Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye
40% ABV
$45
Website
We would like to thank Beam Suntory and Multiply for sending us a sample to review.
What the Distillery Says
Experience the intriguing blend of rye whiskies with a touch of rum, balancing our signature rye spice with a subtle Caribbean sweetness.
AROMA: Rich caramel and brown sugar complemented by back notes of soft rye and vanilla
TASTE: A balanced blend of sumptuous rye and brown sweets with an ample woody accent
FINISH: A pleasant, long lingering warmth
GET TO KNOW CARIBBEAN RESERVE RYE
Sweet and Spicy
With its trademark spicy finish from a high-rye recipe, Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon has always been known for standing out in the crowd. Inspired by that legacy, Basil Hayden’s is excited to deliver another distinctive whiskey experience with the introduction of its latest limited-edition release – Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye™.
Crafted as an approachable whiskey expression to enjoy during the warm summer months, Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye takes inspiration from the sweet and spicy contrast between rye whiskey and rum. The limited-time offering features a blend of 8-year-old Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey and 4-year-old Canadian Rye Whisky, which bring to life layers of flavor, including distinct spice, toasted oak and vanilla notes. The blend is then finished with the addition of Black Strap Rum which ties the rye whiskey pairing together with sweet notes of brown sugar and molasses. The result is a balanced whiskey that remains approachable to discover at 80 proof.
Basil Hayden’s Caribbean Reserve Rye is the latest in a series of successful rye whiskey innovations from the brand, each of which push the limits of category convention to bring something unexpected to whiskey fans.
What Gary Says
Nose: Molasses, brown sugar, burnt caramel, a twang of bbq sauce, little Worcestershire sauce, hints of pine, thyme and citrus spice.
Palate: Sweet entry, bright rye spice notes, bit of orange, molasses sugar cookies with extra vanilla extract, subtle oak.
Finish: Short to moderate in length, with savory spice notes (not quite pepper) popping up.
Comments: This is a fairly dark dram; dark brown – lacking the red hues often seen in older bourbons/ryes, no doubt due to the addition of the Black Strap Rum. Important to note that technically this is not a whisk(e)y; it is a spirit which includes a blend of whiskies along with rum – so don’t approach it expecting it to be a rye or bourbon whisk(e)y. The nose at first came across as heavy with the rum influence, but as it sat in the glass it came into a better balance. The palate started off more integrated from the first sip. Nothing off putting to me with this. It is on the sweet side as you’d expect, but not cloyingly so. If you’re a fan of dark rum, this could be right in your wheelhouse.