Basil Hayden’s was one of four small batch selections released from Jim Beam distillery in the early 90’s. Despite a high rye content mash bill it is the lightest of its siblings, which include Knob Creek, Bookers, and Baker’s. The bourbon’s namesake comes from Basil Hayden Sr., a distinguished distiller known for his love of rye forward whiskey.
THE FLAVOR PROFILE
Basil Hayden’s aroma is light and fruit forward. Butterscotch, peaches, orange zest with traces of oak. The palate is fairly soft featuring woody, vanilla notes. Finish is short but pleasant.
CATEGORY DESCRIPTION
Bourbon is a type of American whiskey, a barrel-aged distilled liquor made primarily from corn and often rounded out with malted barley and rye (though some brands utilize wheat). The name “bourbon” was not applied until the 1850s, and did not become widespread until the 1870s. Bourbon must be made within the United States, be composed of at least 51% corn, and aged in new charred oak barrels.
