Basil Hayden Toast

Distillery: Beam Suntory

Age: No Age Statement

Proof: 80

Verdict: A fine, uncomplicated whiskey, though maybe less distinctive than I’d hoped.

Score: 6.27

I am a fan of the original Basil Hayden bottle, despite some of the flack it gets in the whiskey community - I’ve heard it called an overpriced, underproofed Old Grand Dad.  Toast, however, marks a little bit of a shift for a brand that has otherwise been steadfast in their mashbill, and their process.  While not wavering on the proof, Beam has replaced the typical “high rye” content (27%) in the formula with brown rice.  Additionally, the whiskey is finished with a second barreling in a toasted barrel.

On first whiff, BH Toast offers some stronger ethanol to the nose, despite coming in at just 80 proof.  It gets much softer on the palate, though.  There are some traditional notes like caramel and baking spices.  Surprisingly, again, not a ton of oak, compared to something like Woodford Double Oaked or Old Forester 1910 that has been double barreled, but there is some slight evidence of those scorched-type flavors.  The finish had a little burn to me, at least for something with such low proof and no rye.

 It’s a fine, uncomplicated whiskey, there’s just not an overwhelming amount of toasty-ness about it.  Maybe its strengths are in its subtlety.  It is nicely balanced and totally pleasant.  Another one of the best parts of Basil Hayden Toast may be its availability.  It should be found on most store shelves pretty easily.  It’s priced around $50, though, so it’s not the strongest value.  Here’s the cheapest shipped bottle I could locate:

It’s added to THE LIST!

Grizz