Basil Haydens Two By Two Rye 750ML

Basil Hayden's Two By Two Rye 750ML is a limited-edition Kentucky rye blend bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) in a 750ml bottle. A Gold medal winner at the New York International Spirits Competition, this expression marries four distinct aged whiskeys — two ryes and two bourbons — into a single, layered pour inspired by an 18th-century family recipe.

Quick Facts: ABV: 40% (80 proof)  |  Origin: Kentucky, United States  |  Multi-Age Blend (5–13 years)  |  Distillery: Kentucky Springs Distilling Co.

Production & Heritage

Produced by Kentucky Springs Distilling Co., Two By Two Rye draws on a concept rooted in a 1796 family recipe that combined rye whiskey and corn whiskey. The blend brings together four components: a 5-year-old Kentucky straight rye, a 7-year-old high-rye Kentucky straight rye, a 13-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon, and a 6-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon. The final composition skews roughly 80% rye to 20% bourbon, giving the rye grain clear dominance while the aged bourbons supply depth and sweetness. This was the third limited-edition release in the Basil Hayden's rye series, following the standard Rye Whiskey and Dark Rye expressions.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Banana and toasted sesame greet the nose first, followed by waves of brown sugar and a subtle floral quality. A closer inhale reveals candied red apple and black cherry sweetness lingering underneath.

Taste: The entry is light-bodied yet warm, with an oily, buttery mouthfeel that carries anise and licorice across the palate. Mid-palate, notes of lemon, pistachio, and caramel emerge with modest but pleasing structure. The bourbon components round out the rye spice, adding vanilla and soft sweetness without overwhelming the grain-forward character.

Finish: The finish runs long for an 80-proof whiskey, trailing off with vanilla, gentle spice, and a faint echo of toasted sesame. It leaves a clean, warming impression rather than lingering heat.

How to Drink Two By Two Rye

The interplay of four distinct whiskeys rewards neat sipping at room temperature, where the layered fruit and spice notes have space to develop. A single large ice cube can open up the buttery mid-palate for those who prefer a cooler pour. In cocktails, it brings a distinctive personality: try it in a Manhattan, where the cherry and vanilla notes harmonize with sweet vermouth; in an Old Fashioned, where its brown sugar character reduces the need for heavy sweetening; or in a Vieux Carré, where the blend's complexity stands up to Cognac and Bénédictine without being drowned out.

Best For

• Collectors seeking discontinued limited-edition American whiskey releases
• Gifting a rye enthusiast who appreciates multi-component blends
• Side-by-side tastings comparing bourbon-rye hybrid expressions
• After-dinner sipping alongside desserts or dark chocolate

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Two By Two Rye taste like? Two By Two Rye delivers a light-bodied, fruit-forward profile with candied apple, anise, caramel, and vanilla, supported by an oily, buttery texture. The finish is long and vanilla-driven, with moderate rye spice throughout.

How does Two By Two Rye compare to High West Bourye? Both blend bourbon and rye whiskeys, but they sit at opposite ends of the intensity spectrum — Bourye is recognized for its big, spicy, and robust character, while Two By Two Rye is notably brighter, more delicate, and lower in proof at 40% ABV. Drinkers who prefer approachable, fruit-driven blends will lean toward Two By Two, while those seeking bold spice may favor Bourye.

Is Two By Two Rye good for sipping neat? Yes — at 80 proof it is approachable and light-bodied enough to sip neat without water, and its layered blending of four aged whiskeys gives it more complexity than its gentle proof might suggest.

Where is Two By Two Rye made? Two By Two Rye is produced by Kentucky Springs Distilling Co. in Kentucky, United States, using four Kentucky straight whiskeys aged between five and thirteen years.

What foods pair well with Two By Two Rye? Pecan pie complements the brown sugar and vanilla notes; smoked salmon echoes the toasted sesame on the nose; sharp aged cheddar contrasts the fruit sweetness; grilled stone fruit like peaches mirrors the candied apple character; and dark chocolate amplifies the caramel and anise undertones.

What sizes does Two By Two Rye come in? Basil Hayden's Two By Two Rye was released in the standard 750ml bottle size.

Is Two By Two Rye worth the price? As a discontinued limited-edition release with a Gold medal from the New York International Spirits Competition, Two By Two Rye positions in the premium tier of American whiskey and carries additional value for collectors and enthusiasts seeking bottles no longer in regular production.

Why Two By Two Rye?

The defining strength of this expression is its four-whiskey architecture — two ryes and two bourbons spanning ages from five to thirteen years — which creates a layered complexity uncommon at 80 proof. The inclusion of a 13-year-old bourbon component brings a maturity and depth that anchors the lighter, brighter rye elements. Its Gold medal at the New York International Spirits Competition and recognition from Whisky Advocate as "bright, delicate, and approachable" confirm that the blend achieves balance rather than compromise. As a discontinued limited edition and the final chapter in Basil Hayden's rye trilogy, it holds a distinct place for collectors and drinkers drawn to the craft of multi-component American whiskey blending.