Basil Haydens Dark Rye 750 ml

Basil Hayden's Dark Rye blends Kentucky straight rye whiskey with a small amount of Canadian rye whiskey and port wine, an unusual three-way marriage that sets it apart from the rest of the Basil Hayden's lineup, which sticks to straight bourbon and rye. That port addition softens the typically sharp rye spice into something sweeter and more approachable, with dark fruit sitting alongside the grain's natural pepper. Expect caramel and rye spice on the nose, notes of toasted oak, dark fruit, and baking spice on the palate, and a long, smooth finish with a hint of pepper. Bottled at 80 proof, it's a gentler, more sippable take on rye than most straight bottlings.

How to drink Basil Hayden's Dark Rye

Its port-wine sweetness makes it a strong Manhattan variation, or simply sip it neat if you want the rye spice softened rather than sharp.

Rye80 proof · Mash bill: Kentucky straight rye, Canadian rye, port wine · charred oak barrels · Kentucky, USA