Review #1: Basil Hayden

Intro:

We thought we’d kick things off with a fairly well-known bourbon that tends to fly under most people’s radars.  We feel this is a nice sipping bourbon, perfect for after dinner drinks or paired with some desserts or a nice cigar.  It is a much lighter bourbon when compared with other fuller-body bourbons (think Makers Mark or Jim Beam), but it definitely holds its own. 

At around $40 per bottle it makes for a good addition to your personal collection, or as a thoughtful gift that won’t break the bank.  As with all things, price is relative.  The bottle and overall package convey a premium product, but if you are into a standard of aging and specific flavor profile, you may be disappointed.

Basil Hayden Bourbon

The Backstory:

Basil Hayden’s is part of Jim Beam’s Small Batch Bourbons and was introduced to the world in 1992.  It carries the namesake of Meredith Basil Hayden Sr.  According to Beam, the mash recipe is very similar to one that dates back to 1792 and a recipe that is similar to Old Grand Dad. 

It is definitely the lightest flavor profile of the Jim Beam Small Batch line, but it’s not a bad entry point overall.  At 80 proof and 40% ABV, it is also on the lower end for alcohol content.

Tasting Notes:

Basil Hayden has a high-rye mash bill (the mix of grains used to make bourbon) that, “combines the sweetness of corn with the spicy undertones of rye.”

According to Basil Hayden:  The aroma includes spice, tea, and a hint of peppermint.  The taste is spicy, light-bodied, with a gentle bite.  The finish is dry, clean, & brief.

According to Him: It’s a mellower bourbon that further eases with an ice cube or spritz of water. For aroma I get slight hints of cherry, vanilla, and maybe some tea after the third or fourth sip. With the first sip, I get a little spice and a small hug. The second sip has some spice that hits right at the tip of my tongue. There is almost no bite after the second sip, just smooth sipping.

According to Her: Smooth, Spice, and everything nice! I like to drink mine with an ice cube or two to bring the spice level down a touch. When Basil first hits the palette I felt the spice on the tip of my tongue, then it moved to the back. Every sip after that, was heaven. I got notes of: honey, cherry, vanilla, and all spice. Very delicious and well rounded bourbon to come home to after a chaotic week.

The Rating:

Overall, we’d recommend this bourbon to anyone looking to find a quality drink, for the right price, that won’t push you away with a big bold spicy flavor.  It’s great for those finding their way through the bourbon aisle or looking for something a little different.

3 out of 5 Glasses.  We’ll put this bottle on the middle shelf.