In Combination that No-One Asked For... Basil Hayden Introduces Bourbon Finished in Red Wine Cask

In what reminds me of an 11 year old mixing flavors of pop (yes, pop... not soda or coke) at Burger King, Beam Suntory brand, Basil Hayden has introduced Bourbon finished in a Red Wine Cask. 

Jonathan Marks, Senior Marketing Director for Global Small Batch Bourbon at Beam Suntory says:

We are creating new avenues for consumers to enjoy our light and inviting expressions through unique cask finishes and innovative releases. Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish continues the Basil Hayden mission to opening up the category to new drinkers and occasions.

To make this expression, Basil Hayden blends the Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with bourbon partially aged in Californian red wine casks. It comes in at 80 proof (40% alcohol) and $59.99 MSRP and will be available nationwide. It has the following tasting notes:

Nose: Dried fruit notes with cherry & vanilla, hint of toasted oak

Taste: Sweet ambrosia with complex levels of charred oak

Finish: Warm with a crisp, delicate mouthfeel

My Take 

My wife has an amazing expression that fits this release perfectly... Just because you AmeriCAN... doesn't mean you AmeriSHOULD. There are certain things that don't really go together... red wine and bourbon are two of those. I'm not sure who this release is for? Red wine drinkers don't necessarily want a wine flavored bourbon... nor do bourbon drinkers. For me, this is a very hard pass. 

What do you think? Drop a note in the comment box below. 

Source: Beam Suntory