(Photo: Basil Hayden)
On Tuesday, Basil Hayden announced the permanent return of its 10-year bourbon to market. Originally debuted as a limited-edition drop in December 2018, the expression is now fastening itself to liquor store shelves for good with an updated look.
The bottling boasts a characteristically high-rye mashbill of 63% corn, 27% rye and 10% malted barley that can also be found in Jim Beam products like Old Grand-Dad 114. Unlike that expression, however, Basil Hayden 10 Year Old clocks in at just 40% ABV.
Its revamped appearance trades the blocky black colorway of its predecessor for a polished gray label featuring gold lettering. Circling the base you'll still find the iconic monogrammed Basil Hayden belt, an homage to the metal hoops found on the bourbon barrels.
"After aging in American Oak barrels for 10 years, this whiskey is light-flavored enough to examine on the palate without any lingering harshness," the brand wrote in a news release. "Its unique and approachable characteristics appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers to the whiskey space, and is best served neat or on the rocks to allow the sweet caramel and vanilla notes that develop from 10 years in a newly charred American oak barrel to shine."
In the years since its release, Basil Hayden 10 Year Old Bourbon earned a Raided Score® of 84 on our site — the third-highest in the distiller's catalog behind its Red Wine Cask Finish (85) and Malted Rye (88).
Reviewers have remarked on the expression's light palate of apricot, cherry cola, black pepper and vanilla. At 80 proof, several have noted that it's decidedly "easy" sipper compared to its higher-proofed counterparts on the bourbon market.
The bottle will begin rolling out at retailers later this week and is currently available for purchase online at $84.99.
Basil Hayden 10 Year Bourbon Tasting Notes, Per the Brand
Color: Golden amber
Nose: Big oak, hints of char, vanilla and rye
Taste: Oak balanced by caramel sweetness and rye spice
Finish: Light and smoky with a subtle hint of char
