Basil Hayden Bourbon Review: Your Complete Expert Guide

Hey, bourbon buddies, buckle up for a taste-tastic ride through the world of Basil Hayden bourbon. We’re diving into the Jim Beam family with this Kentucky straight, and trust us, it’s got a vibe that’ll make your taste buds throw a party.

Basil Hayden is a name that resonates with the legacy of small-batch bourbon craftsmanship. This bourbon has earned its place in the glasses of enthusiasts for its impeccable taste. Its unique character sets it apart in the crowded landscape of American whiskey.

So, what makes Basil Hayden stand out in the crowd? Is it the subtle spice that tickles your taste buds, or perhaps the gentle warmth that embraces your palate with every sip? Let’s uncover the nuances of this fine bourbon, exploring its flavor profile, the artistry of its production, and the legacy it carries in every drop.

Grab your glass and get cozy. We’re about to spill all the deets on Basil Hayden bourbon, and it’ll be a “pour-fect” adventure.

A Quick Look at Basil Hayden Bourbon

Before we discuss Basil Hayden’s main features and characteristics, let’s take a quick pit stop at our handy table. This snapshot will give you the lowdown on the most crucial bits of info about this legendary bourbon:

Overall Rating	4/5
Flavor	4/5
Value	4/5
Tasting Notes	Charred Oak, Black Pepper, Vanilla, Caramel, Dried Fruits
Classification	Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Distillery	James B. Beam Distilling Co.
Proof	80 (40% ABV)
Aged	Minimum 8 Years
MSPR	$20 – $50

Pros and Cons of Basil Hayden Bourbon

Basil Hayden is a popular and well-known bourbon brand with a distinctive flavor and style. However, like any whiskey, it has advantages and disadvantages that may appeal to different drinkers.

Here is a table that summarizes some of the pros and cons:

PROS	CONS
Smooth and Mellow Flavor	Might Be Too Light for Some Drinkers
Versatile and Adaptable	Some Find It Lacking Complexity
Affordable and Widely Available
Unique Spicy Undertones
Has Been Around Since the ‘90s

What Is Basil Hayden Bourbon?

Crafted in 1992 by the legendary Booker Noe as part of the Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden emerged with a mission. This mission was to showcase a more subtle side of bourbon, distinguishing itself from its bolder counterparts.

It’s named after Basil Hayden Sr., a whiskey pioneer and rye farmer who moved from Maryland to Kentucky in the late 18th century. He used a high-rye mash bill to create a smoother and lighter bourbon than the traditional ones. This high-rye approach caught Booker Noe’s attention, igniting the spark for Basil Hayden bourbon.

This Kentucky straight bourbon is made from a mash bill of 70% corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted barley. It is aged for at least eight years in new, charred American oak barrels and bottled at 80 proof. The taste is smooth, light, and balanced, with vanilla, honey, pepper, and rye notes. The finish is crisp and clean, with a touch of warmth.

Basil Hayden is a classic and premium bourbon that appeals to beginners and experienced drinkers. It’s smooth and easy to drink, either neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. It has a subtle and versatile flavor that can complement or enhance various ingredients and mixers.

Is Basil Hayden Bourbon Real Bourbon?

Basil Hayden is the real deal, and it proudly carries the torch as a legitimate Kentucky straight bourbon. Crafted within the hallowed halls of the Jim Beam family, it adheres to the stringent regulations and traditions that define a true-blue Kentucky bourbon.

What Does Basil Hayden Bourbon Whiskey Taste Like?

Thanks to its high-rye mash bill, Basil Hayden flaunts a light yet intricate flavor profile. As you bring a glass closer to your lips, your nose is greeted by a delightful vanilla, oak, and spice trio. The palate delivers a smooth and mellow feeling blended with hints of caramel and dried fruits, leading to a charred oak and peppery finish.

What Is the Alcohol Content in Basil Hayden Bourbon?

Basil Hayden bourbon clocks in at 40% ABV (alcohol by volume), translating to 80 proof. This lower alcohol content contributes to its smoother and more approachable character, making it a crowd-pleaser for those who enjoy a leisurely sip.

It’s worth noting that the lower proof may result in a bourbon that, while smooth, might not boast the same complexity and depth of flavor as its higher-proof counterparts.

Is Basil Hayden a Good Bourbon?

Basil Hayden has carved its niche in the whiskey world, and whether it’s considered “good” depends on what you’re seeking in a bourbon. If you like a smooth and easy-drinking bourbon that has a spicy and relaxed flavor, you may enjoy it. The prices across different sizes are balanced — a fair deal given its quality and legacy.

However, if you’re looking for a more complex and intense bourbon with a higher alcohol concentration and a richer flavor, you may want to try a different brand.

Is Basil Hayden the Best Bourbon?

While Basil Hayden enjoys popularity among bourbon enthusiasts, it doesn’t hold the title of “the best bourbon” for most connoisseurs and experts. It has its merits, such as the high-rye mash bill that gives it an approachable flavor.

Its versatility to be consumed neat, on the rocks, and as cocktails makes it a value addition for your minibar. Still, it isn’t for everyone. Preferences in bourbon vary widely, and the best choice is often a matter of personal taste.

How Is Basil Hayden Bourbon Packaged?

It’s worth noting that the packaging for Basil Hayden bourbon has undergone a recent update — transitioning from the old-world feel to a more modern design. The label now boasts a high-contrast white background with streamlined copy, a refined cask illustration, and a burnished copper monogrammed metal belt. You’ll definitely recognize it on the shelf.

How Should You Drink Basil Hayden Bourbon?

Basil Hayden is a versatile bourbon that lends itself to various drinking experiences, allowing you to tailor your sipping style to your preferences. If you want to appreciate the smooth, light, and spicy flavor, you may want to drink it neat or on the rocks.

If you want to create a cocktail using Basil Hayden, try some of the popular recipes, such as old fashioned, mint julep, bourbon punch, and the boulevardier.

What Types of Basil Hayden Spirits Are There?

If you'd like to enhance your home bar with more Basil Hayden spirts, we've gathered a variety of their products below.

Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 

One of Basil Hayden’s most popular whiskey products, the Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey quickly rose to a fan favorite. What makes this bourbon special is how it's made. The whiskey is made with locally sourced ingredients and crafted with love by Basil Hayden's Master Distillers. While it may be available whenever you need it, this isn't your average mass-produced bourbon whiskey. Instead, it's made with love every step of the way. 

Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a great-tasting bourbon as well. You’re welcomed by a charred oak aroma with notes of sweet caramel and vanilla, along with hints of dried fruits. After welcoming you in, Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey keeps you coming back with its subtle spices of black pepper, dried fruits, and sweet brown sugar. Bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), we know you'll love this bourbon.

Basil Hayden Dark Rye Bourbon

Another one of Basil Hayden's most popular options, the Dark Rye is a combination of two beloved whiskey products. The result is a smooth, delicious, and potent whiskey drink that will keep you coming back for more. It's made with Kentucky rye, Canadian rye from Basil Hayden's award-winning Alberta Distillery, along with a touch of port and dried fruits for extra flavor. The result is one of the smoothest and tastiest dark ryes you'll come across.

Basil Hayden's Dark Rye welcomes you with a nose that includes hints of dark berries and molasses, but keeps you there with its complex flavor that has subtle notes of spice, oak, and dried fruit. The finish is long, but it doesn't overstay its welcome. Bottled at 80 proof, or 40% ABV, you can't go wrong with Basil Hayden's Dark Rye.

Basil Hayden Aged 10 Years Bourbon

Looking for a whiskey that has some years under its belt? If so, Basil Hayden Aged 10 Years is exactly what you need. Plus, you get a little bit of exclusivity with Basil Hayden's Aged 10 Years because it only comes around once per year. Therefore, make sure you don't miss out if you want a premium sipping whiskey. Furthermore, Basil Hayden's Aged 10 Years is bottled at 80 proof, which keeps the alcohol content modest compared to some other aged whiskey options. For this reason, you can enjoy it without a quick buzz snatching up all the flavor.

So, what makes this 10-year whiskey special? Aside from the fact that it's aged for 10 years, the choice of charred oak American barrels adds a layer of smooth, oak flavor that you'll love. It's the perfect whiskey choice for sipping neat or on the rocks – we don't recommend mixing this one in a cocktail or drinking it as a shot.

Basil Hayden Toast Bourbon

We know the name doesn't give too much away, but Basil Hayden's Toast is something every whiskey-lover should experience. It's made with Basil Hayden's new brown rice mash bill, which gives it a unique flavor compared to some of the brand’s other whiskey products. If you’re a fan of Basil Hayden's other whiskey options but want to try something new, Basil Hayden Toast is perfect for you. 

Basil Hayden Toast has a warm aroma that welcomes you in with notes of toasted oak, dried fruit, and sugar. Moving on to the flavor, Basil Hayden's Toast is packed with a toasted wood finish, vanilla, spice, and a smooth mouthfeel. It's bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) and goes down great neat, on-the-rocks, or even in a cocktail.

Basil Hayden Malted Rye Bourbon

Basil Hayden also has a malted rye whiskey. It's one of the brand’s newest whiskey options, and while it's new, we bet you'll love the Malted Rye Bourbon. The result of the malted rye mash bill brings with it an aroma of vanilla and toasted rye bread but with sweet notes including a delicate floral aroma. Overall, the result is a unique rye whiskey that will have you second-guessing why other rye whiskeys aren't made with a 100% malted rye mash. 

When it comes to flavor, it's exactly what you would expect from a malted rye mash. Basil Hayden Malted Rye has a sweet cinnamon flavor that's followed by a spicy finish with subtle notes of chocolate. It's bottled 80-proof, so 40% ABV like other Basil Hayden whiskey options.

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish Bourbon

Most whiskey products are made using American oak barrels, charred oak barrels, or other standard whiskey barrels. While this makes for a good whiskey, people who want a sweeter flavor may prefer a red wine cask finish whiskey. This is exactly what the Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish whiskey is. It's an exclusive travel option that's available at select locations around the world, so if you can find it, you better get your hands on it.

What makes this whiskey special is how it's made. It's made using a blend of high-rye mash bill whiskey that's aged in California red wine casks. This emboldens the flavor with hints of vanilla, charred oak, and of course, red wine. Overall, it's a sweeter bourbon whiskey that people who love red wine and whiskey will love. Like other Basil Hayden whiskey options, it's bottled at 80-proof or 40% ABV.

Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke Bourbon

Basil Hayden's Subtle Smoke is a limited-release whiskey option that gives you notes of soft char and a hint of butterscotch. The result is a deep amber whiskey that draws you in with an aroma of smoke and sweet vanilla. While the aroma is subtle, the flavor packs a punch as you experience notes of maple, butterscotch, smoke, and light sweetness with each sip. The finish is long enough to keep you coming back but not too long as to overstay its welcome.

Basil Hayden's Subtle Smoke is bottled at 80-proof using a high-rye mash bill. While you get those subtle notes we mentioned earlier, you also get the spice you come to expect from a high-rye whiskey.

What Is the Standard Basil Hayden Bourbon Price?

Basil Hayden’s price can vary depending on the retailer and location. A standard 750ml bottle typically costs around $40 to $50 — a relatively affordable price, especially considering the quality and flavor profile of the bourbon. If you want to sip it in a bar or restaurant, expect to pay more than the standard price, at least around $10 per shot.

If you’re a collector or an enthusiast looking to get your hands on the limited-edition and exclusive Basil Hayden releases, you could pay anywhere between $100 to $4,000 for a 750ml bottle, depending on the year and its availability.

Where Can You Buy Basil Hayden Bourbon?

Basil Hayden is a famous and widely available bourbon whiskey. Several online retailers typically have a more comprehensive selection of this bourbon, including limited-edition bottlings and larger bottle sizes. You’ll even find this bourbon at various retailers, including liquor stores, convenience stores, and groceries.

It’s also a popular choice among bars and restaurants, especially those specializing in cocktails. The only drawback is that you may have to pay more for a serving at a bar than at a store, as the price may include the service and the mark-up.

Is Basil Hayden Bourbon a Good Gift?

Basil Hayden bourbon makes for a fantastic gift, and here’s why. Its smooth and approachable flavor profile and a touch of uniqueness from the high-rye mash bill appeal to a wide range of bourbon enthusiasts.

The packaging also adds to its gift appeal. The distinctive bottle design, with its Prohibition-era charm and vintage aesthetics, makes Basil Hayden a visually appealing present.

What Are Some Alternatives to Basil Hayden Bourbon?

There’s no shortage of options in the vast world of bourbon. Here are a few alternatives to Basil Hayden that are worth trying:

Pinhook High Proof Bourbon: For those who appreciate a higher proof, Pinhook offers a robust bourbon with a medley of flavors, including roasted peanuts, caramel, burnt sugar, apricots, molasses, and vanilla.

Frey Ranch Straight Bourbon: Recognized for its quality and balance, Frey Ranch delivers a more full-bodied and flavorful experience than Basil Hayden. It's a versatile bourbon that caters to a range of palates.

Ultimately, it all boils down to your personal preferences. We recommend exploring these (and other) alternatives to discover the bourbon that aligns perfectly with your preferences. 

Basil Hayden — The Smooth and Mellow Bourbon Whiskey

Basil Hayden is a bourbon worthy of its popularity. It’s the Kentucky straight whiskey you need when you’re in the mood for a smooth bourbon with a unique flavor profile at a relatively affordable price. Whether enjoyed neat, mingling in a classic cocktail or as the centerpiece of a tasting soirée, this bourbon can bring a touch of elegance to every sip.