Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish Review: A Tasting of the Limited Edition Whiskey

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a unique whiskey that has been aged in California red wine casks. This process gives the whiskey a deeper flavor and complexity that sets it apart from other whiskeys. The partial blending in the red wine casks allows for a smoother, more enjoyable sipping experience than its high-octane counterparts.

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a small-batch bourbon that is produced by Beam Suntory. It is a high-end product that is typically grouped with Booker's and Knob Creek. This whiskey is bottled at 80 proof, making it more gentle to sip than other high-octane whiskeys. The combination of the smooth sipping experience and the deeper flavor profile make this whiskey a standout in the market.

Whiskey enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike will appreciate the unique flavor profile of Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish. Its smoothness and depth of flavor make it a great addition to any whiskey collection, while its price point and availability make it accessible to those who are just starting to explore the world of whiskey.

Overview of Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a special release from Basil Hayden, a brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced by Beam Suntory. This unique expression is a blend of the classic Basil Hayden high-rye mash bill and bourbon partially aged in Californian red wine casks.

Profile and Heritage

Basil Hayden is a well-known bourbon brand that has been around since 1992. The brand is named after Basil Hayden Sr., who was a distiller in Kentucky in the late 1700s. The brand prides itself on using high-quality ingredients and a unique mash bill that includes a higher percentage of rye than most bourbons.

Red Wine Cask Finishing Process

The Red Wine Cask Finishing process involves taking the classic Basil Hayden bourbon and aging it for an undisclosed amount of time in Californian red wine casks. This process adds a unique flavor profile to the bourbon, with notes of cherries, dried fruit, and vanilla. The exact amount of time the bourbon is aged in the wine casks is not disclosed, but it is enough to impart the distinctive red wine flavor.

Bottle Design and Packaging

The bottle design of Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is similar to other Basil Hayden expressions, with a tall, slim bottle and a cork stopper. The label features a red wax seal and a red stripe on the bottom, indicating that this is a special release. The packaging is sleek and sophisticated, with a black and gold color scheme that is consistent with other Basil Hayden expressions.

Overall, Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a unique and flavorful bourbon that is worth trying for fans of the brand and bourbon enthusiasts alike. The Red Wine Cask Finishing process adds a distinctive flavor profile that sets it apart from other Basil Hayden expressions.

Tasting Experience

Aroma and Nose

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish has a complex aroma with a subtle sweetness. The nose is dominated by the scent of dried fruits, such as raisins and figs, with a hint of cherry and vanilla. The scent of red wine is also present, but it is not overpowering. The aroma is well-balanced, and it is not too intense or too weak.

Palate and Flavor Notes

On the palate, Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish has a rich and fruity taste. The initial taste is sweet, with a hint of dried fruit and spice. The taste of red wine is also present, but it is not too strong. The bourbon has a smooth and crisp finish, which makes it easy to drink. The flavor notes are well-balanced, and they complement each other nicely.

Finish and Aftertaste

The finish of Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is medium-length, with a slight sweetness. The aftertaste is dominated by the taste of red wine, with a hint of spice and dried fruit. The finish is crisp and refreshing, and it leaves a pleasant taste in the mouth. The aftertaste lingers for a short while, but it is not too strong.

Overall, Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a well-balanced bourbon with a complex aroma and flavor. It has a fruity taste with a hint of spice and dried fruit, and the taste of red wine is present but not overpowering. The bourbon has a smooth and crisp finish, which makes it easy to drink. It is a great choice for bourbon lovers who want to try something new and unique.

Physical Characteristics

Alcohol Content and Proof

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey that has been partially finished in wine casks. It has an alcohol content of 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), which is equivalent to 80 proof. This is a standard proof for most bourbons, making it a good choice for those who are looking for a smooth and approachable whiskey.

Appearance and Color

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish has a beautiful appearance with toasted brown hues and glints of amber. The red wine casks used in the aging process have clearly influenced the base Basil Hayden bourbon, resulting in a burnt umber color that is both attractive and inviting.

The whiskey has a medium-bodied texture, which is evident in the way it coats the glass. When swirled, the whiskey leaves long, thin legs that slowly trickle down the sides of the glass. The legs are an indication of the whiskey's viscosity and alcohol content.

Overall, the physical characteristics of Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish are impressive. The toasted brown hues and glints of amber make it a visually appealing whiskey, while the medium-bodied texture and long legs add to its overall appeal.

Price and Value

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is priced at $60, which is a bit higher than the regular Basil Hayden bourbon. It is a premium bourbon that is worth the price for those who enjoy trying new and unique flavors.

The suggested price is reasonable considering the quality of the bourbon and the red wine cask finish. The price is consistent with other premium bourbons on the market.

For those who are hesitant to spend $60 on a bottle of bourbon, it is important to note that the Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a limited edition release. This means that once it is sold out, it may be difficult to find again.

Overall, the price of Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is fair for the quality and uniqueness of the bourbon. It is a great value for those who appreciate premium bourbons and enjoy trying new and interesting flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Neat, On the Rocks or Cocktails

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a versatile bourbon that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. When drinking it neat, it is recommended to serve it in a whiskey glass to enhance the aroma and flavor. For those who prefer it on the rocks, it is best to use a large ice cube to prevent dilution.

When it comes to cocktails, Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish can be used in a variety of recipes. It is particularly well-suited for aperitif-style cocktails, such as the Manhattan. The bourbon's subtle notes of red wine and oak complement the vermouth and bitters in the cocktail, creating a well-balanced drink.

Food Pairings

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a great bourbon to pair with food. Its unique flavor profile makes it a versatile choice that can complement a variety of dishes. It pairs particularly well with grilled meats, such as steak and pork chops. The bourbon's notes of oak and red wine complement the smoky flavors of the meat, creating a delicious combination.

For those who prefer lighter fare, Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish can also be paired with seafood dishes. Its subtle sweetness and hints of fruit make it a great match for dishes like grilled salmon or shrimp scampi.

Overall, Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a bourbon that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether sipping it neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, or pairing it with food, it is sure to please.

Market Position and Competitors

Comparison with Other Bourbons

Basil Hayden's Red Wine Cask Finish is a unique bourbon that stands out in the market due to its complex and approachable flavor profile. It offers a rich and layered taste that is versatile enough to be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail. When compared to other bourbons in the market, Basil Hayden's Red Wine Cask Finish stands out due to its distinctive finish in California red wine casks.

Some of the competitors of Basil Hayden's Red Wine Cask Finish include Wild Turkey's Rare Breed, Woodford Reserve's Double Oaked, and Angel's Envy Bourbon. While these bourbons offer their own unique flavor profiles, Basil Hayden's Red Wine Cask Finish offers something different due to its finish in red wine casks. This gives it a unique flavor profile that is different from other bourbons in the market.

Unique Selling Points

One of the unique selling points of Basil Hayden's Red Wine Cask Finish is its finish in California red wine casks. This gives the bourbon a unique flavor profile that is rich and layered. It has notes of dark fruit, oak, and spice that are complemented by a smooth finish.

Another unique selling point of Basil Hayden's Red Wine Cask Finish is its versatility. It can be enjoyed neat or in a cocktail, making it a great addition to any home bar. Its complex yet approachable flavor profile makes it a great choice for both bourbon enthusiasts and casual drinkers.

Overall, Basil Hayden's Red Wine Cask Finish is a unique bourbon that offers a complex and approachable flavor profile. Its finish in California red wine casks sets it apart from other bourbons in the market, and its versatility makes it a great addition to any home bar.

Production and Distillery

Distillery Background

Basil Hayden's Red Wine Cask Finish is a limited edition bourbon whiskey produced by Beam Suntory, a multinational beverage company based in Chicago, Illinois. The whiskey is named after Basil Hayden Sr., a distiller who started producing whiskey in 1796. The company was acquired by Jim Beam Brands in 1992, which later became Beam Suntory in 2014.

The whiskey is produced at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, which is the same distillery where the original Basil Hayden's bourbon was first produced. The distillery was founded in 1795 and is one of the oldest distilleries in the United States. The distillery is known for producing a wide range of bourbons, including Knob Creek, Booker's, and Baker's.

Master Distiller Insights

Freddie Noe, the eighth generation Beam family distiller and son of current Master Distiller Fred Noe, is responsible for the creation of Basil Hayden's Red Wine Cask Finish. According to Freddie Noe, the whiskey is made by taking a portion of the original Basil Hayden's bourbon and finishing it in California red wine casks.

The wine casks are used to impart a unique flavor profile to the bourbon, with notes of dried fruit, apricot, and cranberry. The whiskey is bottled at 40% ABV and has a suggested retail price of $59.99 for a 750 mL bottle.

In conclusion, Basil Hayden's Red Wine Cask Finish is a limited edition bourbon whiskey produced by Beam Suntory at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. The whiskey is finished in California red wine casks to impart a unique flavor profile, and is created by Freddie Noe, the eighth generation Beam family distiller.

Consumer Reviews and Ratings

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish has received mixed reviews from consumers and critics alike. Some reviewers praised the unique flavor profile of the whiskey, while others found it to be too sweet or lacking in complexity.

On the popular whiskey review website Whiskey Raiders, the Red Wine Cask Finish received an overall rating of 7.5/10. The reviewer noted that the whiskey had a "pleasant and fruity nose" but found the finish to be "short and unremarkable."

Drinkhacker also gave the Red Wine Cask Finish a mixed review, rating it a "B-" overall. The reviewer praised the "interesting nose" and "juicy, fruity palate" but found the finish to be "disappointingly short."

On the other hand, the review on The Whiskey Wash was much more positive, giving the Red Wine Cask Finish a rating of 4.5/5. The reviewer described the whiskey as "well-balanced" with a "complex and flavorful finish."

Overall, consumer feedback for the Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish has been mixed, with some finding it to be a unique and enjoyable whiskey, while others were left wanting more complexity and depth in the flavor profile.

Limited Edition and Collectibility

Annual Release Information

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a limited-edition expression of the popular Basil Hayden bourbon brand. It was first released in 2022, and it is an annual release. This means that it is only available for a limited time each year, and once it is sold out, it may be difficult to find until the next release.

The bottle size for Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is 750ml, which is a standard size for most limited-edition releases. It is bottled at 40% ABV, which is the same as the standard Basil Hayden bourbon.

Collecting and Gifting

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a great addition to any bourbon collector's collection. Its limited-edition status and unique finishing process make it a desirable bottle to have on the shelf. The bottle design is also eye-catching, with a red wax seal and label that stands out from the traditional Basil Hayden label.

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is also a great gift for any bourbon lover. Its limited-edition status and unique finishing process make it a thoughtful and unique gift. The bottle design is also gift-worthy, with a sleek and sophisticated look that is sure to impress.

Overall, Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a great limited-edition release from the popular Basil Hayden brand. Its annual release and unique finishing process make it a desirable bottle for collectors and a thoughtful gift for bourbon lovers.

Conclusion

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a unique whiskey that offers a different flavor profile than other Basil Hayden whiskeys. The partial red wine cask finish adds a touch of sweetness and fruitiness to the whiskey, which makes it stand out from other bourbons.

The whiskey has a cherry amber appearance and a nose of dark fruits, cherries, sweet notes, vanilla, oak, and a bit of spice. On the palate, the whiskey is light but enjoyable, with more spice than expected, but balanced well with the dark fruits and wine cask finish.

At 80 proof and a price point of $60, Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a good value for a unique and enjoyable whiskey. While it may not appeal to all whiskey drinkers, those who enjoy a touch of sweetness and fruitiness in their whiskey will appreciate this offering.

Overall, Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a well-crafted whiskey that offers a unique flavor profile. Its partial red wine cask finish adds a touch of sweetness and fruitiness that sets it apart from other bourbons. At its price point, it's worth trying for those who appreciate a different take on a classic whiskey.