Basil Hayden vs Woodford Reserve: What’s the Difference?

Updated March 2026.

These are two Kentucky straight bourbons from different companies. Basil Hayden’s Beam Distilling page prints 80 proof (40% ABV). Woodford Reserve’s bourbon page prints 90.4 proof (45.2%). A 1.5-ounce pour is one NIAAA drink at 40% and 1.13 at 45.2%. Mash percentages are unpublished on those pages.

Knob Creek 9-year 100 proof is a different Beam SKU. Woodford Batch Proof is annual. Related: Basil Hayden vs Knob Creek, Woodford Reserve, Elijah Craig vs Woodford.

Proof and house

Bottle Company US proof 1.5 oz drinks
Basil Hayden Beam Distilling 80 / 40% 1.00
Woodford Reserve bourbon Brown-Forman 90.4 / 45.2% 1.13
Woodford Double Oaked Same house Often 90.4 — confirm 1.13
Mash-bill % Not on these pages

A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks; 45.2% is about 19. Four Basil Hayden pours are four drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.

Sources

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