Boring whiskey is boring.

It has been quite some time since I have written. It is not that I haven't been enjoying my whiskey, but more that I am not a true writer..I'm not someone that can write under any circumstances. I have a formula you see, where the flow of writing overtakes me. The lights must be dimmed with a lone candle lit. A raging fire will do as well. I must have a glass of whiskey ready to sip, and the bottle ready to refill my glass. I must have the Amy Winehouse station playing on Pandora, for you see I tend to sway back and forth to the rhythm of the music...dancing in my seat, enjoying both my whiskey and the expression of writing.

The last thing I need is privacy, because I am pretty sure I look insane while I write.

Today, I decided to buy a notoriously light bourbon. All the bourbons that I have decorating my shelf are complex, serious and are as heavy as a man hitting middle age contemplating his life choices. I wanted a whiskey that was light, but sweet. Something fun and playful and not so burdened with weight, because isn't life full of that anyways? Life is all about contrast and balance, and today this whiskey girl needed the soft hug of a whiskey that wasn't brash or harsh, but rather gentle and warm.

Basil Hayden's 8 Year Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, 80 proof:

This is the lightest bourbon I think I have ever had. The color is this beautiful honey tone that is pleasing to the eye, but as I swirl my glass I notice that there is hardly any cling to the glass. That is troublesome to me. That cling that you see when you swirl is the oil from the wood that the grain alcohol has drawn out of the barrel, and where the whiskey gets its complex flavor..where is gets it character. Without that depth, a whiskey will be like that dumb beautiful girl. Easy on the eyes, but when it comes personality she is dumb as a fucking rock.

The nose on Basil Hayden is really boring. Some slight vanilla, just a touch of cinnamon.  Because its only 80 proof this is a bourbon I would recommend for those thinking about trying bourbon neat for the first time. It is really approachable, and the flavor is quite nice and mellow. The finish begins and ends in your mouth, there is no long, warm finish down your throat and into your belly. And that is one of the reasons I wouldn't necessarily seek this bourbon out. I love feeling the experience of whiskey throughout my body. I love feeling my tummy glow with warmth after a jigger of Redbreast 15 year. It extends my enjoyment thoroughly. And when that isn't part of the equation..well, the experience of having the whiskey is anti climatic at best.

The flavor notes of this whiskey are very pleasant however. Honey, vanilla, brown sugar. All the yummy highlights that one would want. These flavors however don't extend far enough for me however, and I am left feeling like an unsatisfied lover.

So, would I recommend this whiskey? If you haven't been an avid whiskey drinker and are looking for a good place to start, then yes, I think you would LOVE this whiskey. Its friendly and pleasant. However, once you start drinking on a regular basis and want something that is more bold...well, it will be time to move on something a bit more distinct. Like Whistle Pig. Oh how I fucking love Whistle Pig.

And while I wouldn't seek this bourbon out, I can see how this would the whiskey one could enjoy on a summer evening, with single piece of ice to open it up. It is light, pleasant and not complicated. At all. And sometimes, that can be what a girl needs..and opportunity for an uncomplicated enjoyment of something pleasurable.

Until next time, drink what gives you pleasure, whatever that may be.

Cheers!
Jenn