Manufacturer: Beam Suntory (Jim Beam)
Age: Unknown
Location Produced: Basil Hayden's Distillery, Clermont, KY
Mash Bill: 63% corn, 27% rye, 10 % barley
Aroma (from manufacturer): Spice, Tea, Hint of Peppermint
Taste (from manufacturer): Spicy, Light-bodied, gentle bite
Finish (from manufacturer): Dry, Clean, Brief
Alcohol: 40%
Who is this for?: Everyone, especially those that may not be enthusiasts who want an easy to drink straight, yet delicious bourbon.
Cost (Ohio): $39.98 + tax
Let's get to the review!
Taste - Score 29 out of 35
As the manufacturer describes it, Basil Hayden's is very light bodied with a gentle bite. Unlike other bourbons, this doesn't leave an overly alcohol taste. It stays on the palate the perfect time for me. Some people call it bourbon water due to the 40% alcohol, light color, and smoothness. I disagree and call it delicious.
I haven't found a bourbon that goes down smoother than this. Perhaps that is due to the high rye content (27%), but this bourbon is great for those who only enjoy bourbon periodically and is a great bourbon to keep on hand at all times.
Intangibles: Color/Appearance - Score 11.5 out of 15.
We'll start with the bottle itself and the color of the bourbon. Basil Hayden's comes in a tall bottle with a foil cover, a paper label, and a wood and metal 'belt' that holds everything together. This is one of the fancier labeling operations that there are available. One thing that is missing is the batch and/or bottle numbers. Not a huge deal. Overall, this bottle looks great on the shelf. The color is a beautiful brown that is a bit on the lighter side compared to other bourbons and whiskies (picture below is compared to Evan Williams Single Barrel (left) and Woodford Malt (right).
Availability - Score 4 out of 5
Basil Hayden's is able to be found in most liquor stores in Columbus. However, it does disappear from shelves occasionally.
Overall Value - Score 15 out of 20
For $40, Basil Hayden's is a bit much for a 80 proof bourbon. Having said that, it is definitely worth trying and for me, a main staple on my bourbon shelf. It's something you can be proud to display thanks to the bottling and feel confident to bring out when company arrives.
Final Score: 80.5 out of 100
Note: This review was done by Mark. The bottle was purchased at Arena Wine and Spirits, in beautiful, Columbus, OH
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