Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 01:06 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.
This comparison illuminates the distinctions between Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, guiding enthusiasts toward a whiskey that best matches their taste preferences.
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
Verdict:
Angel’s Envy and Basil Hayden offer distinct expressions within the world of bourbon, catering to different preferences.
Angel’s Envy, with its innovative Port wine barrel finishing, stands out with a complex, sweet, and fruity profile. This nuanced experience, while lighter in body, comes at a price point of around $55 and boasts an alcohol content of 86 proof.
Basil Hayden, known for its smooth and approachable character, is priced slightly lower at $46 and has an 80 proof alcohol content. While some experts, like Neil Coleman, have noted a lack of depth in its flavor, others appreciate its gentle and easy-drinking nature.
Ultimately, the choice between Angel’s Envy and Basil Hayden depends on individual taste. One seeks complexity and innovative finishing, while the other offers a clean and accessible drinking experience. Both cater to different preferences within the diverse world of bourbon, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Bourbons under $50
Angel’s Envy Kentucky Straight Bourbon:
- Profile: Exhibits a nose of coconut, chocolate, and vanilla, leading to a palate of bread, maple syrup, caramel, and vanilla, concluding with a finish of toasted oak and baking spice.
- Alcohol Content: 86 proof (43% ABV), balancing its unique flavors.
- Recommended Consumption: Best enjoyed with a touch of water to open up its flavors.
- Facts: Aged between 4-6 years, with a mash bill of 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley, Angel’s Envy is recognized for its smooth, maple, and spice flavor profile, distinctively diverging from traditional bourbons.
Learn more: Angel’s Envy Website
Basil Hayden Bourbon:
- Profile: Offers a nose of apple and floral rye spice, with a palate of oak, cherry, and spice, leading to a medium finish of vanilla and apple.
- Alcohol Content: 80 proof (40% ABV), which may contribute to its lighter body.
- Recommended Consumption: Suggested to be enjoyed neat to appreciate its subtleties.
- Facts: Lacking a specific age statement, Basil Hayden’s is known for its sweet and fruity aroma but may leave enthusiasts desiring more depth and complexity for its price.
Learn more: Basil Hayden Website
Conclusion:
Between Angel’s Envy and Basil Hayden’s, the choice becomes clear for those seeking depth, complexity, and a distinctive bourbon experience.
Angel’s Envy, with its port cask finishing process, offers a compelling profile that stands apart from traditional bourbons, making it a favored selection for many.
Basil Hayden’s, despite its smoothness, may not fully satisfy those looking for a more engaging bourbon experience.
The decision ultimately rests on individual preferences, with each bourbon presenting unique qualities that cater to different tastes within the whiskey community.