A little background
Basil Hayden’s is an 80 proof small batch bourbon produced by Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. The bourbon is Non-Age Stated, but it is believed to be between 6 and 8 years old. The price of the product is around $30 with a mashbill that 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley. The bourbon uses the same high rye mashbill that is used in Old Grand Dad 114 proof.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Gold
Nose
The nose is light with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, white pepper, and apricot. There are also some herbal notes present.
Palate
The palate is thin with a nuttiness that is present in almost all of the Jim Beam offerings. However, there is also rye spice, cinnamon, vanilla, and light fruit present on the palate.
Finish
The finish is short, but there is a punch of rye spice and cinnamon that hit the back palate to accompany some sweet notes like vanilla and pear and the traditional Beam nuttiness.
In closing
This is a bourbon that is one of the mainstays of the Jim Beam lineup. It is a little thin for my palate, but I could see bourbon drinkers really enjoying this pour especially on a warm summer day as it is both light and refreshing. I would recommend picking up a bottle to have on the bar because it is an easy drinker and would be nice to share with friends.
Basil Hayden's
80 Proof
The Good
- Refreshing
- Readily Available
The Bad
- Thin Palate
- Short Finish
- Very Low Proof
