Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

750ml & 80 Proof

5.0

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

1 Review

Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a Whiskey hailing from America.

What is Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey?

Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey stands out with its distinctive high-rye mash bill, resulting in a spicy yet approachable flavor profile. Interestingly, the bourbon's namesake, Basil Hayden Sr., was a Maryland Catholic who led a group of 25 Catholic families to Kentucky in 1785, where he began distilling whiskey using a higher percentage of rye than was common at the time.

Why do we love Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey?

Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey stands out with its distinctive high-rye mash bill, resulting in a lighter-bodied, approachable bourbon that's perfect for cocktails. Its spicy-sweet flavor profile, featuring notes of tea, peppermint, and a hint of citrus, makes it an excellent choice for classic whiskey cocktails like the Old Fashioned or Manhattan, while still being smooth enough to enjoy neat or on the rocks.

How do you drink Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey?

Basil Hayden's light and approachable character shines when sipped neat or with a splash of water, allowing its subtle spice and sweet notes to come through. This versatile bourbon also works well in spirit-forward cocktails, particularly those that highlight its gentle nature, and pairs beautifully with rich, savory dishes or mild cheeses on a crisp autumn evening.

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$56.99

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Tasting Notes

How It's Made

Fun Facts

Product Details

Nose: Light and crisp with hints of peppermint, citrus zest, and fresh-cut hay. A subtle undercurrent of vanilla and caramel adds sweetness, while a faint whiff of oak provides depth.

Palate: Smooth and mild with a gentle warmth. Flavors of honey, toasted nuts, and cinnamon spice mingle with notes of rye bread and dried fruit. The trademark high-rye mash bill contributes a pleasant spiciness without overwhelming the palate.

Finish: Medium length and clean. Lingering notes of black tea, baking spices, and a touch of black pepper. The finish is dry with a slight oakiness, leaving a subtle warmth that invites another sip.

Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is crafted using a unique high-rye mash bill, with twice the amount of rye typically found in bourbon. This distinctive recipe, combined with a gentle aging process in charred oak barrels, results in a smooth, spicy bourbon with a light body and approachable character.

Basil Hayden was originally created as a "high-rye" bourbon to appeal to Scottish immigrants who were accustomed to spicier whiskeys. Its mash bill contains twice the amount of rye typically found in bourbon, giving it a distinctive peppery kick.

Despite its premium positioning today, Basil Hayden was initially marketed as "Old Grand-Dad Bonded" in the 1940s. The bourbon's current name and bottle design, featuring a copper belt and metal label, were introduced in 1992 as part of Jim Beam's Small Batch Collection.

Basil Hayden is bottled at a relatively low 80 proof (40% ABV), which is actually the legal minimum for bourbon. This lower alcohol content was chosen to highlight the whiskey's subtle flavors and make it more approachable, earning it the nickname "the gentleman's bourbon" among aficionados.

Main Ingredient: Corn
Country of Origin: United States