Everything About Basil Hayden
Basil Haydens Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a light-bodied bourbon named after Meredith Basil Hayden Sr. Its a straightforward bourbon with rich, spicy rye flavors at a reasonable price.
Basil Hayden whiskey is known as a lesser-known family member of James B. Beam Distilling Co., but it has its own identity.
It may not be as hardcore as its kin, but Basil Hayden has special tasting notes, mash bill, and production processes different from other bourbon whiskeys.
Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye
Purchase info: $44.99 for a 750 mL at Lakeville Liquors, Lakeville, MN
Details: 40% ABV. A blend of Kentucky straight rye, Alberta Distillers Canadian Rye, and Port.
Nose: Strong caramel notes lead off. Baking Spice, citrus, and ripe red fruits follow.
Mouth: Caramel, lots of baking spice, and ripe red fruits.
Finish: Short, but sweet with jammy wine notes dominating.
Thoughts: I’m going to do something I almost never do. This is getting two ratings from me.
Neat: I was ok with it up until the finish. I don’t care for most fortified wines outside of a cocktail and the finish being very wine forward was a problem for me. That said, there is nothing wrong with this if you like that sort of thing. So this gets a dislike from me when tasted neat.
Cocktails: Night and day difference. Because of the fortified wine notes, we first used it in a Manhattan. My wife thought it was ok, but I thought it was a little too sweet. Then I tried swapping the Vermouth in the Manhattan for Amaro , and it was really quite good. It accentuated the baking spice notes which was quite tasty. So tasty that I’ve used most of the rest of the bottle in various cocktails. I’ve personally favored the ones that feature bitter notes to play off of the sweet fortified wine finish. So it gets a like from me for use in cocktails because this has been a go-to for as long as it has been here.
With Unique Flavors Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye Whiskey Is Our Winner
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Liquor / Chloe Jeong
Spicy, bold, and part of Americas spirit history, rye whiskey is becoming an increasingly popular option for both cocktailians and those who prefer their whiskey straight.
Historically, we were a very rye-focused culture before we discovered it was easier in most of the U.S. to distill with corn and barley malt, says Jena Ellenwood, bartender at Dear Irving and Sparrow Tavern in New York City. Rye was harder to grow in the soil, and it tended to have more spice than the sweet corn.
Popular in the 1940s and 50s, rye went through a bit of a slump until the early 2010s when demand grew again. Now, there are plenty of quality rye whiskeys available on the market, some crafted for sipping straight, while others punch through in cocktails. With rye whiskey, the question becomes not just one of aroma and flavor, but of body and heat, as well, says Alicia Yamachika, lead bartender at Nobu Honolulu.
After consulting industry experts, Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye Whiskey tops our list of rye whiskeys thanks to its unique flavor profile.
Read on to find out the best bottles of rye to drink and mix with.
Region: Kentucky, Canada, California | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Spice, Dried fruit, Molasses
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Best Value: Whistlepig Piggyback Rye
Courtesy of Total Wine
Region: Canada, Vermont | ABV: 48.28% | Tasting Notes: Cocoa, Cardamom, Leather
WhistlePig is known for releasing some expensive rye whiskeys, but a few years ago the distillery launched this lower-priced, six-year-old whiskey sourced from Canada. Its a good value bottle that provides ample flavor and a higher ABV which works well in cocktails.
The 100 percent rye mash bill whiskey is aged to a minimum of six years, says Joshua Lopez of American Social in Florida. It has a bit of heat, but nothing that hangs around too long. Prominent flavors I get are cardamom, baking spices with hints of citrus, and primarily grapefruit and orange. My preferred way to drink PiggyBack is on a large ice cube, or neat with a few drops of water. It also makes a great Boulevardier with the citrus in the whiskey pairing perfectly with the Campari.
Region: Tennessee, Indiana | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Caramel, Cinnamon, Vanilla
This new brand from Tennessee sources barrels , and blends them together back in Nashville. The second batch of the rye is a favorite of Mike Vacheresse, owner of Travel Bar in Brooklyn. A blend of four and eight-year-old MGP whiskey, this is a pleasant sipping rye, he says. Also, any Nashville Barrel Company single barrel picks that you see, I would highly recommend picking them up.
Best Canadian: Lot 40 Canadian Rye Whisky
Courtesy of Drizly
Region: Canada | ABV: 43% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Oak, Spice
When it was briefly discontinued in the early 2000s, Lot 40 became a precious collectible, prized by fans of the 100-percent rye whisky . Thankfully, it made a comeback in 2012 when the rye was relaunched by Pernod-Ricard. Dry and powerful with notes of fresh-baked bread and lots of zesty spice, its great in a Maple Old Fashioned , but also tasty just poured over an ice cube. A touch of chill and dilution brings out more of the whiskys fruitier notes while tempering its bold, big-bodied heft.
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Best For Sipping: Russells Reserve Single Barrel
Region: Kentucky | ABV: 52% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Nutmeg, Oak
I love that Eddie Russell created this despite the fact that his father, Jimmy, whos been distilling and blending Wild Turkey for 60-plus years, hates rye, says Ellenwood. On behalf of all rye drinkers out there, we thank Eddie for rebelling against his father and creating this fine, single barrel rye. At 104 proof, it definitely packs some heat, but thats the essence of rye. Pour it straight and youll get the intensity of the vanilla from its time spent in oak barrels, along with earthy, smoky flavors and a nice, dry finish. Of course, you can also take advantage of the rye’s power by stirring it into a Boulevardier.
Region: Kentucky | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Baking spice, Citrus
When you see bottled-in-bond on a label, it means that the spirit follows the regulations put in place by the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. To be stamped with the honor, whiskeys must be 100 proof, originate from a single U.S. distillery, and be aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse.
Whats Basil Hayden Dark Rye Whiskey
Basil Hayden Dark Rye Whiskey has a firm foundation of dried fruit, subtle molasses undertones, and spice that began with Kentucky rye. It is then blended with Canadian rye from the award-winning Alberta distillery.
The third and final layer of the spirit is just a touch of California Port and complementary notes of ripe fruit.
Basil Haydens Dark Rye was initially released in 2017 as part of the permanent line extension of Basil Haydens.
The drink is owned by Beam Suntory Distillery and re-released with new packaging.
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Aging Process & Age Statement
The high rye content of Basil Haydens Dark Rye attributes to the liquors distinct spiciness, but its aging process contributes to the trademark sweet-spicy flavors of the liquor.
Based in Vinepair, Basil Hayden has been aged in charred American white oak barrels for around eight years.
The aging process makes the drink smooth and pleasing to the nose and palate.
Best Under $: Balcones Texas Rye 100 Proof
Courtesy of Total Wine
Region: Texas | ABV: 50% | Tasting Notes: Cocoa, Pepper, Espresso
I was a fan of this one before I moved to Texas two months ago, says Carlos Batista, beverage director for Landrace at the Thompson Hotel San Antonio. Its rich and spicy, chocolatey, and peppery, with tobacco notes. It’s just this and a few ice cubes for me. Balcones is located in Waco, Texas and makes this young whiskey with a mash bill of 100 percent rye grains, including Elbon Rye from the north of Texas along with crystal, chocolate and roasted rye varieties.
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Basil Hayden Dark Rye Whiskey
Expanding from the unique HIGH RYE RECIPE that has always made Basil Haydens® Bourbon so uncommon comes a release that focuses on the ART of blending TWO DISTINCT RYE WHISKIES with just a TOUCH OF PORT to unveil an entirely NEW TASTE DISCOVERY.
This limited release explores the harmonious blending of 3 distinct liquid profiles for one memorable whiskey. It begins with Kentucky Rye, providing a firm base of spicy rye, rich oak, dried fruit and subtle molasses undertones to build on. Canadian Rye from our award-winning Alberta Distillery is skillfully layered in. This unique rye provides depth to the notes of dried fruit and a more viscous mouth feel than a traditional rye. Its then finished with a touch of California Port blended in directly to add complementary juicy, ripe fruit without muddying the existing wood notes. The end result is a whiskey full in flavor and still delicately nuanced.
BASIL HAYDENS® DARK RYE is always perfect sipped on the rocks as well as in a Boulevardier.
- Proof
Best For Sazeracs: Sazerac Rye
Region: Kentucky | ABV: 45% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Citrus, Candied spice
As its name suggests, this rye whiskey is the best pick for Sazeracs. Packed with notes of baking spices, orange and lemon zest, and a hint of vanilla, it’s bright and vibrant. This rye harmonizes beautifully with the classic New Orleans cocktails Peychauds bitters and absinthe, plus it can handle a little dilution from some ice. When using it to make a Sazerac, dont forget the lemon zest garnish. The rye brings out even more of the candied citrus notes in the whiskey, marrying everything together.
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Drink Of The Week: Basil Haydens Dark Rye
Released this fall, Basil Haydens Dark Rye is the newest expression from the label, following its limited release rye earlier in the year and marking the first-ever permanent addition to the Basil Haydens portfolio. Its an unusual blend, combining their signature Kentucky rye with Canadian rye from Alberta Distillers and California port wine. A deeply fruity aroma of dark berries matches its slight ruby hue, but the spiciness of the rye dominates on first sip. Flavors of caramel and dried fruits round out the finish, and at 80 proof, its smooth and easy-drinking. Well suited to wintry weather, the Dark Rye makes for a pleasant after-dinner sipper, or mix it in a Boulvardier. $50, klwines.com
Production & Maturation Process
Unlike other bourbon whiskeys on the market, Basil Haydens Straight Bourbon has a deeper and richer flavor drawn from deep roots. Basil Hayden is artfully aged using the re-barreling technique and does not bear an age statement.
After aging the bourbon for four years, it is transferred to a new charred oak barrel to age for another seven years.
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Basil Hayden’s Dark Rye Boulevardier
Offer valid on any online order over $150 . Valid for shipping anywhere within Washington only. Not valid when shipping to any other state. Order arrives within 3-5 business days. Excludes Gift Cards.
Offer valid on any online order over $150 . Valid for shipping anywhere within Arizona only. Not valid when shipping to any other state. Order arrives within 3-5 business days. Excludes Gift Cards.
Offer valid on any online order over $150 . Valid for shipping anywhere within California only. Not valid when shipping to any other state. Order arrives within 3-5 business days. Excludes Gift Cards.
Best Under $2: Old Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey
courtesy of Evins
Region: Kentucky | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Orange, Cinnamon
A favorite of bartenders and budget-conscious whiskey drinkers, Old Overholt has stood the test of time. Case in point: the brand boasts that it was the most popular spirit in the country after Prohibition was lifted. This rye starts with a cereal sweetness and a touch of vanilla, then finishes with a bracing hit of white pepper. And while youll often see it as the stiffer half of a Boilermaker, this rye can also be stirred into a fine Manhattan or a spicy Old Fashioned.
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Basil Hayden Dark Rye 80 Proof
- This unique rye provides depth to the notes of dried fruit and a more viscous mouth feel than a traditional rye
- Itâs then finished with a touch of California Port blended in directly to add complementary juicy, ripe fruit without muddying the existing wood notes
- The end result is a whiskey full in flavor and still delicately nuanced
- Basil Hayden Dark Rye is always perfect sipped on the rocks as well as in a Boulevardier
American Whiskey Rye
This blend explores the harmonious combination of 3 distinct liquid profiles for one memorable whiskey. It begins with Kentucky Rye, providing a firm base of spicy rye, rich oak, dried fruit and subtle molasses undertones to build on. Canadian Rye from our award-winning Alberta Distillery is skillfully layered in. This unique rye provides depth to the notes of dried fruit and a more viscous mouth feel than a traditional rye. Itâs then finished with a touch of California Port blended in directly to add complementary juicy, ripe fruit without muddying the existing wood notes. The end result is a whiskey full in flavor and still delicately nuanced. Basil Hayden Dark Rye is always perfect sipped on the rocks as well as in a Boulevardier.
Basil Haydens Dark Rye Will Warm You This Winter
If you could design, from scratch, a whiskey to drink by the fire this winter, you might accidentally come up with Basil Haydens Dark Ryeand youd probably be very happy that you did.
The Dark Rye is a winner, though its very odd, especially for an American distiller. Part of that may be because not all the liquid in the bottle comes from Jim Beam.
Dark Rye sounds very much like a nonsense concoction your friend would make at 4 AM, but if thats what happened in the research lab at Beam, good on them. Its a clever blend of three liquids: Beams own whiskey, rye from Canadas Alberta Distillery, and a splash of California port . Using fortified wine is a style of whiskey making typically found in Canada, and rarely seen in the U.S., so they definitely checked the box for a unique whiskey.
The surprise, though, is that its really tasty. The dark liquid is syrupy and earthy, with notes of dried fruits and tons of caramel. The rye really only comes out at the end, like a satisfying little finishing flourish to remind you what youre drinking.
Basil Haydens is part of a trio of sister bottles from Jim Beam that includes Bookers and Bakers. But after the success of Bookers Rye a few years ago, Beam has been testing the waters with line expansions under these names.
This Dark Rye bottle, on the other hand, won us over.
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Best Splurge: Lock Stock & Barrel 16 Year
Region: Canada | ABV: 53.5% | Tasting Notes: Honey, Plum, Vanilla
Made by the late Robert J. Cooper , this high-proof rye would be a collectors item if it werent so darn easy to drink. Just 3,000 cases of the 107-proof, Lock Stock & Barrel spirit were made. Distilled from 100 percent rye, producers aged the spirit in charred American oak barrels for 16 years. The resulting spirit is delightfully spicy, yet easy to sip. Its balanced out by notes of stone fruit and a touch of honey. The ryes high proof means it’s great for mixing into cocktails with other strongly flavored ingredients, but you should also sip it straight to truly appreciate the balanced flavors and cheek-warming heat.
Basil Hayden Dark Rye Whiskey Price Guide
Last Updated on September 20, 2022 by Lydia Martin
Basil Hayden Dark Rye is one of the core brands in Jim Beams Small Batch Collection. It is a distilled spirit that bridges the flavor of the skillfully layered taste of rye whiskey and Small-Batch bourbon.
Heres our honest review of the Basil Hayden Dark Rye price, tasting notes, and more.
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How Its Made
Basil Hayden Dark Rye is a blend of two flavorful whiskeys with a unique California port influence for a rich and fruity taste.
While the mash bill is not disclosed, the blend has a relatively high rye content.
Basil Hayden combines a Kentucky straight rye whiskey and Canadian rye with port added for an additional layer pleasing to the palate.
Like other distilled spirits, it contains 40% ABV for a light and soft flavor profile.