Basil Hayden Dark Rye is one of the more unusual bottles on the shelf at Camp West, the cabin-inspired cocktail bar and restaurant in the West Seattle Junction — a rye blend touched with port that drinks like nothing else on our list. It is the pour we hand to guests who think they don’t like rye, and watch them change their minds.
About the Distillery
Basil Hayden Dark Rye comes from Beam Suntory, the same family behind the Basil Hayden bourbons and the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection. It was launched as the first permanent extension of the Basil Hayden line, and it set itself apart by blending whiskeys from more than one country rather than relying on a single distillery’s output.
Style & Mash Bill
This is a blended rye whiskey that brings together a Kentucky straight rye and a Canadian rye, then ties them together with a measure of California port blended directly into the whiskey. Bottled at 80 proof, it leans fruit-forward and approachable, with the port adding both color and sweetness — an unusual move that gives Dark Rye its name and its character.
Tasting Notes
Expect a deep ruby tint and a nose of dark cherry and berry jam. The palate follows with strawberry, dark fruit, and seasoned oak, while a thread of rye spice keeps it from turning syrupy. The finish is smooth and gently sweet. It is full-flavored and fruit-driven, far softer than a traditional spicy rye.
How to Enjoy It at Camp West
Basil Hayden Dark Rye is a $14 pour. We love it neat or over a large rock so the port-kissed fruit comes forward, and it makes a striking Manhattan or whiskey sour thanks to its built-in sweetness. It is an easy introduction to rye for cocktail drinkers and bourbon fans alike.
FAQ
Why is it called “Dark Rye”?
The name comes from its deep ruby color and rich, fruit-forward character, both the result of California port blended directly into a Kentucky-and-Canadian rye base.
Is Dark Rye spicy like other ryes?
Less so. The port and the blend make it noticeably softer and fruitier than a traditional rye, with spice as an accent rather than the main event.
Ready to settle in? Book a table, explore our whiskey list, or browse the full beverage menu.