Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon
High Rye Bourbon · Beam Suntory · Clermont, KY
Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon is a high rye bourbon from Beam Suntory in Clermont, KY. It is bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) with no age statement. Suggested retail is about $50.
Tasting notes
Named after distiller Meredith Basil Hayden Sr. who pioneered a high-rye recipe in 1792. Built on a 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley mashbill — twice the rye of a standard Beam bourbon. Approachable at 80 proof with notes of honey, dried fruit, and peppery rye.
How it compares
- At $50, it is priced right around the median high rye bourbon in the catalog ($50).
- At 80 proof it runs 20 proof points lower than the typical high rye bourbon here (100 proof).