Basil Hayden Bourbon
In 1785, Basil Hayden led about 25 Catholic families from Maryland to Nelson County, Kentucky. It is here where he started out as a brewer, which eventually led to the establishment of a distillery by his grandson named Raymond B. Hayden. Raymond later came up with a brand by the name “Old Grand-Dad” which was to honor his grandfather. The Hayden's were a Catholic family that originally emigrated to Virginia in the 1660's, although they later moved to present day Kentucky, now known as Nelson County.
Introduced in 1992, Basil Hayden Bourbon was initially labeled “Aged 8 Years.” However, the brand does not carry the age guarantee anymore but it has “Artfully Aged” as the current tag states which has seen it getting more popular over the years. As a distiller, this spirit's mash had a larger content of rye than in most other small batch collections of bourbons, making it one of the lightest in its class.
Initially the brand had a tough time getting the desired recognition in the bourbon market mainly because it was considered the lightest in the family. At only 40 per cent ABV, this brand was originally seen to be too soft for true bourbon lovers.
Aspiring bourbon drinkers will have an easy time starting out with Basil Hayden Bourbon since it is lighter and will go easy on their taste buds and throats. Your nose will smell dark fruit, corn bread, cinnamon, and stewed plums among other ingredients, depending on how strong your smell senses are. Once you take a sip, you will realize that your nose did a good job in predicting the flavors found in this smooth, soft, almost butter-like concoction. The best way to describe the feel and aftertaste left in your mouth is tanneric. The flavor is best described as a mix of raisins and cinnamon, which makes Basil Hayden Bourbon one of the well balanced yet very complex brands in its family.
This Bourbon has begun marketing itself to millennials by advertising its masculine patriotism and well-crafted brews. In recent years, it has become especially popular throughout Appalachia and the Mid-Atlantic seaboard. Washington, DC and Baltimore are two of the cities where Basil Hayden is most avidly enjoyed.
Introduced in 1992, Basil Hayden Bourbon was initially labeled “Aged 8 Years.” However, the brand does not carry the age guarantee anymore but it has “Artfully Aged” as the current tag states which has seen it getting more popular over the years. As a distiller, this spirit's mash had a larger content of rye than in most other small batch collections of bourbons, making it one of the lightest in its class.
Initially the brand had a tough time getting the desired recognition in the bourbon market mainly because it was considered the lightest in the family. At only 40 per cent ABV, this brand was originally seen to be too soft for true bourbon lovers.
Aspiring bourbon drinkers will have an easy time starting out with Basil Hayden Bourbon since it is lighter and will go easy on their taste buds and throats. Your nose will smell dark fruit, corn bread, cinnamon, and stewed plums among other ingredients, depending on how strong your smell senses are. Once you take a sip, you will realize that your nose did a good job in predicting the flavors found in this smooth, soft, almost butter-like concoction. The best way to describe the feel and aftertaste left in your mouth is tanneric. The flavor is best described as a mix of raisins and cinnamon, which makes Basil Hayden Bourbon one of the well balanced yet very complex brands in its family.
This Bourbon has begun marketing itself to millennials by advertising its masculine patriotism and well-crafted brews. In recent years, it has become especially popular throughout Appalachia and the Mid-Atlantic seaboard. Washington, DC and Baltimore are two of the cities where Basil Hayden is most avidly enjoyed.