Basil Hayden Toast is a Kentucky straight bourbon made from a brown-rice mash bill and finished in toasted, then flash-charred oak barrels, bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV).
Toast uses an entirely new mash bill that replaces the traditional rye grain with brown rice, adding a hint of sweetness, a touch less spice and increased depth of flavor. That depth comes from secondary aging in a barrel that is toasted, then flash charred: rather than charring the barrel with open flame, the toasting process exposes it to a long and gentle heat at a level proprietary to Basil Hayden. The softer notes of the Kentucky straight bourbon take on flavor from the toasted barrels, and the whiskey is then blended back with non-toasted bourbon to add complexity. Basil Hayden is one of the original Small Batch Bourbon Collection expressions created by Booker Noe at Jim Beam in 1992.
The flavor is grounded in sweet vanilla, complemented by rich roasted notes from the toasted oak, with a soft, approachable character.
Its signature belted bottle makes it an elegant gift.
Bourbon must be made in the United States from a mash of at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak containers, and straight bourbon must be aged at least two years. Those rules give bourbon its characteristic sweetness, with caramel and vanilla drawn from the charred barrels.
Toasting barrels caramelizes wood sugars for sweeter, rounder flavors.
Serve it on a large cube for easy sipping.
Tasting Notes
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Grain: Brown rice adds sweetness, less spice.
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Palate: Sweet vanilla, rich roasted oak.
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Character: Soft and approachable.
Specifications
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Brand: Basil Hayden
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Style: Kentucky straight bourbon
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Mash Bill: Brown rice in place of rye
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Finish: Secondary aging in toasted, flash-charred oak
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Proof / ABV: 80 proof (40% ABV)
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Region: Kentucky, USA
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Size: 750ml
How to Enjoy It
Sip it neat or on the rocks, or mix a Highball or a gentle Old Fashioned. It pairs with grilled salmon, toasted nuts or crème brûlée.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Toast different?
Brown rice replaces rye, and it gets secondary aging in toasted barrels.
How are the barrels toasted?
With a long, gentle heat before a flash char.
What is the proof?
80 proof (40% ABV).
Explore more in our Bourbon collection.
