Back in the days when George Washington was the first U.S. President and Kentucky State only but 4 years old, Basil Hayden was hard at work experimenting with the inner workings of Bourbon.
“You can take the boy out of Maryland, but not Maryland out of the boy?”….Mr. Hayden’s early exposure to Rye in Maryland gave rise to a certain playful curiosity. Later in Kentucky he started making corn based Bourbon but with a higher percentage of Rye, with the result being a different, smooth Bourbon that to this day remains truly distinctive.
Basil Hayden's Bourbon Whiskey is aged American oak barrels and made from a grain mixture that is more than half corn, the rest is harmony of barley and rye. To add to this there are also a number of finer ingredients that highlight the attention detail of this small batch craftsmanship, but without overly affecting its broader Bourbon appeal. Basil’s Bourbon took risks bucking the prevailing trend 200 years ago, thankfully even today it still stands out as being different and bucking away!
Andy Warhol“Art is anything you can get away with” was an American artist and leading figure of the visual art movement known as “Pop Art”. His works explore the relationship between artistic expression, celebrity culture and advertisement during which they flourished in the 1960s. Being creative on many fields he worked with different celebrities and rock stars too, such as Lou Reed & the Velvet Underground, The Rolling Stones and many others. He lived a vivid life, nightlife included which often saw him willfully succumb to one of his favorite drinks, Bourbon.
Is it any wonder that his lifelong city of residence, New York also gave birth to the Manhattan cocktail?
The Flavor Spiral™ shows the most common flavors that you'll taste in Basil Hayden's Bourbon and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.
We invented Flavor Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.
Dog Dogson's
Smartass Corner
Straight Bourbon must be matured for at least 2 years. If a bottle has no age statement, it’s at least 4 years old.
Definitely a good Bourbon, low on abv and flavor. But still good overall
Kimberly,
Loved it until rye and blue label
Justin,
Felt "flat" to me. Not the kick of flavor I appreciate in most bourbons.
Tom,
Caveat: I am a Scotch drinker and never fully developed an appreciation for bourbon. It was always a bit too sweet with an aftertaste I did not like. However, I was turned on to Hayden's Bourbon by a visiting friend about a year ago, and quite enjoyed sipping it while jamming on guitars. I gave it another go, and still dig it. It won't replace Scotch for me, but it has deppened my bar selection!
Joy,
Good first drink, but lost alot on the second pour. Easy to drink.
Shawn,
Better straight, not as a mixer
Eric,
Favorite bourbon. Smooth. Slight sweetness. No burn
Eddie,
Smooth is so overused but it really is a smooth tasting bourbon. Nice tones of cinnamon and spiciness but overall it is kind of flat. I’m a bit disappointed for the price.
William,
Smooth. Not complicated. No burn. A little more rye flavor than most bourbons. Very easy to sip neat
Greg,
Didn’t really love this, I wanted to but the price was too high for something so young and no depth or real character. Disappointed to say the least.
Michael,
Very smooth. My brother even likes it and he is a beer guy.
Matthew,
Simple flavor, no burn
Jeremy,
Great for making old fashions.
Jeff,
Smooth. Excellent drink!
Eric,
The first good bourbon I ever had. Accessible, smooth yet still interesting.
Dennis,
Really Smooth.
Brian,
Spicy at the end. More rye flavor than bourbon. A little too spicy for me?
Peter,
Mellow, sweet, light pepper finish. Solid.
Dennis,
This is my favorite bourbon to date and we date every evening.
Mark,
Like this a lot. Smooth and enjoyable.
Lance,
Great daily after work drinker. Affordable with a great flavor perfect for sipping. This was my original go to bourbon.
Christian,
Some of the best whiskey I've ever had.
Raymond,
Very smooth and nice flavor for the price point.
Blair,
strong rye flavor, earthy, mild bite. rye flavor lingers like a bad cough drop.
Michael,
Surprisingly good.
Taylor,
This is my favorite bourbon to date. Very smooth and rich flavor.
Michael,
Remarkably smooth and sippable
Brad,
Very smooth, wife's favorite
Jered,
My introduction to “good” bourbon. Light, sweet, and clean.
Michael,
Notes of Caramel
Jeff,
When I drink bourbon, this is my go-to.
John,
Good Bourbon, right in the middle of my taste preferences.
Nick,
very smooth, neat bourbon. my go to bottle
Connor,
Good for old fashions
Brian,
Smoothest bourbon I've ever had. I always make sure I have 2 bottles at the house at all times.
William,
Seems bitter to me
Jason,
Very well rounded flavor has sweet notes at first & spicy rye finish.
Mark,
Very easy drinker. Perfect bourbon to introduce somebody to that is not familiar with, or usually does not like, bourbon. It is very well balanced soft, smooth, and on the lighter side of my preference. I could drink this all night.
Steve,
By far my favorite of all time
Matthew,
Spicy and notes of oak. Not as sweet as most bourbons.
Chris,
Great for easy sipping, or a cocktail. Not as bold as I would like.
Erik,
One of my favorite sour mash whiskeys
Rebecca,
Nice beginner whiskey. Light and easy to sip.
Mike,
what a tasty low proof bourbon. good value!
Rebecca,
Solid for sours
John,
I think this has a lighter taste mild body and smooth
Stephen,
Peppery
80 proof
8 yr
guest,
A great sipping bourbon.
Craig,
So smooth and approachable, this wonderful whiskey NEVER disappoints!
Ross,
Just the right amount of bite that you'd want from a glass of bourbon, but balanced with a mellow sweetness that makes you forget the sting and take another sip.
guest,
Caramel bomb easy sipping
Justin,
Very mild flavors, not complex. Not bad in anyway, but doesn’t stand out. Standard bourbon flavors, caramel / brown sugar, vanilla, rye spices, very sweet. Some oak at the end of the palate. At 40% This is too “smooth” for me. It’s overpriced for this as well. It’s tasty for sure but its nothing special. There’s a ton of bourbons at or under this price point that blow this out of the water.
Mark,
Easy drinking but lacks some the depth in flavor of other bottles at this price. A good whiskey for getting into bourbon for classic flavor but not to much of a spicy kick.
Robinson,
Really like this bourbon. The herbal notes come through rather strong.
Kevin,
Although this is a very drinkable bourbon, in a blind taste test with three bourbon drinkers, it came in last against Buffalo Trace, Woodford, Bulleit, Four Rose's, James E Pepper, and Angel's Envy. I think it is a bit over rated and beat by cheaper bourbons.
James,
This is a staple in my bar.
Good enough to sip. Not so fancy or expensive that I can't mix it in an old fashioned.
All around solid bourbon, leaning on the sweet side
Brian,
Probably my perfect bourbon at a reasonable price range
Michael,
My favorite go-to bourbon, clean finish with a touch of vanilla
Dan,
Excellent- a little pricey
Patrick,
Weak in flavor, in my opinion. So many better bourbons out there. It was given to me as a gift however, I wouldn’t buy it, myself.
Jacob,
Sweet and spicy, wonderfully balanced and smooth. Great neat!
NAOMI,
Smooth and lovely neat sipping with a rye forward cinnamon spice and oaky dry finish.
Ahmed,
To each their own, but this is overpriced garbage. By far, the worst beam product, like the white label is even more interesting. It is the whiskey version of bud light. I can't think of anything redeeming about this one.
$40 for non aged stated 40% ABV Whiskey? PASS
Martin,
Second to Buffalo Trace
Ddavid,
One of my personal favorites. I get a hint of cinnamon that makes this one of my favorite bourbons. It may not be the most expensive, but I just plain enjoy the hell out of it.
Joshua,
Rye taste, pepper, dry, similar but less refined then wistle pig 12 year rye whiskey.
Orlando,
Good mixing whiskey, but at $40 I would pass.
James,
Very overrated IMO. Its smooth because it is 80 proof. Save a few bucks and buy a bottle of Knob Creek 9 year old. You will not be disappointed.
Chris,
Nice smooth bourbon
Brad,
Not the most complex bourbon, but a solid pour. Sweet flavor profile with a bit of a thin mouth feel and average finish.
Alexander,
Decent bourbon.
Elliot,
I didn't find it spicy, I did find it absolutely delicious. Oaky and incredibly smooth.
Kent,
I really love this bourbon. Basil Hayden is a quality bourbon at a great price point. Smooth and flavorful from first to last sip. Great neat or with a cube!
Jason,
Maybe I’m “Old Fashion” but what can I say I like it!
Melissa,
Love it! Easy to drink
Prateek,
Great flavor, smooth and excellent on the palate.
Cameron,
My go to bourbon when out drinking. Love it on a nice cube
Aaron,
Sweetness is too strong on this one to me and the light body detracts as well.
Kale,
I love it
Mark,
A favorite. Soft, easy drinking. Long on taffy and caramel, long finish.
Tyler,
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a decent priced treat yourself bottle.
Alan,
One of my favorite Bourbon's. Love to drink with a large molded ice cube and one of my favorite cigar.
guest,
Favorite bourbon so far.
Kenneth,
My favorite Bourbon. Very smooth and tasty.
Chris,
Spicey and sweet. Favorite as of today
Dennis,
Love to sip on the rocks. Very smooth.
Nick,
A great bourbon that will never fail me. I like my ice to melt a bit in this one before enjoying.
William,
nice, light, smooth...my go-to when I want to have a little bit more than just a sip. Super bargain when you can find it for under $40.
Rene,
Really great when you make an old fashioned
Rob,
smooth
Matthew,
I love this on its own a spice makes for great old fashioned
Nate,
Superior smoothness
Elvis,
This was an excellent drink with a splash of ginger-ale.
Steven,
This is my go to bourbon for straight up or old fashions. It is on the sweet side so don't over power your old fashion with simple syrup or cherry. Very smooth and a caramel aftertaste
Chris,
Very easy drinking bourbon
Robert,
This is my go-to and recommended bourbon for anyone starting bourbon or wanting to get a gift for someone.
Daniel,
Smooth. Easy to drink. Excellent value. My go to Old Fashioned bourbon.
Jessica,
easy to drink and smooth
Terry,
Smooth. Not complex. Pleasant rye taste. Dry short finish. Would be good in an old fashioned.
Steven,
Perfect for pairing with a steak. Strong sipping, but smooth enough to have on a couple glasses.
John,
Burns a little hot for my preference...
Robert,
My first venture into Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Was not disappointed & will get more.
drew,
love it. great daily driver, as well as acceptable for company.
Jeremy,
Extremely easy to drink. Sweet bourbon. Old ripe bananas and vanilla throughout. Not too complex, but tasty
Aaron,
While I don't dislike Basil Hayden's I can't say I enjoy it either. It doesn't particularly stand out in any one way but it doesn't offend either. Overall I found the mouthfeel lighter than I prefer. On the palette the profile is very delicate with notes of tea, faint notes of fruit and vanilla, and slightly herbal. The finish has a very slight spiciness to it. It's very approachable and I'll leave it at that.
Jonathan,
Mint and lite-rye on the palate with a coating of honey and a hint of nutmeg, finish is smooth and quick with a slight leftover spice.
Following the end of the American Revolutionary War, Johannes Reginald Beam emigrated from Germany to the United States, and eventually settled in Kentucky County. At the time, Kentucky County was still considered part of Virginia, and was overseen by a military governor named John J. Bowman. After settling in Kentucky, Beam began harvesting corn and set forth a family tradition by distilling the excess grains he harvested into whiskey. Since then, seven generations of the Beam family have been involved in whiskey production for the eponymous company (the company is actually named after James Beam, who rescued it following Prohibition). Part of Booker Noe’s Small Batch Bourbon Collection, Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is named after Basil Hayden Sr., a Maryland Catholic who led twenty-five other Catholic families from Maryland to Nelson County, Kentucky (near Bardstown, home of the Jim Beam) in the late 1700s. In addition to being a religious man — Hayden established the first Catholic church in what is now the Commonwealth of Kentucky — Hayden was also a distiller, and a pioneering one at that. While most bourbon at the time was made from a traditional corn base, in 1796 Hayden defied convention by mixing small grains into his mash, believing that the spicy rye flavors would provide a striking complement to the corn’s sweetness. Much to the chagrin of the traditionalist set, Hayden proved to be right. Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is made from a mash very similar to the recipe Hayden himself developed in 1796.
Evan,
Solid bourbon, easy to find. Was my first bourbon on the rocks after graduating from Jack and cokes.
Josh,
Definitely a rye kick paired well with a sweet background. A very tasty whisky especially paired with something sweet.
nicholas,
Amazing taste, amazing price. Can’t beat a neat glass of Basil
Ben,
Smooth and easy.
Daniel,
Great for the price. Raw carrots, honey, banana, and clove on the nose. Nice initial smooth and sweet taste in the palate. Decent finish. Overall a very decent bourbon under $40.
Jason,
Excellent for the price. Sweet finish
Gary,
About the smoothest out there! Great flavors with every sip, neat or over ice.
Bryan,
Easy to sip
Gary,
Very smooth with great flavor. Little to no "burn". One that I will definitely revisit!
Tyler,
Good solid well priced bourbon. Good daily drinker.
Jeffrey,
Smooth. Clean finish. No burn.
Joe,
This a great Bourbon for making Old Fashions! Make certain you use the Lizzardo cherry's and not ever Maraschino.
Joe,
very smooth
Robert,
Very smooth. Easy to drink.
John,
Easy sipper, my go to old fashioned mixer.
Joel,
A light bourbon that is smooth and welcoming.
Mary,
Very smooth easy - not a bitter taste to me
Tim,
Solid bourbon
Dan,
My go to bourbon
Wendy,
My favorite bourbon with a single ice cube.
Adrian,
The smoothness and rich flavors were amazing. It was not so strong that your face puckers when drinking it but it does have that good taste of bourbon.
Joe,
Great bang for the bucj
Nicholas,
A wonderful, classic bourbon with a great caramel nose and a vanilla creme brulee on the palette.
guest,
Smooth and helped define my personal flavor profile as a beginner whiskey drinker
Patrick,
One of my favorites and a go-to in any bar.
Larry,
Very mild great sipping whisky
Andrew,
Very smooth a little smoke, a little heat on the finish, for the $ hard to beat.
Scott,
Basil Haydens is a great go to, standard for my bar. I put it right there with a good Four Roses. Great Bourbon for a reasonable price.
Benjamin,
Great sippable bourbon
Burton,
Good core bourbon notes. Assessible, available and enjoyable for the masses.
James,
Another close 2nd to Widow Jane 12. Excellent choice.
Matthew,
Very smooth, no harshness on the finish. Oak and vanilla
DAVID,
This is becoming my Go-To bourbon. My tastes lean toward a less-sweet bourbon or even a rye, and this one fits the bill. It is not overly-sweet, but has a great balance and just the right amount of spice. At the price here, I find it to be a good value.
Jon,
Great go to for all cocktails!
guest,
Classic bourbon. Solid choice.
Thomas,
Bold, long finish. Love it!
Lauren,
Extremely smooth, almost too smooth - I drink it too fast. The cinnamon is a unique touch.
Grant,
Surprisingly good, present from Chris Sal. Solid choice in my top 10.
Eric,
Smooth, decent all around flavor. Drink in smallish sips.
Tom,
Smooth and a great finish. I enjoy this one often and can find it at a reasonable price in most places.
Colton,
Just damn good bourbon
Matthew,
A nice sweet bourbon. Great in a cocktail or on its own.
Johnathan,
Smooth and complex everything you need in a mid level price point bourbon!
Corby,
Love it, smooth and easy to drink
Robert,
Very smooth. Great for the price. It’s like that one friend you hang out with: not the most complex, but always a good guy.
Lewis,
Good general bourbon.
Jeremy,
The 'go-to' bourbon of choice
KayDee,
Very smooth. Sweet with citrus notes. Very good
Troy,
Love it! Smooth as a baby's bottom.
Mason,
This is my go-to on bourbon. I always have this in my cabinet.
Hugh,
Not bad. Not great
Geoffrey,
If I had a daily bourbon, this would be it.
James,
Great sipping bourbon. Might be my favorite in this price range.
Sondra,
Always a bottle in the bar. Impressive step up from makers for guests.
Todd,
This was a great gift. Smooth, strong bourbon.
Alex,
This is my go too when I just want to relax. Very smooth and classic taste. Love it!!!
George,
Super smooth and mellow, helped quite a bit due to being 80 proof. Has great flavor and great to offer guests that may not be ready for some of the more complex or higher proofs.
Travis,
Really loved this bottle. No real bite or burn, very smooth. Hint of caramel with just a hint of spice that does not overwhelm. Goes down easy, with a quiet finish and the slight memory of vanilla. Perfect for sipping on ice with a good smoke, or just enjoying the view.
Jason,
My all time current favorite, mellow with no bite. Perfect for any occasion.
Pat,
Absolutely love this spirit!
Laura,
One of my husband's go-to favorites. Sweet and drinkable straight. a crowd pleaser.
Don,
Nice wheatie bourbon
Evan,
This is my go-to bourbon for most cocktails. This is a must-have for any home bars.
Jesse,
Smooth and good value
Tim,
When I find myself talking to someone who is new to bourbon and asking for a good place to start, Basil Hayden always makes the list. This is a friendly bourbon that welcomes you like an easy chair by the fire with a piece of pie. It’s a simple pleasure and not too complex with just enough interesting notes to inspire the consumer to seek out other experiences. Cheers
Luke,
Nose: subtle, some rye, light oak, light spice, some honeysuckle
Taste: rye, plenty of spice, brown sugar and leather off the bat, light finish with leather and some mint
Eric,
More rye than typical bourbon. Light smoke with fruity tones
Charles,
First bite but goes down nice & light
Bret,
Got this as a present from one of my good friends. Was immediatly impressed. Great vanilla, caramel start. Nice long spicey finish. This one goes on the must keep in stock list. Great price for a very good Bourbon.
guest,
Great all around for the price.
guest,
Has more Corn than Caramel. More Herbs, than sweet. But still a pretty good sippin whiskey
Jeremy,
Another bench mark. Staple will never be without. Light oak vanilla light spice
Jason,
It has become my "Go To" Bourbon, It is starting to become available at more locations every day, this one will make you come back for more!
Jason,
It has become my "Go To" Bourbon, It is starting to become available at more locations every day, this one will make you come back for more!
Steve,
Nice and smooth. Great for the price.
John,
Never again will I take a recommendation for a good whisky at liquor store from a non-whiskey drinker. Doesn’t even go well with cola. That’s all I have to say.
Alexandra,
This is just my favorite thing to drink at home, that's all.
Niko,
Nice, fresh and easy going, but not at all cheap in taste.
David,
Very smooth. Lots of spice. Very affordable for a quality bourbon.
Theresa,
Amazingly smooth
Daniel,
Great value on this bourbon. Excellent product that doesn't require you to break the bank.
guest,
Great bourbon for the price. Lil spicy on its own. Really opens up with a few drops of water.
guest,
Delicious
Johnatan,
Nice and smooth
Iain,
Beatiful flavor and fantastic on its own
Richard,
New whiskey drinker/wanttobeenthusiast).. everything I read said this was a great "new drinker" bourbon, so I bought it. Not really fair for me to downgrade it as I am a noob..lol. I smelled the caramel.. I noticed the spiciness. I read many say this was like drinking watered down whiskey (on other sites)... well, as a noob it wasnt "EASY" for me (seems I remember MMark being "easier" in my youth)... but it wasn't painful either.... cant wait to keep learning!
Antti,
It is an outstanding, intense, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey with a spicy birth, & complex life that leads to a quick & dry death.
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