Dustin Gandoff
Basil Hayden Malted Rye is Beam Suntory’s latest addition to their Basil Hayden line of distinguished whiskeys. With a mashbill of 100% malted rye, this whiskey brings unique flavors to the palate for a unique drinking experience.
Nose
The nose of Basil Hayden Malted Rye is inviting, with the immediate up-front aroma of caramel, followed shortly by rye spice, lemon, and a pinch of cinnamon. Although each scent is quite mild in intensity, they work together well to create an easy-going and pleasing aroma.
Palate
The palate of Basil Hayden Malted Rye is quite distinctive, with subtle notes of toffee, sweet rye grain, and lemon meringue. Added hints of honey and fresh bread bring together these flavors nicely; however, the overall mouthfeel is a bit muted and could’ve definitely used more intensity.
Finish
The finish is smooth with predominant flavors of malt, oak, cinnamon, and almond. A hint of rye spice is present near the end, offering some excitement, as well as a slightly unusual malty aftertaste which quickly dissipates.
Uniqueness
Malted rye whiskeys are still relatively uncommon in American whiskey distilling, despite the growing trend. Beam Suntory is the first major Kentucky distillery to release a malted rye, and they have gone all-in with a 100% malted rye for the mashbill. This unusual recipe brings together unique and cohesive flavors, making it very distinctive and unique.
Value
At $60 for the MSRP, Basil Hayden Malted Rye is certainly pushing the proverbial envelope, and may be a bit expensive for some. The flavors present in the whiskey are quite good and the uniqueness of a full 100% malted rye mashbill are useful, but it all comes down to personal preference. It should be noted that this whiskey can often be found for lower prices than the MSRP.
Overall
Basil Hayden Malted Rye is a nice addition to the Basil Hayden line of whiskeys, but the 80 proof point once again holds it back. It offers some unique flavors, but ultimately it could’ve used a bit more fluoride and complexity. Despite this, if you’re looking for a malted rye from a major Kentucky distillery, Basil Hayden Malted Rye is definitely worth a try
Classification: Straight Rye
Company: Beam Suntory
Distillery: Jim Beam
Release Date: September 2023
Proof: 80
Age: NAS (Aged at least 4 year per TTB regulations)
Mashbill: 100% Malted Rye
Color: Light Gold
MSRP: $60 (2023)
Basil Hayden Malted Rye is truly a game-changer in the world of whiskeys. With its distinctive mashbill of 100% malted rye, this addition to the Basil Hayden line by Beam Suntory offers a truly unique drinking experience. The flavors it brings to the palate are unlike anything else, with an intriguing combination of richness and spice. If you’re a fan of rye whiskey or looking to explore something different, give Basil Hayden Malted Rye a try – you won’t be disappointed.
Basil Hayden Malted Rye truly stands out as a remarkable addition to Beam Suntory’s acclaimed Basil Hayden whiskey range. By utilizing a mashbill exclusively composed of 100% malted rye, this whiskey offers a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from its counterparts. The result is a truly unique drinking experience that captivates the palate with its rich and nuanced notes. For whiskey enthusiasts seeking something exceptional, Basil Hayden Malted Rye is definitely worth exploring.