90 The Whisky Advocate

This decade-old Basil Hayden entices early with a nose of fresh fruit: there’s green apple, applesauce, lemon juice, ripe Bosc pear, and vanilla frosting. While the mouthfeel is a tad thin (a byproduct of lower proof) the palate is flavorful all the same, spotlighting baking spice, vanilla pudding cup, white pepper, honey, and the slightest hint of black coffee. Peppery spice, cinnamon, caramel swirl, and sugar cookie combine for a warming finish that lingers on for a while.