Basil Hayden was established in 1992 as a key member of Booker Noe's groundbreaking small batch collection.
The accounts and statements in this site form the DNA of the Basil Hayden brand. These truths shape the brand and help to define its future direction.
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THE DECK
MOMENTS
One of the most popular brands at the turn of the century was National Distiller’s Old Grand-Dad, made as an homage to American distillers. Beam acquired National Distillers and subsequently Old Grand-Dad.
Booker was inspired by the early bourbon pioneers, and created a brand that reflected the roots of the Old Grand-Dad recipe.
Booker was inspired by the early bourbon pioneers, and created a brand that reflected the roots of the Old Grand-Dad recipe.
Basil Hayden Timeline
1929
FREDRICK BOOKER NOE II
IS BORN.
IS BORN.
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1960
Booker Noe is named the 6th generation Beam family master distiller at the Boston plant, followed by him taking the helm of both plants in 1974.
1988
Jim Beam acquires National Distillers whose portfolio includes Old Grand-Dad.
1992
Booker Noe introduces the Small Batch Bourbon Collection. Three of its four bottlings (Booker’s, Baker’s and Knob Creek) use whiskey made with the standard Beam mash bill. The fourth, Basil Hayden, uses the high-rye Old Grand-Dad recipe.
Stories
HISTORY CELEBRATED
Frederick Booker Noe
& the Small Batch Collection
& the Small Batch Collection
In 1988, Booker introduced Booker’s True Barrel Bourbon, one of the first high-end bourbons ever created.
In 1988, Booker introduced Booker’s True Barrel Bourbon, one of the first high-end bourbons ever created. Aged from six-to-eight years in the “center cut” of the distillery’s nine-story rack house, and featuring a higher proof, the “uncut” (no water added) bourbon was first created as a gift for key customers and partners.
After the success of Booker’s, three years later, Booker oversaw the production and introduction of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection®
which included Basil Hayden’s®, Knob Creek®, and Baker’s®. The Small Batch brands were launched as a collection – offering different taste profiles for different consumers. There was growing consumer interest in ultra-premium spirits due to the success of single malt scotch and the relative success of a high-end Blanton’s Single Barrel brand a few years prior. Booker devoted 8 years of his retirement to the revitalization of the bourbon category through Small Batch tastings growing from 7 attendees to over 300 before he retired. In a time before social media and whisky bloggers (well, frankly, the internet), the team established the Kentucky Bourbon Circle, which had around 80,000 members. The Collection revolutionized the stagnant bourbon industry, attracting a new generation of fans, and cementing Booker’s reputation as a creative, visionary distiller.
People
FREDERICK BOOKER NOE II
THE INNOVATOR
Frederick Booker Noe II (1929 - 2004)
Frederick Booker Noe II was born in Springfield, KY, in 1929, the son of Frederick Booker Noe and Margaret Noe, Jim Beams daughter.
At the age of 21, Booker dedicated himself to learning every aspect of the family’s bourbon-making process from his uncle, T. Jeremiah Beam, who quickly saw that Booker had a “real knack” for bourbon, and said, “he’ll do fine carrying on the family name.” So he started at the distillery in Boston, KY where he learned much from his older cousin Carl Beam, then the Master Distiller.
Named Master Distiller (1974)
In 1974, Booker was named Master Distiller of Jim Beam Brands.
During his 40+ years with the company, Booker increased production at the distillery 12 times, while maintaining the high standard of quality established by his great, great, great, grandfather, Jacob in 1795.
True Barrel Bourbon (1988)
The Small Batch Collection (1992)
In 1988, Booker introduced Booker’s True Barrel Bourbon, one of the first high-end bourbons ever created.
Three years later, Booker oversaw the production and introduction of The Small Batch Bourbon Collection which included, in addition to Booker’s, Basil Hayden’s, Knob Creek, and Baker’s. The Collection revolutionized the stagnant bourbon industry, attracting a new generation of fans, and cementing Booker’s reputation as a creative, visionary distiller.
The Collection started as Booker’s personal batches, which he kept in the warehouses and gave away as presents for industry people and friends.
Booker described the collection as ‘something for everyone,’ and hosted tasting sessions with the aim of educating people on the nuances of bourbon, describing it in plain and simple terms. A low proof whiskey, Basil Hayden’s was the first sip in these tasting sessions.
Booker Retires (1992)
Booker retired as Master Distiller of the Jim Beam Distillery in 1992.
A popular after-dinner speaker, from 1992 to 1999, he traveled the world extensively, making countless personal appearances while serving as the company’s symbolic leader and spokesperson. In 1995, Jim Beam Brands honored him by adding his picture to the side of the Jim Beam bottle, alongside his ancestors and the distillers who preceded him in the family business.
Place
Clermont, Kentucky
Murphy, Barber & Company (1880)
What is now known as the James B. Beam Distillery in Clermont was originally constructed in 1880 and operated under the name Murphy, Barber & Company.
Located on the Bardstown-Springfield branch of the L&N Railroad, it allowed the bourbon to be easily transported far and wide.
During Prohibition, the property was purchased by Jim Beam. The distillery lay dormant through Prohibition but began operation again in 1935. The Beam family famously got the continuous still running in 120 days - working from late December 1934 to March 1935.
During Prohibition, the property was purchased by Jim Beam. The distillery lay dormant through Prohibition but began operation again in 1935. The Beam family famously got the continuous still running in 120 days - working from late December 1934 to March 1935.
Beam Acquires National Distillers (1988)
In 1988, Jim Beam acquired National Distillers, whose portfolio included Old Grand-Dad.
The production of Old Grand-Dad eventually moved from the distillery in Frankfort to the Clermont distillery. The same year, Master Distiller Booker Noe introduced Booker's, a small batch bourbon made at the Clermont distilery.
Four years later, Booker released his Small Batch Collection, which included Basil Hayden's made with the same high-rye mash bill as Old Grand-Dad. The collection also included Booker's, Baker's, and finally Knob Creek.
Four years later, Booker released his Small Batch Collection, which included Basil Hayden's made with the same high-rye mash bill as Old Grand-Dad. The collection also included Booker's, Baker's, and finally Knob Creek.
Liquid
House Style Liquid
House Style Liquid
Characterised by higher percentage of extra Rye that creates a spicier character.
Aged longer than standard bourbons (6 years) bottled at 80 proof, for a well-rounded, lighter and ‘finer’ taste profile.
Aged longer than standard bourbons (6 years) bottled at 80 proof, for a well-rounded, lighter and ‘finer’ taste profile.
The vision for Basil Hayden was to create a uniquely approachable profile - combining a lighter-bodied 80 proof spirit with the spiciness of double the rye and extra aging.
This combination makes it perfect for sipping neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails.
Basil Hayden bourbon is considered 'high rye.' This means that while it contains at least 51% corn, it has an extra portion of rye in the mash (25%). The added rye grain contributes to a spicier taste and balances the corn sweetness of traditional bourbons. This 'high rye' mash bill also pays homage to the importance of Rye in the Old-Grand Dad recipe.
It's aged 6 years
It's aged 6 years - longer than standard bourbons - and bottled at 80 proof for a well-rounded, lighter, and 'finer' taste profile.
Though it has a lower proof, it is created with a unique and distinctive recipe to ensure that Basil Hayden stays true to 'whiskey the way it used to be.'
Though it has a lower proof, it is created with a unique and distinctive recipe to ensure that Basil Hayden stays true to 'whiskey the way it used to be.'
"Whiskey, the way it used to be."
At the time of release in 1992 and going into the early 2000s, Basil Hayden was a much older liquid base.
While the 8-year profile was the goal, the average age at the time was closer to 10 plus.
Because of severe case fluctuations some years, Basil Hayden's was not distilled at all causing gaps in the inventory down the line. Volume constraints of over 10-fold required formulation changes.
Because of severe case fluctuations some years, Basil Hayden's was not distilled at all causing gaps in the inventory down the line. Volume constraints of over 10-fold required formulation changes.
In 2014, the 8-year statement was removed.
Currently, Basil Hayden's is blended to a 6-year average.
The color has not changed for the last 5 years.
TASTING NOTES
COLOR: Golden brown
AROMA: Charred oak with sweet brown notes of vanilla and caramel with hints of dried fruit
AROMA: Charred oak with sweet brown notes of vanilla and caramel with hints of dried fruit
TASTE: Charred oak with sweet brown sugar, light black pepper, and dried fruit
FINISH: Lingering charred oak finished with a touch of dried fruit
FINISH: Lingering charred oak finished with a touch of dried fruit
Experience
The First Sip
Basil Hayden bourbon is considered ‘high rye.’
This means that while it contains at least 51% corn, it has an extra portion of rye in the mash. The added rye grain contributes to a spicier taste and balances the corn sweetness of traditional bourbons. A memorable bourbon that brings people in. Given the flavor profile of Basil Hayden, the bourbon is a sessionable drink – perfect for shared sipping moments.
The First Sip
Basil Hayden is the gateway to the higher-proof Small Batch collection, an approachable bourbon that welcomes people in.
Basil Hayden is meant to be enjoyed together in a shared moment. The welcoming, refined nature of this bourbon makes it perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks. Basil Hayden's light, well rounded taste profile also lends well to cocktails and mixed drinks.
A LIGHTER, MORE APPROACHABLE LIQUID
BASIL HAYDEN
A Welcoming Bourbon
A Brand Education Video
Personality
Personality & Behavior
REFINED
Basil Hayden stays true to the original spirit of high rye whiskey, whilst delivering an experience that is light and refined - the natural first sip in the Small Batch Collection.
WELL-ROUNDED
Basil Hayden combines a lighter-bodied 80 proof spirit with the spiciness of extra rye, balancing out the sweetness of the corn and toning down the strength to achieve a distinctive and well-rounded whiskey.
INVITING
The vision for Basil Hayden was to create a uniquely approachable profile - a lighter and more inviting bourbon for all.
