Review - Basil Hayden's Two By Two Rye
More and more coming to the conclusion that Basil Hayden’s is the Lacroix of bourbons. Basically whiskey infused with essential oils… It's pretty pricey for what it brings to the table … confused. Two By Two Rye doesn’t give us anything to hate but nothing to bring us back.
Rating 2 Glasses
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery, Clermont, KY
Years Aged: NAS
Proof: 80
Local Price (USD): $44.95
Availability: Uncommon
Tasting Notes
Color & Consistency: Amber thin legs.
Nose: Rye leading to light vanilla.
Taste: Water flavored with rye and bourbon. Not cohesive, spice rolls to sweet.
Finish: Waterproof band-aids, very fast to run away and leave you relived the confusion is over.
Conclusion: Limited Release. More and more coming to the conclusion that Basil Hayden’s is the Lacroix of bourbons. Basically whiskey infused with essential oils and all over the map as far as flavors go. It's pretty pricey for what it brings to the table and there’s really no reason to pay any money to be confused. Two By Two Rye doesn’t give us anything to hate but nothing to bring us back. If you are looking for a decent Rye check out Michter’s Rye or High West’s Double Rye
Review - IWAI Tradition Japanese Whisky
Mash bill consists of 75% malt & 25% corn which is a flip from the standard release and a blending of sherry, bourbon & wine casks probably wasn’t the best move. Definitely not worth the $60 as it doesn’t hold up to many other Japanese whiskys on the shelf hanging out in the same price range. Unless you are a Japanese whisky enthusiast we would steer you clear for sure.
Rating 2 Glasses
Distillery: Mars Shinshu Distillery
Years Aged: NAS
Proof: 80
Local Price (USD): $59.99
Availability: Widespread
Tasting Notes
Color & Consistency: A copper penny that went through wash a few too many times. Slow and thin legs.
Nose: Musky and oakey nose, odd sweetness, hint of citrus.
Taste: Oak, tannins, sherry & moldy mushrooms.
Finish: Fades pretty quickly but the tannins stick to your tounge causing a funkiness that hangs on and just won’t let go.
Conclusion: Mash bill consists of 75% malt & 25% corn which is a flip from the standard release and a blending of sherry, bourbon & wine casks probably wasn’t the best move. Definitely not worth the $60 as it doesn’t hold up to many other Japanese whiskys on the shelf hanging out in the same price range. Unless you are a Japanese whisky enthusiast we would steer you clear for sure. Interesting that it is the highest elevation distillery in Japan in the mountain ranges of Nagano. For the many reasons stated previously we would most likely not buy it again and could only give it a two on the glass rating.
Review - Stillhouse Original Whiskey
This is not a sipping whiskey but rather a mixing whiskey. Their website clearly states that it is to be served completely chilled (the reason for the stainless steel container)…
Rating 2 Glasses
Distillery: Stillhouse Spirits Co. USA
Years Aged: N/A
Proof: 80
Local Price (USD): $22.95
Availability: Widespread
Tasting Notes
Color & Consistency: Clear thick water
Nose: Buttered Popcorn Jelly Belly®, with just a hint of Fritos®
Taste: Smooth but corny like it's told too many knock knock jokes
Finish: The alcohol hangs around for a while fading to creamed corn
Conclusion: We reviewed this whiskey as we would any other; room temperature and in a Glencairn to capture the flavors, aromas and character but may have not enjoyed the true experience intended by the distillery as it was basically a corn dog in a can. This is not a sipping whiskey but rather a mixing whiskey. Their website clearly states that this is to be served completely chilled (the reason for the stainless steel container) and as such we may have to re-visit this one at a later date to give it fair shake. Check out Stillhouse.com for their many drink recipes including but not limited to the Stillhouse Mule, That's My Jam & Cigar Roller.
Review - Basil Hayden's Dark Rye 2017
The more you drink the more you get used to it but its not exactly what we would call enjoyable. The port addition doesn't do it any favors either.
Rating 2 Glasses
- Distillery: Kentucky Springs Distilling Co. (Owned by Beam Suntory)
- Years Aged: NAS
- Proof: 80
- Local Price (USD): $49.95
- Availability: Widespread
- Local Price (USD): $49.95
Tasting Notes
- Color & Consistency: Fresh out of the tap rich maple syrup, thin & quick like Mo Farah.
- Nose: Cherry flavored Play-Doh and no, not the philosopher, but if so very likely had incredibly offensive BO.
- Taste: The aftertaste is worse so just swallow.
- Finish: Very organic and kind of musty. It doesn't hit you right away but when it does, all you want is for it to be over.
- Conclusion: We all had high hopes for this bottle as the port addition was intriguing but this unfortunately has a slightly offensive / funky profile from bow to stern. The more you drink the more you get used to it but its not exactly what we would call enjoyable. The port addition doesn't do it any favors either. It's a completely odd duckling and we give them credit for trying this blend (Kentucky Rye, Canadian Rye from Alberta Distillery & California Port). Unfortunately it just doesn't translate for us in the finished product.
Review - Stranahan's Colorado Whiskey
"Highly overrated and overpriced"
Photo Credit: Josh
Rating 2 Glasses
- Distillery: Stranahan's Colorado Distillery
- Years Aged: 2
- Proof: 94
- Price (USD): $ 59.95
- Availability: Widespread
Tasting Notes:
- Color & Consistency: Yellow honey, watery
- Nose: Sweet & lackluster
- Taste: Corn, alcohol, sweet
- Finish: Oaky, sweet & uninspired
- Conclusion: Highly overrated and overpriced. Too sweet without the other characteristics to balance it.