basil hayden dark rye whiskey

Stands alone

I discovered this a few years ago, I had never seen a dark rye before. I enjoy it very much over ice or neat. I think the flavor did change slightly around the same time the label changed color, but still a very excellent rye. Thank you very much for coming up with this one!

My Go-To For An Old-Fashioned

A successful Old-Fashioned focuses the attention on the bourbon, which slowly unpacks layers of flavors with each sip. BHDR has a depth and complexity that may get lost or overpowered in other cocktails. In an Old-Fashioned the port balances the spicyness of the Rye(s) beautifully, without confusing the palate with all the herbs and spices of a vermouth. Use your oversized ice cube for this one, and don't forget the orange peel twist. It's a bit much for a Manhattan or Boulevardier as the vermouth fills that role in both those drinks. But back to the Old-fashioned. It's really like a bourbon designed for that, and I've found it unmatched. I offer the following not as criticisms, but for context: the otherwise excellent Knob Creek is too hot, and Makers Mark (the ultimate beginner's bourbon) too flabby. Bulleit is another fine bourbon or rye, but by comparison, lacks the complexity offered here. Eagle Rare might appeal to the 'purist'. But for sitting and sipping, a BHDR Old-fashioned is the one, or two...