The Still & The VineSchool of Wine & Spirits
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon
BourbonIssue 16

Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Beam Suntory · Jim Beam Distillery, Clermont, KY

$3580 (40% ABV) proofNAS (typically 4+ years)Clermont, Kentucky — where a high-rye recipe passed down from 1796 proves that the best bourbons are built on the balance of their grains, not the dominance of any one.
Basil Hayden’s is a quiet argument for restraint. Where so many bourbons muscle their way forward with proof and sweetness, this one leads with the grain blend itself — that generous 27% rye lifting everything around it.

Kit Aromas

Tasting Notes

Nose

Light peppery rye, honey, dried herbs, a whisper of citrus, and gentle oak

Palate

Silky entry with brown sugar, cinnamon, fresh mint, crisp rye spice, and a touch of dried fruit

Finish

Clean and moderate with lingering rye pepper and warm vanilla

Specifications
Mash Bill
63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Serve & Pair

Cocktail Suggestion

Cocktail — The Hayden’s Highball: 2 oz Basil Hayden’s · 4 oz chilled club soda · expressed lemon peel garnish.

Food Pairing

Honey-glazed roasted almonds

Train These Aromas
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