Crafted in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the Small Batch collection, Basil Hayden introduced a more subtle side of bourbon compared to its counterparts.
This style of bourbon was inspired by 1792 whiskey pioneer Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr., a rye farmer from Maryland who moved to Kentucky and began distilling. He chose to distill his bourbon with a higher percentage of rye, and Booker set out to create a similar high-rye mash bill that would offer the same refined, approachable taste profile.
Today, this bourbon stands as a tribute to Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr.’s high-rye mash bill ingenuity, as well as to Booker Noe, a true innovator who sought to welcome new drinkers into whiskey.
Tasting Notes
AROMA: Charred oak and sweet notes of vanilla & caramel with hints of dried fruit
TASTE: Charred oak flavor that is complemented with sweet brown sugar, a touch of black pepper, and dried fruit to round it out
FINISH: A pleasant, lingering charred oak finish with a touch of dried fruit
COLOR: Golden brown
Enjoy the following Cocktail Recipe:
* 4 oz (120 ml) boiling water
* 2 oz (60 ml) Basil Hayden's Bourbon
* 2 dashes walnut bitters
* 1 tbsp (14 g) butter
* Cinnamon stick, for garnish
* 1 lemon
Bring the water to a boil. Add your whiskey straight into a coftee or tea glass. Add the water, bitters and butter, and then stir with a cinnamon stick until the butter is dissolved. Then, to make a string of lemon for garnish, use a lemon zester or sharp paring knife to gently go around the top of the lemon to create a spiral. Cean up the excess with the paring knife. Garnish the drink with a string of lemon and a cinnamon stick. Great for colds!