Basil Hayden's Bourbon

I'm no expert when it comes to bourbon, but this bourbon has none of the depth and sweetness I've come to expect from even decent bourbon. The bottle branding and mid-tier price point grabbed my attention when looking for something new. I actually think Jim Bean and Jack Daniels have more going for it than this bourbon. It isn't terrible, it's just bland and thin. It does have a spicy finish similar to a rye.

I wouldn't buy it again.

23rd May 2020

This is not a good bourbon. It's thin, weak, nothing of interest. Well brand at best. Looks as if they are faking reviews on all the websites - no one who drinks bourbon would give this more than one or two stars.

24th January 2020

For those like me that like smooth and mellow--you will like this whisky.
Those looking for a murderous bite and numbing taste buds aftertaste--this one is not for you.
I liked it so well I am picking up a case!
I am a reformed scotch snob.

1st January 2020

Horrible. horrible. horrible. horrible. horrible....yuk on steroids
Once then I am a scotch drinker and not fond of rye at all only to recently discover I detest bourbon with a passion in all fairness as this is the first and hopefully last bourbon I will ever try.

26th December 2019

Smooth, light, with a very brief and mild "bite". Perfect if you either have never tried whiskies nor bourbons, or if you really want to learn to enjoy the taste (it is an acquired taste in the end) but previous attempts failed miserably, giving you a wry face. Later on, I would advise to try the Chivas 12 YO.

19th December 2019

Had the privalage to try this at a speakeasy night in birmingham
I have to say as someone who normally drinks rather top shelf whiskeys i found this a really smooth drink full of body and character. Fully recommend the purchase and will be putting my request in for Christmas.

15th September 2019

Excellent for it's cost love it! 42.00 US in Syracuse NY I personally give it 4.5 stars

8th January 2019

MY NEW FAVORITE!!! I am Canadian; purchased this on a whim; the local LCBO store was discontinuing their stock and selling product at 1/2 price! After enjoying same I returned to the store and purchased their remaining stock. That was three years ago and I only have one left. I enjoy bourbon, and this is the BEST I have EVER enjoyed! Please take this as it's meant; so much like (but superior in my humble opinion) than ANY of the finest single malt scotch whiskey I have ever tried. I have an old friend that imports rare whiskies from a vendor in Scotland; at great expense. I would rather have this. Forty Creek Distillery, in Canada, once made a three grain whiskey (since discontinued) that had similar traits; and I do miss it. THANX for making this fine whiskey; and I hope you will continue doing so.

31st December 2018

Too light. Given that it is a high rye recipe, it has a very modest 'bite.' It's as though this was not an american rye but more like a Canadian. Ii am very disappointed that Basil Hayden has followed down the road of commercial cheapness and eliminated the age statement -it always means the same thing: less age. That's happening more and more in Scotland and Kentucky!

30th November 2018

For the price it’s a decent everyday sipper, definitely seems like a high rye as it’s strong on the nose and spicy up front, peppermint finish but it’s a very short one as it would be at 40%. Still wouldn’t turn my nose up at it.

27th September 2018

Not an expert but i do enjoy bourbon, and i found this such a nice, easy one to drink, probably a little to easily! Personally, i don't like to much of the burn and this was perfect. I bought this as a gift for my husband and what a gift it turned out to be.

30th April 2018

Not an expert but to me is very smooth and easy to sip. As soon as you get one down you want another.

1st August 2017

The stuff, when it comes to a bourbon and coke mixed drink. Cheers

23rd February 2017

I like the cask strength, and bookers (127proof) - one of my favorites - I prefer to drink straight. Having that said, the basil Hayden does taste like its diluted too much, almost to a maximum. So the taste and aroma are kinda on further subtler side. But, overall - it's sipable, shotable, and smooh - as u start drinking it, u are likely to have more. I recommend tasting it just to experience bourbon with lightest body.

2nd July 2016

If you've seen the film listed above then you know just what the hell I'm talking about. If not; a man is privy to just a few great ones (women) in his lifetime. Once you know, you know. This bourbon is one of those great ones. Like the Woodford Reserve, if you were lucky enough to have the Basil as your first bourbon then more than likely, it's what got you hooked on this great pastime. It's affordable. The taste is chalk full of complexities and nuances. The finish (my favorite part) is long and lingering. The bottle is also very cool looking with a label (which isn't really a label) that makes it stand out from the crowd. The only negative is the cheap cork stopper. I received mine as a gift, but would totally buy again had there not been so many others I'd like to try. That's a good thing though right?

9th March 2016

Its very drinkable. I always suggest this to people looking to get into bourbons that I feel would appreciate something lighter. Don't even think about watering this.
Of course you aren't going to be a fan if you drink liquid dirt...

24th December 2015

love this bourbon. Not too spicy but nice and warm.

26th July 2015

Perhaps being used to strong peated scotch makes me a more picky bourbon drinker but I found this to be too watery and not enough flavor or aroma. I bought it for $10 off and I am glad I didn't spend another penny. I will probably just use this for whenever I need bourbon for cocktails (which is never). I should have just followed my gut and bought the Elijah Craig at 94 proof.

14th April 2015