How to Drink Basil Hayden Bourbon

Last Updated on: 25th April 2024, 05:37 pm

Discover the best way of drinking Basil Hayden Bourbon: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this whiskey.

Written by: J Highland

Key Takeaways

• Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks due to its smooth and moderately spicy flavor, suggests whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
• Its lower proof makes it less suitable for cocktails.
• Not recommended to add water as it may dilute its already light body.
• Suitable in a whiskey tumbler or rocks glass.
• Features a sweet and fruity aroma, with a flavor profile of oak, soaked grains, and sweet cherry.
• Pairs well with roasted almonds, grilled salmon, creamy blue cheese, milk chocolate, and apple pie or tarts.
• 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.

Best Way to Drink Basil Hayden Bourbon

“Basil Hayden, known for its smooth, sweet, and moderately spicy flavor, is ideally sipped neat or on the rocks for a cooler drink. “, mentions Bourbon expert, Neil Coleman.

Its lower proof makes it less suitable for making cocktails.

Similar Bourbon to Basil Hayden

Adding Water

I wouldn’t recommend adding water to Basil Hayden.

This whiskey, already somewhat light in body due to its low 80 proof (40% ABV), loses more of its somewhat muted flavors with further dilution.

Adding Ice

For a cooler sipping of Basil Hayden without diluting it, consider a large ice ball or using chilled glasses or whiskey stones.

Whiskey stones not only do a great job of chilling the bourbon but add a touch of sophistication to the experience.

Choosing the Right Glassware

A whiskey tumbler or rocks glass is sufficient for enjoying Basil Hayden bourbon; there’s no need to invest in fancy glassware.

Tasting Notes

Basil Hayden’s nose offers a sweet and fruity blend, with apple and fruit cocktail cherries in pineapple juice mixed with a gentle rye spice.

Its texture is thin and diluted, without much depth.

The flavor starts with a strong oak character and soaked grains, shifting to a sweet cherry mid-palate.

A notable roasted peanut note, typical of Jim Beam Distillery whiskeys, brings uniqueness to the taste.

The finish is brief and underwhelming, leaving subtle traces of apple, pineapple, a hint of rye spice, and a mild warmth.

Basil Hayden’s Cocktails

Basil Hayden isn’t my top choice for cocktail-making due to its low proof and subdued flavor, which don’t contribute much depth to drinks.

Moreover, it’s priced in a range where you can find several superior spicy bourbons for cocktail-making at a more affordable cost.

However, if you’re interested in using it, here are three cocktail ideas to consider.

Bourbon Apple & Thyme Sipper

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Fresh Apple Juice
• 0.5 oz Thyme Simple Syrup
• 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• Sprig of Thyme and Apple Slice for Garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine Boubon, apple juice, thyme simple syrup, and lemon juice in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a rocks glass filled with ice.
3. Garnish with a sprig of thyme and an apple slice.

Basil Hayden Honey Lavender Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Lavender-Infused Honey Syrup
• 2 oz Fresh Lemonade
• Lavender Sprig for Garnish

Instructions:

1. In a shaker, mix Bourbon, lavender-infused honey syrup, and lemonade with ice.
2. Shake vigorously and strain into an ice-filled Collins glass.
3. Garnish with a sprig of lavender.

Spiced Pear Collins

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Bourbon
• 1 oz Spiced Pear Liqueur
• 0.5 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• Club Soda
• Pear Slice and Cinnamon Stick for Garnish

Instructions:

1. Add Bourbon, spiced pear liqueur, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into an ice-filled Collins glass.
3. Top with club soda.
4. Garnish with a pear slice and a cinnamon stick.

These cocktails are designed to complement and enhance the delicate flavors of Basil Hayden, offering a refreshing and unique twist to your bourbon cocktail experience.

Food Pairings

Pairing a smooth and lightly spiced bourbon like Basil Hayden with the right foods can enhance the drink and the dish.

Here are five food pairings that would complement its character:

Roasted Almonds or Mixed Nuts

• The natural oils and saltiness of roasted almonds or mixed nuts can highlight the subtle spice notes in Bourbon, creating a pleasant contrast.

Grilled Salmon

• The rich, oily texture of grilled salmon pairs nicely with the light spiciness of the bourbon. The char from the grill can also complement the bourbon’s oak flavors.

Creamy Blue Cheese

• A creamy blue cheese can balance the light spiciness of the Bourbon with its strong, tangy flavor, offering a delightful taste combination.

Milk Chocolate

• Milk chocolate’s creamy sweetness can enhance the smoothness of this Bourbon, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The chocolate can also bring out any hidden caramel notes in the bourbon.

Apple Pie or Tarts

• The sweet, fruity flavors of apple pie or tarts, especially when spiced with cinnamon, pair wonderfully with the light spice and smooth character of this Bourbon, echoing similar notes in the bourbon.

These pairings are not only delicious but also highlight the unique qualities of a smooth and lightly spiced bourbon, making for an enjoyable culinary experience.

Storing the Bottle

• Keep in a cool, low-light space.
• Make sure the seal is secure to prevent oxidation.
• Consume quickly when the level drops below 25% to maintain the flavor’s consistency.

About Basil Hayden Bourbon

• Bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof).
• Comprised of a mash bill with 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley.
• Typically aged for about 7 years.
• Launched in 1992 and named in honor of distiller Basil Hayden.
• Produced at the Jim Beam Distillery.
• Under the ownership of Suntory Holdings in Japan.