Basil Hayden Whiskey

About Basil Hayden

Basil Hayden's Kentucky Straight Bourbon is produced by Jim Beam and carries the name of a whiskey pioneer who in 1796 began experimenting with a higher proportion of rye than usual, giving his bourbon a more pronounced spicy character with notes of pepper, honey and citrus. The brand stands apart from many other Beam products by being bottled at a lower proof of 40%, giving a more elegant, lighter style often highlighted as a good introduction for new bourbon drinkers. Collectors take an interest in the limited annual releases, while newcomers meet one of the most accessible and well-balanced bourbons from one of Kentucky's oldest families.

History & Background

Basil Hayden was an early Catholic settler in Kentucky who, according to family tradition, began distilling bourbon in 1796 using an unusually high proportion of rye to give his whiskey more spice and character than the standard of the day. His recipe was carried forward through generations of the Beam family, who later launched the modern Basil Hayden's as part of Jim Beam's "Small Batch Bourbon Collection" alongside Knob Creek, Baker's and Booker's. The brand was deliberately designed to appeal to whiskey drinkers seeking something lighter and more elegant than the collection's more powerful bourbons, and is today one of the best-selling premium brands under the Jim Beam umbrella.

History & Background

There is not much publicly available history on Basil Hayden, and the house keeps a relatively low profile about its origins. What is clear is its position in the range, reflected in the style and character described above.

Production & Style

The bourbon has a higher rye content than many of Beam's other bourbons, giving it a lighter, spicier style.

Signature Style

Light, Spicy, Peppery
The bourbon offers a light, spicy character with a touch of pepper.

Facts

Did you know?

For a whiskey to be called bourbon, US law requires it to be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new, charred oak barrels.

Like Basil Hayden? You should also try:

Jack Daniel's, Jim Beam and Willett.