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Basil Hayden's | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey | Clermont, Kentucky | 80 Proof

The story of Basil Hayden's begins in 1796, when Basil Hayden Sr. — a Maryland-born distiller who learned his craft from rye whiskey traditions — led a group of Catholic families from Maryland to Nelson County, Kentucky. When he began distilling in Kentucky, Hayden kept a higher percentage of rye in his mash bill than the other Kentucky distillers of his era, resulting in a smoother, spicier, more distinctive bourbon that was unmistakably his own.

Today, Basil Hayden's is produced by Beam Suntory at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky — part of the Small Batch Bourbon Collection alongside Knob Creek, Booker's, and Baker's. It remains true to Hayden's original vision: a high-rye mash bill bourbon bottled at a gentler 80 proof (40% ABV), making it one of the most approachable and food-friendly bourbons in the American whiskey landscape.

The nose is inviting and refined — vanilla, light caramel, dried fruit, and a hint of peppery rye spice. On the palate, smooth and mild with a balanced interplay of vanilla, light oak, and warm spice, with a clean, gentle finish. Approachable enough for new whiskey drinkers, nuanced enough for the seasoned connoisseur.

Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Also excellent in a classic Old-Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or Manhattan.

• Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery / Beam Suntory
• Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• Mash Bill: High-rye
• Region: Clermont, Kentucky, USA
• Alcohol: 40% ABV (80 Proof)
• Bottle Size: 750ml