Basil Hayden’s is Old Grand-Dad in a fancier bottle. It’s the same whiskey from the same distillery (Jim Beam), but with the fancy label and a reduced proof; typically you’re getting less whiskey for more money. Though in this case, you’re getting something unique, you’re getting OGD aged for 10 years compared to the typical 4; aged for 2.5x longer than standard OGD.
Basil Hayden’s Bourbon 10 Years Review: Details and Tasting Notes
In Jim Beam’s Words:
“Basil Hayden’s 10 Year Old Bourbon features the same high-rye bourbon recipe that Basil Hayden’s fans know and love,
but the whiskey is aged in barrels longer to create another layer of complexity and deeper flav
or.”
Basil Hayden’s Bourbon 10 Years: Details – price, ABV, age, mash bill, etc.
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Jim Beam
Mash Bill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New Charred Oak
Age: 10 Years
ABV: 40%
Price: $60*
Basil Hayden’s Bourbon 10 Years: Tasting Notes
EYE
Caramel
NOSE
Oak, citrus peels, spice, caramel, vanilla, roasted corn and a bit of olde fashioned root beer.
PALATE
Oak, caramel, peanuts, fruit leather, Corn Nuts (original), citrus and some light bits of vanilla, char and oil.
FINISH
Long -> Peanuts, oak, spice and char.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Great balance, medium-light body and a soft light feel.
Basil Hayden’s Bourbon 10 Years Review: OVERALL
It’s good. I’m really enjoying this 10-year-old Old-Grandad mash. The aroma has a nice heavy oakiness to it as does the palate and finish. There’s a nice bit of sweetness balancing it out and a pleasant layer of spice keeping things interesting. It’s the kind of whiskey I could easily drink any day of the week and be happy about it being in my glass.
But, as always, I do wish it had a bit more oomph. I would love to see this Basil Hayden’s Bourbon 10 Years instead done as a limited edition 10 yo Old Grand-Dad BiB or, dare I even dream, a limited edition OGD 114 release.
Though if what my senses are telling me is true, that Bulleit is now sourcing from Beam, then we might get to try this Basil Hayden’s 10 at a higher proof in a few years. Once Bulleit’s older Four Roses stocks run out, and they move to their aging OGD stock, this is what will be in the Bulleit 10… time will tell.
SCORE: 86/100 (B)