Yes, Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a real bourbon. It was first created in 1796 by master distiller Basil Hayden, Sr. , who was one of the first distillers to use rye alongside corn as the mash bill.
This unique recipe creates a light-bodied, smooth bourbon with hints of spice, fresh mint, and pepper. Today, Basil Hayden’s is part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Bourbon Collection, and has become a favorite among bourbon fans.
Table of Contents
What kind of bourbon is Basil Hayden?
Basil Hayden’s is a brand of Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey produced by Beam Suntory. It is made with the same mash bill recipe of corn, rye, and barley malt that was used by master distiller Colonel Basil Hayden over 200 years ago.
In addition to the traditional recipe, Basil Hayden’s is aged eight years in new charred oak barrels and finished with a hint of peppermint. The aging process gives the whiskey a light golden-amber color, along with notes of spice, pepper, and citrus.
The drink is mild and smooth, making it ideal for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of classic and modern cocktails.
Is Basil Hayden just Jim Beam?
No, Basil Hayden is not just Jim Beam. Basil Hayden is a bottle of whiskey produced by Beam Suntory that is crafted in the style of a traditional Kentucky bourbon but with a twist. The 8-year-old whiskey has a light and easy taste created by a unique blend of traditional rye whiskey and two different kinds of corn whiskey.
The sweetness comes from the corn whiskey, while the spice and bold flavor comes from the higher rye content. The result is a softer and smoother taste than many bourbons. Some have likened the flavor of Basil Hayden to a rye-style whiskey, with a hint of rye spice, soft and warming caramel notes, and a light, sweet finish.
What makes Basil Hayden different?
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is a unique spirit, distinguished by its light color and spicy approachability that sets itself apart from other bourbon whiskies. The bourbon is crafted using a traditional mash bill of corn, rye and barley, yet is identified by its special inclusion of a higher percentage of rye in the mash bill than most other bourbon whiskies.
This higher percentage of rye gives Basil Hayden’s a more peppery and slightly sweeter taste compared to other bourbons, as well as a light, bright color that appears more like a rye whiskey. The light, spicy flavor of the rye also adds a unique complexity to the spirit, which can be distinguished by its gentle sweet and spicy finish.
The one-of-a-kind liquid is bottled at 40% ABV, making it the lightest of any other American-made bourbon whiskey, and perfect for a variety of whisky cocktails.
Can you drink Basil Hayden straight?
Yes, you can drink Basil Hayden straight. It is a smooth small-batch Bourbon Whiskey with hints of pepper and spice, making it ideal for sipping straight. The complexity of its flavor profile comes from being made with a unique blend of grains, including corn, rye, and barley malt.
The heavenly combination gives it a slightly sweet, muted finish that is perfect for savoring neat or on the rocks. Basil Hayden is also considered an easy-drinking whiskey, with somewhere between 80-86 proof, depending on the bottle.
As such, it can be enjoyed without the need to add ice, water, or other mixers, allowing the natural notes of caramel, oak and pepper to come through. If desired, you can splash a few drops of water to explore the nuances of the flavor, but it’s certainly not necessary.
Ultimately, whether neat, on the rocks, or how you please, Basil Hayden is an excellent choice as a straight sipper.
Which Basil Hayden is best?
The best Basil Hayden’s Bourbon to purchase is dependent on what your preference and budget are. The original Basil Hayden’s Bourbon is made with a unique mash bill that contains more rye than other bourbons, and is aged to perfection in charred oak barrels, making it a smooth and spicy spirit.
It has a blend of peppermint and citrus flavors and a slight oak aroma, allowing it to stand out from other whiskeys. If you’re looking for a premium whiskey, their 8-year-old Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye is the perfect choice.
It has mellow notes of chestnut, dried fruit, and roasted nuts. Finally, for something special and unique, Basil Hayden’s Two By Two Rye is a blend of rye whiskey and Canadian whiskey that is finished in Caribbean rum barrels, creating a balance of sweet, spice, and smokiness.
Ultimately, your personal preferences and budget will determine the best Basil Hayden’s Bourbon for you.
Are there different types of Basil Hayden?
Yes, there are different types of Basil Hayden available to enjoy. While all of them are Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, each one offers a unique flavor profile. The original Basil Hayden expression features a light and easy-drinking style and has notes of peppermint, pepper, and citrus.
The Basil Hayden Dark Rye is similar, but with an added complexity thanks to the inclusion of high-rye mash bill. The Basil Hayden Two By Two Rye follows the same mash bill style, but is crafted using two different types of rye for additional flavor and spice.
The newest expression of Basil Hayden, which was introduced in 2017, is the Basil Hayden Caribbean Reserve. This expression is finished in Caribbean rum barrels to add notes of brown sugar, honey and clove to the finish.
No matter which expression you pick, you’re sure to enjoy this high-quality bourbon.
What is the difference between Basil Hayden and Basil Hayden toast?
The difference between Basil Hayden and Basil Hayden Toast is the process of production. Basil Hayden is an 8-year-old bourbon whiskey which belongs to the Jim Beam family of bourbons that have been produced since 1796.
This bourbon is made with a unique blend of grains which creates an extremely smooth flavor profile of fruits, spices, and mint. Basil Hayden Toast is a relatively new product from the makers of Basil Hayden bourbon.
Basil Hayden Toast is made by slowly toasting select white oak staves and blending them into the liquid. This process was created specifically to add an extra layer of depth and complexity to the whisky.
Toasting the staves brings out a distinctive smooth, toasted oak character in the whisky. This additional layer of complexity creates a smooth and balanced whisky that is perfect for sipping neat or with a few drops of water.
What does toasted barrel mean?
Toasted barrel refers to a specific type of barrel aging process that results in a barrel-aged spirit or wine having a unique flavor and smell. The process entails heating the inside of an oak barrel either through fire or kiln as opposed to just relying on natural aging processes.
The process of using heat to draw out the flavor of the oak, sugars and tannins is commonly referred to as toasting or charring. This process can give a spirit or wine a distinct flavor profile with enhanced flavors of smoke, spices, dark fruits, and caramel.
Depending on the individual barrel and the char level, the intensity of these flavors can range from subtle to intense, making each toasted barrel unique. When done properly, toasted barrel aging can be a great way to create a flavorful and unique spirit or wine.
Is Basil Hayden the same as Old Grand Dad?
No, Basil Hayden and Old Grand Dad are not the same. Basil Hayden is an eight-year-old bourbon whiskey made of a mix of corn, rye, and barley malt. It has a smooth and spicy flavor profile, with notes of citrus, honey, and pepper.
It is bottled at a relatively low-proof of 80 proof compared to other bourbons.
Old Grand Dad is a brand of straight bourbon whiskey that was first produced by Raymond B. Hayden in 1880. It is made with a high rye mash bill – a big part of its flavor profile. But even more notably, Old Grand Dad whiskey is known for its high proof.
It is bottled at 86, 90, and 100 proof, depending on the bottle type. It has a sweet, syrupy flavour to it and notes of dark fruits, caramel, spice, and oak.
How many types of holy basil are there?
The three main types are Thai, Italian, and Indian (or Hindu) Basil. Thai holy basil is a medicinal herb and is used as an Ayurvedic medicine. It has a sweet flavor with pepper and licorice notes. Italian holy basil is often used as a seasoning in Italian dishes.
It has a more pungent and spicy flavor. Finally, Indian holy basil (or Hindu basil) is a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has a strong aroma and flavors of clove and mint. Each of the three types of holy basil can be used for different purposes, though the medicinal properties are consistent across all of them.
Which basil is better sweet or Genovese?
The answer to which basil is better, sweet or Genovese, largely depends on what you plan to use the basil for. Genovese basil is a popular choice for Italian-style cooking due to its earthy, slightly peppery and sweet flavor.
On the other hand, sweet basil has a sweeter, more floral flavor, making it better suited for Asian dishes, pesto, and lightly cooked vegetables. Both of these basil varieties are fairly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, so it really comes down to personal preference.
If you want a more intense flavor profile, then Genovese is the way to go. But, if you’re looking for something more subtly sweet and floral, then sweet basil is a good choice. Ultimately, there’s no wrong answer when it comes to the sweet vs.
Genovese basil debate; it’s all about the flavor that you prefer.
What’s the difference between Thai and Genovese basil?
Thai and Genovese basil differ in flavor, aroma, and size. Thai basil has a stronger, spicier flavor, a licorice or anise aroma, and the leaves are smaller and pointier. Genovese basil has a milder, sweet and slightly tangy flavor, a sweet basil aroma, and the leaves are larger and more rounded.
In terms of culinary uses, Italian-style dishes such as pesto, pasta sauces, and salads feature Genovese basil, while Thai dishes like curries, soups, and stir-fries often benefit from the addition of Thai basil.
Ultimately, the type of basil used is determined by the particular flavor profile the dish requires.
