Hayden Toast while anxiously waiting for cookies to cool. The whole house smells warm and rich with flavors, and your mouth is certainly watering. Maybe instead of the customary milk, I’ll pour some of this bourbon to sip with the yummy treat. Dealer’s choice on cookie type, of course ;).

Photo by Lisa Hanly on Unsplash

NOSE:

Almost burnt caramel, molasses, and ginger come across the nose first, the ginger at the end lifting the inhale in freshness. I can find anise as well as some form of baked good that is sweet, if not a little heavy. There isn’t much for fruit, aside perhaps from prunes, and other dried, spiced fruits. Earthy tones do exist in this bourbon, like wheat and almonds, and naturally, toasted wood/barrel.

There is no alcohol burn to be found, and I find myself impressed overall with the nose of this bourbon.

PALATE:
Basil Hayden Toast Review

– Mouth Feel: Buttery and perhaps a little watery. I suspect this is from the lower ABV, and it certainly matches the nutty flavor character of the taste.
– Balance: It’s in balance, but I think this is largely between the mouth feel and the taste, as opposed to specific flavors on the palate directly.
– Visual: Russet in color, this has long and lasting legs that cling long after I’ve set the glass down.

– Taste: This bourbon definitely strikes as a Jim Beam product on the initial sip. Nuts abound, from pecans, to the almonds from the nose, to even raw peanuts. There is a distinct lack of alcohol burn to be found, and without it, this bourbon almost seems watery to me. (Please note that most bourbons I pour are frequently above 100 proof, if not closer to 120.) I can hold it on the palate practically indefinitely, and I’m not sure that many more flavors peak out the longer I play with it. The nuts stay strong, if not melting into a buttery consistency. A Kentucky chew coaxes out brown sugar and apples, but does little to aggravate the alcohol.

There is wood here, and again, the best description would be buttery – not exactly what I was expecting from something finished in a toasted barrel. Beyond this simplicity, I am struggling to identify many other flavors, including the heavy sweetness from the nose. There is some vanilla, and maybe a hint of the baked good (cookies?), but it’s subtle. The fruit component has all but disappeared, and the spice is akin to cinnamon that’s gone slightly stale. It tastes fine, but I don’t know if I’m wowed by this.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Short. This disappears immediately after the sip is gone. There is a hint of aftertaste; however, it also fades very quickly.
– Between Sips: It doesn’t come as a surprise, but more nuts linger between sips, particularly the buttery ones like walnuts. The walnuts’ bitterness is also present in this aftertaste, along with bitter apple cores. I actually am fond of apples and apple cores even, so this does not bother me.

– No More: This tastes consistent throughout the glass, but I do find myself enjoying it more and more as the glass goes on. The empty Glencairn is strong oak with a hint of spice. It’s actually more aggressive than the taste itself, and I wish the palate itself had more of this harshness.

WORTH THE PRICE?

If you don’t favor heavier proof whiskeys, and don’t mind a little simplicity, I think this one would be well-worth the price. I don’t think I’d be willing to pay $60 for it, but I do believe that Basil Hayden Toast could be a nice addition to anyone’s bunker. If you have friends you’re trying to introduce to bourbon, then consider this one approachable and budget-friendly. I don’t think I’ll be buying again necessary; however, I certainly am not upset to have this. Also note that this is definitely superior to the standard Basil Hayden 8YR (in my opinion).

BASIL HAYDEN TOAST REVIEW RATING: 81/100

Click to see Hannah’s rating process

Click 81/100 to access other whiskeys with this rating.
To access other whiskies from this brand, click Basil Hayden.

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Noble Oak Double Oak Rye

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Brian’s Noble Oak Double Oak Rye Review:

reviewed 25-January-2022

NOBLE OAK DOUBLE OAK RYE REVIEW:

Noble Oak Double Oak Rye (Noble Oak DO Rye) is an approachable and easy to enjoy whiskey. In fact, it could even be a gateway rye; something to introduce to the novice drinker. The added port barrel staves soften the pepper notes associated with most rye whiskeys and even add some subtle fruit notes. As I sip, I am reminded of High West’s recent A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 9 release. While the complexities are not here, Noble Oak DO Rye is one-third the price and a decent substitute.

BACKGROUND

I like to know a bit about what I am pouring. I’m not against trying bourbons and ryes made outside of Kentucky, but I want to know a little about them. Noble Oak Rye was introduced to me on 16-Dec-2021 when we opened our Whiskey Advent Calendar samples. The pour was good enough for me to purchase a bottle the next day.

In preparation of this review I began my internet research only to find very little information about Noble Oak as a producer. It turns out Noble Oak came about as a collaborative effort between partners at Brain Brew Ventures and Edrington. Edrington Brands include MacCallan, Highland Park, Glenroths, Brugal, The Famous Grouse, and Naked Malt Scotches. And now Noble Oak and Wyoming Whiskey are Edrington Brands and partners as well. Pedigree – Check!

NOBLE OAK DOUBLE OAK RYE VITAL STATS:
Noble Oak Double Oak Rye

Category: Finished Rye Whiskey
Distilled in: Indiana
Distillery: unpublished, likely MGP Ingredients
Bottled by: Noble Oak
Bottled in: Newtown, Ohio, USA
Owned by: Brain Brew Ventures
Parent Company: Edrington
Mash Bill: unpublished
Barrel Char: unpublished
Barrel entry proof: unpublished
Age: nas
ABV: 48% (96 Proof)
NABCA CSC #: 86979
Price: $39.95 (December 2021, Idaho)

“A unique rye finished with port wine staves sourced by the Master of Wood at Edrington, producers of the world’s finest single malts.”
—Noble Oak

Learn more at Noble Oak Double Oak Rye.

ENJOYMENT METHOD FOR THE REVIEW:

Alternate pours, equaling about four ounces, were added into two Glencairns from a newly opened bottle. Hannah and I enjoyed the rye neat for this review.

Check out her review for this rye here!

NOBLE OAK DOUBLE OAK RYE NOSE:

When first brought to my nose, Noble Oak DO Rye seems dry and herbal, like a mixture of drying hay and potpourri. Yet I sense port tannins, and then mushy apples and a thick fruit nectar of plum juice, raisins and prunes. But the dryness comes through in the spices as well; brininess, allspice, cloves, rosemary and rye blend with a hint of light vanilla and light brown sugar. And for a whiskey labeled “Double Oak” there’s not much wood here, just some pineyness and light, fresh cut oak. In the end the aromas of this rye are quite simple.

NOBLE OAK DOUBLE OAK RYE PALATE:

The first sip of Noble Oak DO Rye is warm and full of dry port tannins. Like on the nose I get herbal drying hay, but now the fruitiness changes to dried currants, figs and clean citrus zest which blend with allspice, cloves, ginger and white pepper. I also taste rye toast, topped with a stewed cinnamon apple and light brown sugar compote drizzled with a touch of orange blossom honey. But now the wood becomes more pronounced, as new oak blends with piney sweet and smokey barrel char. And as each sip fades, there is some supple leather to round out the earthiness. The farther into the pour I sip, the better this rye becomes.

Noble Oak Double Oak Rye

Balance, Body, Feel and Look:
Noble Oak DO Rye is a well blended, but simple and earthy pour. It is buttery and creamy in my mouth and easy to hold, giving the tongue just an easy tickle. As each sip is taken, long clinging legs transport the liquid back to the carrot colored pool, leaving behind many clinging droplets.

NOBLE OAK DOUBLE OAK RYE FINISH:

Noble Oak Double Oak Rye has a long, dry and warm finish. Like the nose and palate I sense herbal cloves, rye and citrus zest along with piney char and leather. And when the last dram is downed, the empty Glencairn smells of simple oak and earth.

MY RATING: 85/100

Will I buy this whiskey again? YES
But I won’t rush to replace the bottle when it empties.
Click to read Brian’s scoring process.

Click 85/100 to access other whiskies with this score.
To access other whiskies by this parent company, click Edrington.

WHISKEY TRAITS, FLAVOR NOTES AND PROFILE GRAPH:
Noble Oak Double Oak Rye
Noble Oak Double Oak Rye

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Noble Oak Double Oak Rye Review

Posted on by whiskeyfortheages

Hannah’s Noble Oak Double Oak Rye Review

Original review written January 25, 2022

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

A similar pour to A Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 9 and considerably cheaper, I think it’s a good pour and one I’d consider buying again should the mood for a special finish rye take me. 83/100

I will say that I am learning that while I really enjoy ryes as a whole, special finish ryes may not entirely be for me. I much prefer a straight up peppery freshness rather than a sweetness that melds into the rye quality without standing on its own. Nevertheless, this is good and I won’t have difficulty reaching for it and finishing this bottle. Will I buy another? Perhaps. So do take this into consideration going forward in my thoughts!

VITALS:

– Made In: Indiana, USA
– Distiller: unpublished; likely MGP Ingredients
– Bottled By: Noble Oak in Newton, Ohio, USA
– Classification: Finished Rye Whiskey; Special Finish
– Finished with Port Oak Barrel Staves
– Age: nas
– Mash Bill: unpublished
– Casks: unpublished char
– Barrel Entry Proof: unpublished
– ABV: 48% (96 proof)
– Price: $39.95 USD in Idaho in 2021

Visit brainbrewwhiskey.com and edrington.com for more information

ENJOYMENT METHOD:

I enjoyed the spirit neat from a Glencairn glass with father and fellow Whiskey for the Ages reviewer, Brian.

Check out his review for this rye here!

SETTING:

I see enjoying this one indoors and in a cozy corner with some candles around. Maybe you’re even in a boutique with candles and warm scents. The elevated flavors of this Noble Oak will pair with the aromas around you and help you settle into the atmosphere. It doesn’t have to be feminine – sometimes staring at a solitary flame with a good pour is all it takes for a bit of peace of mind.

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash

NOSE:

Acetone like fingernail polish remover hits the nose first, followed by old books and a bit of citrus zest. I can detect some shoe polish and leather as well, making this come across as almost a snobby kind of expensive. There is not much fruit, aside from some gourmet raisins and currants. Oak is certainly apparent also, both in a freshly sawn and old, distressed sense. Deep draws can pull some baked, apple pastry, like a pie – complete with a sprinkling of cinnamon, but this cinnamon is very minimal.

The alcohol is incredibly mild, and it’s nearly impossible to burn yourself on this one if you know what you’re doing.

Most interestingly, I find this nose quite similar to Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 9 Scene 4, which Dad and I reviewed a little less than two months ago.

PALATE:

– Mouth Feel: This has an initially raspy texture across the palate, but it does soften slightly.
– Balance: Fair. I don’t think anything stands out awkwardly necessarily, but sweetness from a finish with a rye is always a strange adjustment for my taste buds.
– Visual: Carrot in color, there are many thick and fast dropping legs. Any remaining essence of a crown quickly changes to clinging droplets, and they do linger for some time.

– Taste: I think the shoe polish and leather from the nose cross the palate first, along with a distinct rye bread. With this rye bread are more gourmet raisins which create a bit of acidity. The raisins lend themselves further to a fruit leather component, which darkens and sweetens the sip quite a lot. There is a hint of rosemary to pair with a lemon zest that comes at the back of the palate, making this element both fresh and slightly bitter.

Like the Midwinter Night’s Dram, I can taste a bit of a tea element to this rye, but it isn’t as strong. Instead, it gives the palate a gentle lift, letting the other flavors play off of each other more. Wood exists also with the tea, but I’m not entirely convinced that it is an oak. In fact, I am struggling to pin down exactly what wood it is. This is naturally, somewhat surprising as this whiskey does have “double oak” in its name.

The alcohol is still very mild, and in fact barely noticeable. When I partake in a Kentucky chew, the alcohol wakes up slightly, and I get a little more wood, but not much else.

FINISH:

– Lasting Power: Long. I wouldn’t say the warmth necessarily lingers the longest; however, there is an aftertaste present for some time after the sip is gone.
– Between Sips: I don’t get baked apples; however, I do taste some cooked apples. Some of the crispness is still there, and there seems to be a cinnamon syrup drizzle over them – like a chutney. I love this aspect of this whiskey.

– No More: Consistent throughout the glass, I don’t think there is anything new to report here except that the aftertaste continues to grow on me.

The empty Glencairn smells almost identical to the original nose above, which is somewhat surprising. I’m certainly used to finding some woody aspect in an empty glass, and I find myself missing that component here.

WORTH THE PRICE?

While simpler than Midwinter Night’s Dram Act 9, this still is something you could conceivably turn to if you wanted an idea as to how that spirit drank. Given that it’s approximately half of the price of that rye, I’d say comfortably this is very much worth it. I don’t know if I like it enough to feel the need to constantly keep it on hand, but if I was in the mood, I wouldn’t feel bothered at all reaching for it and paying $40 USD.

NOBLE OAK DOUBLE OAK RYE REVIEW RATING: 83/100

Click to see Hannah’s rating process

Click 83/100 to access other whiskies with this rating.
To access other whiskies by this parent company, click Edrington.

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