Happy holidays! In keeping with the time of year, I thought I would review a few seasonal toasted barrel bourbons. Now I am new to toasted barrels and this is the first year I am expanding my palate to explore these seasonal favorites of many.

First on the list is from the James B. Beam Distilling family; Basil Hayden Toast. This is a small batch, 80 proof, toast-charred oak barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that boasts a fancy “bottle belt.” This is a beautiful bottle that definitely stands out on the shelf with all that bling around it’s waist.

As stated on Basil Hayden’s website this is “The latest permanent release from Basil Hayden^® consists of an entirely new brown rice mashbill and a secondary finish in toasted barrels.” Although I have never tasted a brown rice mashbill prior to this, I was quite intrigued and did not hold back. This is a relatively easy bottle to find in Northern Colorado and is still in nearly every local liquor store I walk into. Prices typically range from a low of $45 to an unreasonably high of $65.

This is the first “toasted” whiskey I was able to get my hands on this year and I will admit that I did purchase another bottle after opening the first. Although not the best toasted bourbon I have tasted to date, this is still an easy slipper that could either be enjoyed neat or as a mixed drink. Although many consider toasted barrel bourbons a winter delight, personally, I will will be saving my second bottle of Basil Hayden Toast for next summer to be enjoyed outside around the fire pit with others. With that said, let’s get our taste on!

• Nose: Very strong marshmallow, slight hints of vanilla, and caramelized brown sugar.
• Palate: Slightly caramel start, a bit overly ethanol for the low proof, and a cinnamon spice ending.
• Finish: Slight heat on the tongue but lacking any impressive ending.
• MSRP: $50
• National Average: $52
• My Rating: Mix it!

Please remember, drinking bourbon is a personal adventure, so do not be afraid to drink it neat, with ice, or add some water. It’s your bourbon, you bought it, and you should enjoy it how you want to enjoy it!

Cheers! Prost! Sláinte!

Bourbon Bossman