Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye
40% ABV
$45
Website / Press Release
What the Distiller Says
Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon, one of the fastest growing super-premium bourbons on the market, proudly announces the limited time release of Basil Hayden’s® Two by Two Rye. An unprecedented blend of two Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskies and two Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskies, Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye breaks category norms to offer whiskey fans the best of both worlds: the full spiciness of rye, complemented by the sweet characteristics and finish of bourbon.
Two by Two Rye offers a premium blend of two ryes and two bourbons, which have been artfully combined to find the perfect complement in one another. With a balance of 5-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye, a 7-year-old “high-rye” Kentucky Straight Rye, a 13-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, and a 6-year-old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, the result is a wholly unique whiskey that makes a name for itself in the category and remains approachable to discover at 80 proof.
Best enjoyed sipped neat or on the rocks, Basil Hayden’s Two by Two Rye features the following characteristics:
Color: Golden Honey
Aroma: Rich caramel and brown sugar with a sumptuous, woody rye flavor profile
Body: Smooth, medium-bodied
Taste: A balanced blend of sumptuous rye and brown sweets with an ample woody accent
Finish: A pleasant, long lingering warmth
What Gary Says
Nose: Musty oak, sweet with bright citrus spice notes, subtle vanilla, honey, a hint of anise and ginger.
Palate: Fruit forward – oranges, pears, bits of cherry, maybe some peaches; subtle vanilla notes and a hint of cinnamon.
Finish: Short to moderate in length with drying spice.
Comments: Reading the press release on this, I was intrigued for a number of reasons. First, I really appreciate the transparency of disclosing the component ages, as well as differentiating the rye components (not the mashbill specifics, but like that they call it out). Second, I’m a fan of bourbon/rye blends. Sometimes. There aren’t a ton out there, but I enjoy High West Bourye, while not being especially fond of Wild Turkey Forgiven. This didn’t remind me of either of those (so check the “unique” box!) I found this incredibly fruity, and more sweet than I expected – like a fruit salad in whiskey form. While there wasn’t anything specifically objectionable about this whiskey, I was hoping it would be better balanced. The fruit notes all but hide the bourbon – and with older bourbon in the mix I was disappointed about that. The nose is a bit better balanced, but the palate was . . . have I mentioned fruity? Maybe at a higher ABV some of the other notes would stand out more, and while I’d LOVE to try this at a higher ABV, I get that the Basil Hayden lineup is keeping it consistent. If you’re a fan of Basil Hayden and looking for something different, this could be right up your alley.
Rating: Stands Out
We would like to thank Beam-Suntory and Multiply for sending us a sample to review.