Basil Hayden vs Eagle Rare: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:23 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 Eagle Rare 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’s vs Eagle Rare: Comparison

Basil Hayden’s: A light sweet and spicy bourbon with apple and cherry notes, complemented by a hint of rye spice. It’s smooth and accessible at 80 proof.

Eagle Rare: Offers a robust oak-forward profile with nuances of orange peel, vanilla, and caramel at 90 proof. It’s a rich, creamy bourbon that provides a lingering finish of oak, tobacco, and leather, appealing to those who appreciate complexity and a rich oak note.

Verdict: Basil Hayden’s and Eagle Rare cater to different preferences within the bourbon spectrum, from Basil Hayden’s smooth simplicity to Eagle Rare’s depth, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Basil Hayden: Smooth and Simple

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: Angel’s Envy

Basil Hayden’s entices with a sweet aroma: think apple, juicy cherries, and a hint of rye spice.

Take a sip, and things get smooth…perhaps too smooth. It’s lighter than some bourbons, and while you get sweet cherry notes, the flavor feels a bit thin and watery.

The finish fades quickly, leaving fleeting hints of fruit and rye behind.

So, is it good? It’s smooth and easy to drink, but for the price, some might find it lacks complexity and texture.

Here’s the rundown:

Sweet and fruity: Apple, cherry, and a touch of rye on the nose.
Smooth but thin: Easy to drink, but might lack depth for some.
Short finish: Fleeting hints of fruit and rye fade quickly.
Higher price point: Consider the lack of complexity before buying.

If you’re looking for a super smooth, easy-drinking bourbon, Basil Hayden’s could be your jam. But if you crave more depth and texture, other options might offer a better bang for your buck.

P.S. This bourbon can be mixed in cocktails, where its smoothness might shine. But for neat sipping, there are more exciting options out there.

Eagle Rare: Oaky Delight for Bourbon Aficionados

Nose: Toasted oak, orange peel, maple syrup
Palate: Oak, dried fruit, vanilla, caramel, baking spice
Finish: Oak, tobacco, leather
Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: 1792 Small Batch

Eagle Rare’s aroma is all about the barrel: toasty oak takes center stage, with hints of orange peel, red fruit, and maple syrup peeking through.

Take a sip, and prepare for a creamy treat. Think buttery mouthfeel, then robust oak that gives way to vanilla, dried fruit, caramel, and a touch of spice.

The finish lingers long, with more oak, aged leather, and hints of tobacco. Add a splash of water, and the caramel comes forward, but oak remains the boss.

Is it for everyone? Not quite. Experienced bourbon drinkers will appreciate the oaky complexity, but newbies might find it intense. But if you can handle the oak punch, and find it at its around $50 MSRP, it’s a valuable addition to your bourbon journey.

Eagle Rare facts:

Aged 10+ years: Time in new, charred oak barrels gives it that distinctive flavor.
Hand-picked barrels: Only the best make the cut for this premium bourbon.
Rich history: From Seagram to Sazerac, this brand has seen it all.

Ready to explore the oaky side of bourbon? Give Eagle Rare a try, but be warned: it’s not for the faint of palate.