Angel’s Envy vs Basil Hayden: What’s the Difference?

Updated May 2026.

Two Kentucky straight bourbons, two proofs, two companies. Basil Hayden is 80 proof / 40% ABV on the Beam Distilling page. Angel’s Envy’s port-finished flagship is typically 86.6 proof / 43.3% ABV (Bacardi / Louisville). A 1.5-ounce Basil pour is one NIAAA drink; an Envy pour is about 1.08. We will not pick a winner or invent a 2026 MSRP.

A port finish is extra wood, not extra ethanol. Related: Angel’s Envy, Basil Hayden vs Buffalo Trace, Envy vs Trace.

Proof and finish

Check Basil Hayden Angel’s Envy flagship
US proof 80 / 40% (brand) 86.6 / 43.3 homepage
1.5 oz drinks 1.00 ~1.08
Wood New charred oak Then port casks
Owner Beam / Suntory Bacardi / Louisville

A 750 mL at 40% is about 17 drinks; at 43.3% about 18.4. Four Basil pours are four drinks. NIAAA binge pattern is a health line, not a target. Pour math: whiskey drinks.

Sources

  • Basil Hayden 80 — Beam page (prior). Angel’s Envy 43.3% — Bacardi 2021 PR; homepage omitted ABV.
  • TTB 27 CFR 5.143. NIAAA (December 2025). No 2026 MSRP.

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