Basil Hayden Reaches From High Rye Bourbon To Just Plain Rye

Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, the “high rye” expression from the venerable Jim Beam Small Batch Collection, today announced the launch of its first-ever brand extension, Basil Hayden Rye.

Basil Hayden’s Bourbon has long been known for its trademark spicy finish, resulting from the use of twice as much rye as traditional bourbons. Taking inspiration from this beloved rye spiciness, Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey is a natural progression for the brand.

A Kentucky straight rye whiskey, Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey achieves its deepened and distinctive taste with the addition of a unique, re-barreled rye. The re-barreled rye begins as a four-year-old traditional rye whiskey, which is then dumped out and further aged an additional seven years in newly charred quarter cask oak barrels. Just a touch of this re-barreled rye expertly blended with traditional Kentucky straight rye whiskey amplifies the warm aroma of baking spices and adds differentiating depth to Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey. Bottled at an easy-sipping 80 proof, the result is a versatile rye whiskey that is both approachable and flavorful with notes of char and oak.

“The spicy character of rye has always been a signature part of what makes Basil Hayden’s special, so creating a rye whiskey was a natural fit,” said Rob Mason, Vice President of Bourbon at Beam Suntory. “This limited edition release gives our fans a chance to experience everything they love about Basil Hayden’s Bourbon — its spicy character, smoothness and approachable nature — in an interesting rye whiskey expression.”

Packaged with Basil Hayden’s iconic hand-applied parchment bib and copper belt, Basil Hayden’s Rye Whiskey is bottled at 80 proof and available now in limited quantities nationwide for a suggested retail price of $44.99 for a 750ml bottle.