Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 01:45 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Discover the differences between Basil Hayden’s vs Old Forester in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Basil Hayden vs Old Forester: Comparison
Basil Hayden’s: Offers a delicate blend of apple, floral, and rye spice on the nose, with a palate of oak, cherry, and pineapple. The medium finish features vanilla and apple. Best enjoyed neat.
Old Forester 86: Delivers brown sugar and caramel aromas, leading to flavors of vanilla, banana, and oak spice. The finish is short with caramel and oak. Versatile for rocks or cocktails.
The Verdict: “Basil Hayden’s caters to those seeking a lighter, smooth bourbon with a distinctive blend of flavors, ideal for neat sipping. Old Forester 86, on the other hand, offers a straightforward, versatile bourbon experience at a great value, perfect for both sipping and mixing.”, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best-Sipping Bourbons under $40
Basil Hayden’s: Smooth But Does It Go Beyond Surface Appeal?
- Nose: Apple, floral, rye spice
- Palate: Oak, cherry, spice, pineapple
- Finish: Medium, vanilla, apple
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Neat
- Similar to: Blade and Bow
Basil Hayden’s promises a smooth and inviting bourbon experience, but does it deliver the complexity and depth worthy of its price tag? Let’s take a sip and see:
Aroma Allure: The nose starts off promising, offering a sweet and fruity bouquet with hints of apple, cherries, and a spicy rye whisper. Think fruit salad meets rye bread, a tempting combination!
Flavor Frenzy: Unfortunately, things take a turn on the palate. The advertised smooth texture falls flat, feeling thin and watered down. The prominent oak character and upfront sweetness might remind you of soaked grains and candied cherries. While the familiar Jim Beam peanut note peeks through, it struggles to hold its own.
Finishing Fast: The finish is short and uneventful, leaving behind fleeting hints of apple and pineapple alongside a mild rye spice and warmth.
Worth the Splurge? Not quite. Despite its smooth character and balanced presentation, Basil Hayden’s fails to deliver on its initial promise. The lack of body, underwhelming finish, and low proof leave it feeling overpriced compared to other options. While smoothness is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of depth and complexity.
Bonus Bits: While honoring distiller Basil Hayden’s rye innovation with its mash bill (63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley), the rye presence feels muted in the final product. Launched in 1992, it’s made by Jim Beam Distillery under the ownership of Suntory Holdings.
Remember: If you’re seeking a purely smooth and easy-drinking bourbon, Basil Hayden’s might be your jam. But for those who crave complexity, body, and a lasting finish, there are better options at similar price points. Explore, sip, and discover what truly tantalizes your taste buds!
Old Forester 86: Straightforward Sipping or Cocktail Canvas?
- Nose: Brown sugar, caramel, ethanol
- Palate: Vanilla, banana, oak, spice
- Finish: Caramel, oak
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: Early Times
Old Forester 86 isn’t here to rewrite the bourbon rulebook, but it sure knows how to offer a solid, unpretentious dram at a friendly price. Let’s see if it fits your whiskey mood:
Aroma: Brace yourself for an initial wave of ethanol that quickly recedes, giving way to a sweet tapestry of brown sugar and caramel. Think freshly baked cookies warming your nose.
Taste Buds Tango: The medium-bodied mouthfeel offers a smooth glide, carrying hints of vanilla, banana, and cinnamon. A touch of charred oak spice adds a subtle bitterness, rounding out the flavor profile.
Finishing Touch: Don’t expect a lingering aftertaste here. The finish is short and sweet, with whispers of caramel and oak fading away gently.
Neat or Mix It Up? This versatile bourbon is happy both ways. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks for a straightforward sipping experience. But its slightly higher proof (86) makes it a great base for affordable and tasty cocktails too!
Value for Money: While not boasting complex layers of flavor, Old Forester 86 punches above its weight in terms of value. It surpasses other budget bourbons in quality, making it a solid choice for those seeking a reliable and affordable everyday dram.
Bonus Bits: This Kentucky classic boasts a history dating back to 1870, with a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. Crafted by Brown-Forman, the same folks behind Jack Daniel’s and Woodford Reserve, it offers a glimpse into their legacy at a budget-friendly price.
Remember: If you’re looking for a bourbon that pushes boundaries with unique flavor profiles, Old Forester 86 might not be your top pick. But for those seeking a dependable, smooth, and affordable bourbon for sipping or mixing, it’s definitely worth a pour!
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Bourbon |
| Basil Hayden’s | $45 |
| Old Forester | $24 |