Basil Hayden Whiskey is a whiskey to be savored. Currently, there are four different options. One, if not all, is bound to please your palate.
Looking for something approachable? The Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a classic option. If you appreciate an artful blend of whiskies with a touch of port, Basil Hayden Dark Rye is a promising option for you. With a complex profile, Basil Hayden 10 Year Old Bourbon is elegant and nicely aged. And finally, Basil Hayden Toast is for those who appreciate a pleasant toasty taste that is more refreshing than you would expect.
The whiskey made its way onto the scene in 1992, paying tribute to Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr., a farmer who moved from Maryland to Kentucky and began distilling. Booker Noe, the man behind the bourbon, appreciated the craft of whiskey making, but even more, he loved the taste of it.
Let's dive into the options!
KENTUCKY STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY
First up, we have Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. It has notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits. It also has rich hints of peppermint. With a charred oak flavor, you can also expect a taste of sweetness from the brown sugar and a bit of black pepper to create a nice balance.
It’s light, smooth, and approachable. It’s also great for mixing and making cocktails. Think Old Fashioned or Manhattan, bourbon-style. Or even a Mint Julep.
DARK RYE
Next, we have Basil Hayden Dark Rye. If you are looking for something darker, the Dark Rye is a masterful blend that you can taste. It's oaky and has notes of dark berry and molasses. The oaky taste will add a bit of well-rounded spice to your palate.
The Dark Rye has three layers. It starts with a Kentucky Rye, moves to a layer of Canadian Rye, and finally, a California Port.
The Dark Rye is great on its own, on the rocks, or in a cocktail. Try a Dark Rye Manhattan.
10 YEAR OLD
If you’re looking for something that is aged and refined, you’ll be pleased with the Basil Hayden 10 Year Old Bourbon. It’s aged longer for a deeper taste and complexity.
It’s a little smoky with a slight char and nicely balanced with the sweetness of caramel and vanilla and the spice of the rye.
Drinking it neat or on the rocks will highlight the enhanced flavors.
TOAST
Lastly, Basil Hayden Toast is warm and inviting. Here we have a toasted oak with notes of dried fruit and caramelized sugar. The secondary aging happens in a toasted barrel, providing it with a toasted oak flavor. There is a hint of vanilla, making it sweeter and less spicy than what you'll experience with the others.
The rye grain is replaced with brown rice in this batch. Some people say that brown rice makes the whiskey taste a little more refreshing than it would with rye grain.
If you want to make it extra refreshing, enjoy a glass on the rocks. Or drink it neat if you want to focus on the different notes.
As you can see, you have options. Take your pick!