The eponymous Basil Hayden's Bourbon dates back to 1796, when Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. created a recipe unlike any other. He used a traditional corn base, but mixed in small grains in his mash to capture the spicy flavor of rye and complement the sweet smoothness of corn.
More than 200 years later, Basil Hayden's is a singular bourbon that bridges the flavor of rye whiskies and small batch bourbons together. Basil Hayden's is unequalled in that it utilizes twice as much rye in it as the other bourbons in the Collection. Enriched by a hint of peppermint, it impresses with notes of pepper balanced by slight citrus overtones, and a spicy, warming finish. Aged eight years at a relatively mild 80 proof, Basil Hayden's has a broad appeal and is equally enjoyable alone or in cocktails such as a Juicy Basil and Basil Bubbly.
Crafted in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden introduced a more subtle side of bourbon compared to its counterparts.
This style of bourbon was inspired by 1792 whiskey pioneer Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr., a rye farmer from Maryland who moved to Kentucky and began distilling. He chose to distill his bourbon with a higher percentage of rye, and Booker set out to create a similar high-rye mash bill that would offer the same refined, approachable taste profile.
Today, this bourbon stands as a tribute to Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr.’s high-rye mash bill ingenuity, as well as to Booker Noe, a true innovator who sought to welcome new drinkers into whiskey.
Booker Noe loved Bourbon. He loved the craft of it, the character of it, the “pour me another one and tell me a story” of it. He loved what it could mean and all the things it could be. But most of all he loved the way it tasted.
In Basil Hayden he created the kind of whiskey he loved; spicy yet smooth, both rich and sweet. A high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon with a refined flavor profile that rewards a second glass.
Basil Hayden lightness and approachability is the perfect complement to a great night. This bourbon is artfully aged to be spicy yet smooth, both rich and sweet.
Tasting Notes:
Color: Golden brown.
Aroma: Charred oak and sweet notes of vanilla & caramel with hints of dried fruit.
Taste: Charred oak flavor that is complemented with sweet brown sugar, a touch of black pepper, and dried fruit to round it out.
Finish: A pleasant, lingering charred oak finish with a touch of dried fruit.
