Basil Hayden Dark Rye

Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey Blended with Canadian Rye Whisky and Port

80 Proof

Nose: Rich dark fruit with soft vanilla and subtle oak

Palate: Caramel, oak and light rye spice

Finish: Longer than expected with the dark fruit making it’s first appearance since the nose.

Trinidad Espiritu No. 2

Wrapper: Brazilian Arapiraca

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Brazilian and Nicaraguan

Pre-Light Draw: Tobacco sweetness and spice

Performance: Perfect burn. Good amount of smoke output. Great draw.

1st 1/3: Black pepper, leather, toasted grain and a savory umami note that is really nice

2nd 1/3: Milk chocolate and a sweet dried fruit note with the pepper still there in the background

Final 1/3: Leather and wood, with an espresso note coming in now

Pairing

Nose after light: oak, caramel, cinnamon, and rye spice now

Palate after light: Getting the dark fruit upfront now with caramel and oak. No spice on the palate now.

Final Thoughts

This pairing was absolutely fantastic. The Dark Rye complimented the Espiritu No. 2 so well that I will definitely revisit this pairing. I typically don’t love Basil Hayden, with its low proof, but this bottle is surprisingly full flavored. I am again extremely

satisfied with a cigar that is attached to the name AJ Fernandez. I am really becoming a fanboy at this point.

Review by Matthew @vitola_and_proof