Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:46 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Two spicy bourbons head to head: Basil Hayden vs. Bulleit Bourbon in an in-depth comparison so you decide which is better for You!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Basil Hayden vs Bulleit: Comparison
Basil Hayden: A light and easy-drinking bourbon with apple, cherry, and rye spice on the nose. Palate blends oak and fruit, offering a medium finish with vanilla. Suitable for those preferring a smoother, less intense bourbon.
Bulleit Bourbon: Features a spicy nose with cinnamon and clove, leading to a palate rich in rye spice and caramel. Offers a long finish with balanced sweetness and spice. Great on the rocks or in cocktails. Ideal for fans of a spicier, more robust bourbon experience.
Verdict: Both Basil Hayden and Bulleit Bourbon highlight the versatility of bourbon with their unique rye spice profiles. Basil Hayden caters to those seeking a gentler sip, while Bulleit Bourbon appeals to those desiring a bolder, spicier taste. Each offers a distinctive experience to bourbon enthusiasts, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Basil Hayden Alternatives
Basil Hayden Bourbon: An Overly Smooth Sip
- Nose: Apple, floral, rye spice
- Palate: Oak, cherry, spice, pineapple
- Finish: Medium, vanilla, apple
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Coca Cola
- Similar to: Angel’s Envy
Light and fruity with a touch of rye spice, Basil Hayden offers a pleasant but thin taste experience.
- Nose: Sweet apple, juicy cherries, and subtle rye spice create an inviting aroma.
- Palate: Smooth with initial oak and sweet cherry notes, but lacks body and feels watery.
- Finish: Short and unremarkable with hints of fruit and spice.
While easy to drink, Basil Hayden’s thinness and short finish may leave some bourbon enthusiasts wanting more.
Here’s what to consider:
- Proof: Bottled at 80 proof, it offers less heat and intensity compared to other bourbons.
- Price: Compared to competitors, the price may not reflect the taste experience.
Alternatives:
- Old Grand-Dad Bourbon: Also crafted by Jim Beam shares a similar mash bill and offers a more robust flavor profile at a lower price point.
Looking for a complex and full-bodied bourbon? Basil Hayden might not be your top choice. However, its smoothness and rye notes make it a decent option for casual sipping or cocktails.
This bourbon is also known for:
- Mash bill: 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley (no age statement)
- History: Launched in 1992, honoring Basil Hayden, a legendary distiller known for adding rye to bourbon mash bills.
Ultimately, the best way to experience Basil Hayden is to try it yourself and see if it suits your taste preferences.
Bulleit Bourbon: A Spicy and Smooth Choice
- Nose: Cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, almond
- Palate: Rye spice, caramel, dried fruit, nuts
- Finish: Long, caramel, rye spice
- Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
- How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
- Similar to: New Riff
Bulleit Bourbon greets you with a warm aroma of rye spice, accented by hints of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
- Nose: Spicy rye dominates, with subtle notes of warm baking spices.
- Palate: Smooth and initially spicy due to the rye, evolving into richer flavors of nuts and dried fruits.
- Finish: Not overly hot, with a pleasant balance of sweet and spicy notes. Spicy oak and sweetness linger pleasantly.
Bulleit strikes a delightful balance between sweet and spicy, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bit of rye character without the full-on intensity of rye whiskey.
Here’s what makes Bulleit stand out:
- Spicier than most bourbons, but smoother than rye whiskey. This makes it a great option for exploring rye spice.
- Versatile: Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or in classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Whiskey Sours. Its high rye content adds depth to mixed drinks.
- Award-winning: Won a Double Gold medal at the 2016 SF World Spirits Competition.
Additional details:
- Mash bill: 68% corn, 28% rye, 4% malted barley
- Aged: 6 years in charred American oak barrels
- Made: With Kentucky limestone-filtered water and locally sourced ingredients
Whether you’re a seasoned bourbon drinker or just starting to explore bourbon high in rye, Bulleit offers a smooth and flavorful experience.
What do Basil Hayden and Bulleit Bourbon have in common?
Both bourbons are high in rye content
| Whiskey | Rye | Corn | Malted Barley |
| Basil Hayden’s | 27% | 63% | 10% |
| Bulleit Bourbon | 28% | 68% | 4% |
These bourbons carry a high portion of rye in their mash bills, close to 30%, making them grassy and peppery, with a characteristic spicy finish.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Basil Hayden Straight Bourbon | $46 |
| Bulleit Bourbon | $33 |