Basil Hayden Bourbon Review (Evergreen)

Our Basil Hayden bourbon review is ready and waiting for you to dive in! We’re stoked for you to get to know this beautiful bottle. It’s a personal favorite recommendation of ours here at Prestige, and our bar is never without it.

We especially love it for bourbon newcomers. It’s a top gateway bourbon for sure. But bourbon veterans can “sip back,” relax, and remember good times with this classic, too. Let’s have a look at some Basil Hayden’s history and details, shall we? Then we’ll hear what our bourbon enthusiasts have to say.

A Brief Overview: Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

History

We love the history of Basil Hayden’s. Mr. Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr. himself was a master distiller back in the 18th century. He headed from Maryland to the bluegrass of Kentucky, where he was new to the land and to the tradition of America’s spirit. He played by his own rules. His mash bill was a recipe that rubbed some bourbon purists the wrong way. But rye was the name of his game. High rye and hallelujah! The small batch you’ll find in liquor stores today still clings to that very formula Master Hayden produced long ago.

Fun Facts

If you’re
reminded of Old Grand-Dad and Old Grand-Dad 114 when you drink this, it doesn’t
surprise us. It’s the same mash bill, after all.

The mash bill
consists of 63 percent corn, 27 percent rye, and 10 percent malted barley. It
has the highest rye of all the Jim Beam bourbon lineup. (All the other Jim Beam
bourbons take the corn to 77 percent.)

Pro tip: This
is a great bourbon to take to parties and holiday gatherings, as well as
porch-sitting-and-sipping sessions with your friends. It’s easy enough for the
crowd, yet complex enough to keep the aficionados interested.

And we think these are also fun, so we’re throwing them in the mix here: our unique decanters and whiskey glasses make those sipping sessions a real pleasure. They’ll have everyone talking. And staring. Oh, and wishing.

Specs & Price

Basil Hayden Bourbon Review From Other Whiskey Aficionados

We’re hoping
these short reviews will help you shop. If these descriptions appeal, well,
treat yo’self. Brothers and sisters, if you haven’t shaken hands with this
pour, it is high-rye time you did. It could be your favorite ever.

Here’s the word on the bourbon street about Basil Hayden’s Bourbon:

@bourbonchew

“At 80 proof, the high rye content gives it a little pepper and spice. But overall, it’s a very smooth and easy drink… This is a great way to introduce friends to bourbon.” - @bourbonchew

@simplyintheflavor

“Basil Hayden’s is very approachable for any of you that are looking to get into bourbon but you aren’t sure where to start. The nose and palate are filled with cherry, plum, pear, and baking spices. It finishes with a slight pepper, oak, caramel, and baking spice combination. Coming in at 80 proof, BH is well-balanced and soft but with just enough depth to make it interesting.” - @simplyintheflavor

@thewhiskeycreed

“Basil Hayden’s is one of my ‘I don’t have to think about it’ whiskeys. It’s there but doesn’t make you pay attention… Light and easy and super smooth. A good one to have around.” - @thewhiskeycreed

@thewhiskyfiend

“I’m a malt whisky drinker first and foremost, and while I like teasing my bourbon drinking friends, sometimes you just have to appreciate the details of a solid bourbon.” - @thewhiskyfiend

@bourbongeeks

“More delicate in terms of flavor. The ‘typical’ bourbon flavors of caramel and vanilla are present but aren’t as prominent, putting forward more pear and vanilla flavors than dark fruits and caramelized sugars. No burn (at least for me) and more on the shorter side of a finish…” - @bourbongeeks

@whiskerim

“Light and pleasant bourbon, with slightly bitter notes intervening the overall vanilla and cream sweet symphony.” - @whiskerim

@brownwaterbourbon

“This was one of the first bourbons I drank back when I began collecting… Great summer bourbon when it’s a little warmer. Between Texas and Nevada, I felt it was a solid choice.” - @brownwaterbourbon

@bourbonsipper

“Basil Hayden’s is like one of your old friends that you maybe don’t hang out with very much. Yet every time you do, you remember why you love them so much. It’s the perfect blend of soft sweetness and oak, with a finish that makes you smile.” - @bourbonsipper

@bourbondoctor

“The flavor profile is very mild, perhaps milder than any bourbon I’ve ever had before, which can certainly appeal to bourbon newbies whose palates cannot handle much heat yet… So soft and silky.” - @bourbondoctor

@bourbon_juice

“…People hate on Basil Hayden’s because it’s only 80 proof. I personally enjoy it… Great for a new bourbon drinker as they start to get their palate accustomed to drinking neat.” - @bourbon_juice

Give these fine folks a follow on Instagram, why don’t ya? And check out Breaking Bourbon’s solid review of this product for another perspective and some great notes.

Basil Hayden’s Bourbon Cocktail Recipes to Try

1) Basil Hayden’s Mint Julep Lemonade

“It’s the perfect cocktail for your Kentucky Derby party: my Basil Hayden’s Mint Julep Lemonade!” - @cathedralsandcafes

See the recipe here.

Delicious and perfect for this evening. [Photo cred: @basilhaydens]

2) Midtown Village Manhattan

“Sometimes the most enjoyable things are the simplest. If you have Basil Hayden’s, you only need two more ingredients to make this delectable Midtown Village Manhattan.” - @basilhaydens

Recipe:

• 3 parts Basil Hayden’s
• 1 part sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes bitters
• Cherries to garnish (optional)

Let’s Hear Your Basil Hayden Bourbon Review

We absolutely want
to hear from you. Please, share you Basil
Hayden opinion in the comments section below. Our community is always growing and
learning together. We welcome you to join the Prestige fam!

We also hope
that if you’re new to the bourbon crew, you’ll check out our article Bourbon for Beginners. Get a jump start. And sip some Basil
Hayden’s as you do.

Stay tuned,
kids. We’ve got plenty more reviews, recipes, recommendations, and reverie
ahead!