Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Approachable yet quietly refined, Basil Hayden is Kentucky’s elegant take on high-rye bourbon. Crafted by the James B. Beam Distilling Co., it marries gentle 40% ABV poise with lifted spice and vanilla-oak sweetness, delivering a smooth, versatile profile that flatters any occasion. Beautifully presented and endlessly welcoming, it’s a polished everyday luxury and a thoughtful gift for bourbon lovers.

Tasting Notes & Experience

Charred oak rises first, folding into vanilla caramel and a touch of dried fruit. A silky, mid-weight sip follows—brown sugar warmth, a prickle of black pepper, hints of cocoa and orange zest—before easing into soft baking spice. The finish lingers with toasted oak and a graceful echo of fruit, all balance and composure, inviting that next contemplative taste.

Key Details

• Producer: Basil Hayden – James B. Beam Distilling Co.
• Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (high-rye mash bill)
• Region: Kentucky, USA
• ABV: 40%
• Volume: 700ml
• Maturation: American oak; artfully aged to profile (no age statement)
• Serve: Neat or over a large cube; superb in classic bourbon cocktails

Cocktail Pairings

Its high-rye brightness and vanilla-oak charm shine in an Old Fashioned (try an orange peel and a hint of vanilla bean) and an elegant Manhattan with rich vermouth. Shake into a classic Whiskey Sour—or float red wine for a New York Sour—for citrus lift. A frosted Mint Julep is summer perfection, while a Bourbon Sidecar or aperitivo-style mix with Aperol and Lillet adds polished, pre-dinner sparkle.

Craftsmanship & Story

Created in 1992 by Booker Noe as part of the Small Batch collection and inspired by 18th-century pioneer Meredith Basil Hayden Sr., this bourbon honors a higher-rye mash that softens corn sweetness with graceful spice. Distilled and matured in Kentucky, it’s bottled at a welcoming 40% ABV for approachability without sacrificing character—an invitation to new whiskey drinkers and a serene sipper for seasoned palates.

Special Features

A refined high-rye recipe delivers lively spice framed by vanilla and caramel, while the 40% ABV keeps the texture silky and the finish gentle. The distinctive wrap-and-band bottle signals modern craft with heritage cues. Versatile across serves—from neat to classic cocktails—its balanced profile and handsome presentation make it an effortless gift and an anytime house pour.

Recognition & Accolades

Celebrated for approachable elegance and balance:

• Double Gold – New York International Spirits Competition, 2023
• Double Gold – NZ Spirits Awards, 2023
• Double Gold – San Francisco World Spirits Competition, 2020
• Gold – International Spirits Challenge, 2022
• Gold & 95/100 – New York International Spirits Competition
• Silver – Bartender Spirits Awards, 2022
• Silver – NZ Spirits Awards, 2025
• Bronze – NZ Spirits Awards, 2024

Award pedigree that reflects its polished, gift-ready style.

Food Pairing

Match its gentle spice and vanilla warmth with maple-glazed pork belly, pulled-pork sliders or a charred ribeye. Smoked salmon and toasted almonds echo subtle oak and nut notes, while aged cheddar, smoked gouda or Brie create creamy counterpoint. For dessert, think dark chocolate, pecan pie or crème brûlée—each mirroring caramel, cocoa and softly spiced sweetness in the finish.

Perfect for Gifting or Sipping

Graceful, versatile and beautifully bottled, Basil Hayden is an impeccable client thank-you, host gift or refined addition to your top shelf—welcoming enough for newcomers, nuanced enough for collectors.

Fast, Secure NZ-Wide Delivery

Order online for fast NZ delivery. Lovingly packed with a selection of stylish packaging and a personal message option to complete the perfect gift.