Basil Hayden is the flagship expression of one of bourbon's most recognizable premium brands and the lightest, most approachable member of Beam Suntory's celebrated Small Batch Collection, alongside Knob Creek, Baker's, and Booker's. Created in 1992 by the legendary Booker Noe, it pays tribute to Meredith Basil Hayden Sr., the eighteenth century Maryland distiller who broke with tradition by folding a generous amount of rye into his corn based mash. That high rye recipe, shared with Old Grand Dad, is what sets Basil Hayden apart: it carries roughly twice the rye of a typical bourbon mashbill, around 63 percent corn, 27 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley, giving it a distinctly spicy yet refined and elegant character. Distilled and bottled by Kentucky Springs Distilling Co. in Clermont and Frankfort, Kentucky, and artfully aged before bottling at a gentle 80 proof, it is famously smooth and easy to drink, with none of the heat of higher proof bourbons. Light bodied and graceful, it opens with charred oak and sweet vanilla and caramel, layered with dried fruit, a hint of peppermint, and slight citrus, leading to a palate of brown sugar, gentle black pepper, and spicy rye, before a pleasant, lingering charred oak finish. Its soft, sophisticated profile has made it a favorite gateway bourbon and a reliable, elegant everyday sipper, equally at home neat, over ice, or in cocktails like an Old Fashioned, a Manhattan, or the brand's own Juicy Basil. For newcomers and seasoned drinkers who appreciate a lighter, spice forward style, Basil Hayden is a refined and welcoming pour.
ABV / Proof
| Brand |
Basil Hayden |
| Producer |
Beam Suntory (distilled and bottled by Kentucky Springs Distilling Co., Clermont / Frankfort, Kentucky) |
| Category |
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey |
| Expression |
Original, Small Batch, High Rye |
| Mashbill |
High Rye (approximately 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley) |
| Maturation |
Charred American Oak |
| ABV |
40% |
| Proof |
80 |
| Bottle Size |
750ml |
| Country |
United States |
Tasting Notes
Color: Light golden amber.
Nose: Charred oak and sweet vanilla caramel with dried fruit, a hint of peppermint, and light citrus.
Palate: Light and smooth, with brown sugar, gentle black pepper, spicy rye, and a touch of corn.
Finish: Pleasant and lingering, with charred oak and a touch of dried fruit.
FAQ
What makes Basil Hayden different from other bourbons? It uses a high rye mashbill, with roughly twice the rye of a typical bourbon, giving it a spicier yet light and approachable character. It is the lightest, lowest proof member of Beam's Small Batch Collection.
What proof is it? It is bottled at 80 proof, or 40 percent ABV, the gentlest of the Small Batch Collection.
What is the mashbill? It uses Beam's high rye recipe, shared with Old Grand Dad, of approximately 63 percent corn, 27 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley.
How old is it? It currently carries no age statement, though it was historically marketed as an 8 year old bourbon.
How should I drink it? Its smooth, light profile makes it excellent neat, over ice, or in cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Manhattan.
Where can I buy Basil Hayden online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
