Basil Hayden's Two By Two Rye (Discontinued)

I first had this months ago, at a tasting, where I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe it hid behind all the other samples I had. I walked out of that tasting liking two samples I had: this and a Knob Creek cask strength rye. I liked this enough to buy a bottle. This time around, I was just plain disappointed. I finally opened it tonight to share with a few colleagues. It seems as if the bourbon and rye really just didn’t play well together here. Flavors seem muddled between the two, each fighting for dominance. I’m all up for innovative experimentation, although this rye-bourbon marriage isn’t innovative anymore, it’s been tried and tested by others that have done a much better job in execution ( High West Bourye). But innovative experimentation is only as good as the execution. This is a case where I thought the rye isn’t exerting itself, nor is the bourbon. Ideally, it should’ve been the sweetness of the bourbon up front, followed by the spicy rye on finish. But, this has both arm wrestling throughout. Try at bar, buy a bottle, or skip? I’d say try at bar.

Neat. I love my bourbon and like my ryes. This was a good blend of both - 2 bourbons and 2 ryes, thus 2x2. Not the best I have ever had and not the worst. Good for the price. I have not had a basil haydens that I don’t like but none that I love either. "0-1: Beyond bad. Complete waste of money according to my tastebuds. 2: Bad. Simply not my taste 2.5: Sub-par. Ill drink it... but only because its whiskey. 3: Good. Decent stuff, but not a rebuy 3.5: Very good. I might buy again 4: Excellent: Will be purchasing a bottle asap 4.5: Incredible: top of the purchase list 5:Amazing: cost and taste are worth every cent"

N: Rye spice, grass, oak, and maybe some vanilla. The smells are aromatic and blend under the grass well. P: Sweet! There is vanilla and light oak. Also some bubblegum. I am not getting much rye. There is peanut butter like a lot of Jim Beam products. F: The finish seems to be vague. I certainly get the bourbon notes and some rye spice at the last taste which is interesting since it didn’t show on the palate much. Mostly peanuts, muddled leather and some oak that warps around the smooth palate.

***NOT A RYE FAN*** I do not love the Rye’s so please consider the source. It is ok at best. Mild flavor with low burn/spice. This should please mild bourbon drinkers, but will definitely disappoint the seasoned vets. Will not look to buy in the future. ( This was a gift). 2.6/5

N: vanilla and orange, a bit of rye bread but less grain than your average rye P: orange peel and pear dominate the front, followed by a classic oaky mid-palate. F: soft rye bite with lingering Woody flavors Very nice pour overall. Good whisky but not for the rye diehard.

The first bottle bought and paid extra for. It’s been a long few years having this ever so often, I’ve had more pours that were just okay than ones I’ve really enjoyed. Not sure if I’ll get a replacement other than to have the full Basil Hayden’s set.