This was the very first Bourbon that changed my opinion and taste buds and got me started with the Bourbon bug.  After American Honey, you know. ? I actually haven’t had Basil Hayden’s since becoming obsessed with Bourbon, so it’s about time I went back to my roots. Let’s see how this goes…

Basil Hayden was the first distiller to introduce small grains into his Bourbon mash in 1796, one of those being rye (yum!) It is said that this mash hill is similar to Hayden’s original mash bill.

This is a part of Booker Noe’s small batch Bourbon collection.

Company: Beam Suntory

Distillery: Kentucky Springs Distilling Co.

Location: Frankfort, KY

Mash Bill: Unknown, but it’s supposed to be their high rye mash bill and the same as Old Granddad, so close to 30%.

Age: NAS

ABV: 40% (80 proof)

Released: Ongoing.

Price: $36

Color: Golden Yellow Blonde

Nose: Vanilla, oak, sticky sweet smell kinda like oatmeal cookies, slight rye burn which adds another layer.

Taste: Dryer than expected, but still fairly sweet. Dark chocolate and mint, reminiscent of a Peppermint Patty (you know me I like to compare Bourbon to delicious things.) There is some rye and cinnamon spice to balance everything out nicely.

Finish: Medium finish does slowly move down your throat leaving it nice and warm. Fairly spicy finish.

Overall: I see why this is a great introductory Bourbon and why it was mine.  Basil Hayden’s converted me I guess about three years ago now? Maybe slightly more, and I’m grateful to the little Bourbon for changing my views for the better. Cheers!

Rating: 3.5/5