Got home and had a glass of Basil Hayden. Drinking Ardbeg now.
When I get a new whisk(e)y, I read reviews to see what other people are saying about it. Basil Hayden gets mediocre reviews, and a lot of the complaints are regarding the 80 proof bottling. They say it's too weak. On what planet is 80 proof weak?! Bunch of chest beating wankers trying to look cool by "enjoying" overproof spirits. 80 is pretty much the standard proof worldwide. Scotch doesn't get points deleted by being 80 proof. I'm good with 80-100, with the upper range being for bold spirits like Ardbeg(94 92 proof). Anything over that, I'm gonna add a bit of water. One might argue Basil Hayden isn't a good value based on cost, related to the competition, but it's a solid whiskey that's very enjoyable, with the higher rye content making it more interesting than other overly sweet corn heavy whiskies.
Can't comment on the cost, as it was a gift, but it's one of the better bourbons I've had. Old Grandad is supposed to have the same mash bill at a lower cost. I'll certainly get a bottle next time I'm at the liquor store.
tl;dr
Nobody thinks you're cool by drinking 120° whiskey. Judge based on flavor.