I was lucky enough to get my hands a bottle of Basil Hayden’s small batch Bourbon over the weekend. The tasting notes explain that this little gem crosses the boundary between Rye and straight Bourbon, and that at 40% ABV it is perfect pretty much anyway you want to take it. The Intoxicologist has a cocktail that uses this fine spirit mixed with only Champagne. I’ll try it out this week and let you know what I think.
The product itself is incredibly smooth and has hints of honey and mint. I tried it out on its own, over ice, as an old fashioned and in a version of a Sazerac. It takes on the oils of orange beautifully and mellows everything it comes in contact with. I’ll bet it makes a tasty Julep.
The history of the brand lies with Basil Hayden, a Maryland Catholic who settled in Nelson County, Kentucky in 1785. By 1792 he had developed a special mash of corn and rye grains that bridged the mellow Bourbons and peppery straight rye styles. It is this mash that the Beam Global small batch spirit means to replicate.
The bottle itself is gorgeous, with the over the fold label, copper band and bH logotype.
If you’re a lover of good Bourbon, this one is a beauty. Pricing around $70 a bottle and available at Elizabeth Bay Cellars, and online here. I’ve see in around a few other places as well, and any outlet of Jim Beam should be able to order it, even if they don’t have any in stock.
Everyday Drinking 
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A buddy’s Dad passed away & having helped out with the clearing up, I wound up with a bottle of Basil Hayden’s. With every serving, we commiserated and celebrated Dr Tom’s life. Once done, I bought another bottle. Life is too short not to have a bottle of Basil Hayden’s on hand.
To paraphrase Winston Churchill, in despair we need it, in celebration we deserve it!