Basil Hayden vs Weller Special Reserve: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 09:30 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.

Discover the differences between Basil Hayden’s vs Weller Special Reserve in this in-depth comparison and decide which Bourbon 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 Weller: Comparison

Basil Hayden’s: A light and fruity bourbon with aromas of apple and cherry, complemented by a palate of oak and spice. Ideal for those who want a smooth and sweet sipper with a touch of rye spice.

Weller Special Reserve: Offers a sweet nose of maple and apple, with a rich palate of caramel and vanilla. Its finish brings warmth and spice at 90 proof, making it a smooth wheated option.

Verdict: Basil Hayden caters to those preferring a lighter, spicier sip, while Weller Special Reserve appeals to enthusiasts of smooth, sweet wheated bourbons. Each offers a distinct tasting experience reflective of their unique mash bills, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Weller Similar Brands

Basil Hayden: Smooth & Light

Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat
Similar to: Buffalo Trace

Fruity & Spicy: Basil Hayden’s entices with a sweet aroma of apple, cherry, and pineapple, with a hint of rye spice. Think summer cocktail, not winter fire.

Thin Palate: On the tongue, it feels light and watery, lacking richness. Oaky notes lead the way, followed by hints of soaked grains and a touch of sweet cherry.

Short Finish: The finish fades quickly, leaving a fleeting apple and pineapple impression with lingering rye spice. A gentle warmth lingers on the way down.

Smooth But Underwhelming: While smooth and balanced, the lack of body and short finish, coupled with its low proof, may leave some wanting more, especially considering the price.

Appealing Presentation: The packaging may attract you, but the taste experience might not live up to the hype, particularly for the price point.

Basil’s Legacy: This rye-infused bourbon, launched in 1992, pays homage to Basil Hayden, a maverick distiller. Today, it’s crafted by Suntory Holdings.

Verdict: If you prefer light, smooth sippers, Basil Hayden’s might be your jam. But for a more robust bourbon experience, you might want to explore other options.

Remember: Taste is subjective! Give it a try and see if it hits your sweet spot.

Weller Special Reserve: Wheaty Sweetness

Alcohol content: 90 proof (45% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks
Similar to: Maker’s Mark

Honey & Spice: Weller Special Reserve greets you with a smooth, sweet aroma of maple honey, apple, and hints of aged leather and oak. Think warm pastry, not fiery spice.

Caramel Delight: The palate explodes with caramel, vanilla, and cinnamon, creating a delightful dessert-like experience. Hints of dark chocolate and citrus add complexity as it unfolds.

Lingering Warmth: The finish is warming and dry, with notes of leather, spicy cinnamon candy, and oak lingering pleasantly on the tongue.

Smooth Sipper: This wheated bourbon drinks smooth and easy neat, with minimal harshness. Adding a water drop unlocks more sweetness and oak, making it even tastier.

Wheaty Satisfaction: It delivers the expected wheated bourbon smoothness and sweetness, but some might find the body lacking fullness.

Sweet History: Weller was the first bourbon to use wheat in its mash bill, dating back to 1849! Aged 4-7 years, it even earned a Gold Medal in 2019.

Verdict: If you love smooth, sweet wheated bourbons, Weller Special Reserve is a winner. But if you crave a fuller body, explore other options.

How do Basil Hayden vs Weller differ?

Basil Hayden’s has a high rye content, which contributes to its flavor profile characterized by grassy and peppery notes, along with a signature spicy finish.

On the other hand, Weller Special Reserve is a wheated bourbon, meaning that it uses wheat as the secondary grain in its mash bill.

Wheated bourbons tend to have a softer and more approachable flavor compared to bourbons that use rye as their secondary grain. They also tend to have a slightly sweeter taste.

These differences in grain composition contribute to the distinct characteristics of each bourbon, offering a choice between the spicier and more robust profile of Basil Hayden’s and the smoother and slightly sweeter profile of Weller Special Reserve.