their latest expression<\/a>:<\/p>\nBasil Hayden Subtle Smoke features the same high-rye mash bill that Basil Hayden loyalists know and love, but uses secondary aging to deliver a unique, layered flavor with a refined hint of smokiness.<\/em><\/p>\nWe begin by toasting and lightly charring the secondary barrel. This is followed by delicately igniting hickory-smoked chips at a constant feed to produce smoke, which is then pumped into the barrel, resulting in notes of soft char and light butterscotch. This unique flavor provides a smoother, more subtle take on smoky spirits, and creates the perfectly sophisticated, yet approachable introduction to both bourbon and Basil Hayden.<\/em><\/p>\nServing Subtle Smoke neat or on the rocks allows the mellow smoke and sweet vanilla notes to shine while complementing the spicy rye flavors typical to Basil Hayden bourbon\u2019s high-rye mash bill. At 80 proof, Subtle Smoke is light enough to examine on the palate without the burn typically associated with higher-proof or overly smoky spirits.<\/em><\/p>\nWe\u2019re no strangers to a smoky dram, so we were very curious to see what Basil Hayden would taste like with a touch of what we hoped would be smoky goodness. Click play on the following video to see if our optimism was rewarded:<\/p>\n
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