Are you a fan of Basil Hayden but want to try something a little more unique this time? You’re at the right place.
There are quality and excellent bourbons similar to Basil Hayden that you shouldn’t miss out on.
We have gathered our most recommended spirits that you can try for a change. Let’s start.
Top 12 Bourbons Similar To Basil Hayden Bourbon
12. Woodford Reserve Double Oak
Average Price: around $50 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: The smooth and creamy body of the Woodford Reserve Double Oak is ideal for drinking.
It does not have any off-putting or unsettling notes, making it a good alternative for Basil Hayden.
The nose is very subtle and pleasant, with hints of wood, mint, and vanilla. The palate is also very smooth, with a sweet and spicy finish.
Some oak is used up front, but in moderation, along with cinnamon, mint, and a couple of fruity notes.
Read: Woodford Reserve Bourbon vs Basil Hayden
11. Brother’s Bond
Average Price: around $35 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Why We Like It: This is a sweet and aromatic bourbon with notes of honey, rye, orange zest, and walnut-banana bread.
On the palate, it has sweet and savory notes of apricot, black tea tannin, and granola. It finishes with a long and warm finish.
The smooth and creamy spirit from Brother’s Bond is an easy drinker. It starts with a nice blend of spices and flavors, such as smoke, caramel, and marzipan.
10. Russel’s Reserve 10 Year
Average Price: around $38 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Although Russell’s Reserve 10 Year isn’t as widely talked about as other whiskeys, it’s still a great value for those looking for a higher-proof bourbon.
The nose is filled with notes of vanilla and caramel, followed by hints of aged oak and leather.
The flavors continue to take the lead on the palate, with hints of vanilla and caramel resting against the seasoned oak and tobacco.
Then it has a strong finish of rye spice bringing out the flavors, such as tobacco, leather, and roasted marshmallows.
9. Legent Bourbon
Average Price: around $40 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: Legent bourbon is a bright and spicy bourbon with hints of fruit from the finish. It’s a collaboration between East and West that’s not for the faint of heart.
This is a medium-to-long spicy drink that has a strong emphasis on wood and bright notes. It’s ideal for those looking for a good spicy finish.
It is a simple and higher-proof bourbon ideal for drinking at night. It’s among the many 80-proof options that are available.
8. 1792 Small Batch
Average Price: around $32.99 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 47% ABV
Why We Like It: The nose is filled with burnt oak and banana, with hints of green apple and rye spice. It then comes together to create a creamy and earthy feeling.
On the mouth, it’s smooth with hints of cinnamon and coffee, then gradually intensifies and is joined by bitter dry oak notes.
The finish of 1792 bourbon is medium-length with a touch of cinnamon and dry oak. It’s not too off-putting but still has a bit of spice.
7. Wild Turkey Longbranch
Average Price: around $39.99 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: This spirit is a good addition to Wild Turkey’s whiskeys. The Longbranch adds a bit of character and smoke to the drink.
Wild Turkey Longbranch bourbon is not as strong as cask-strength spirits, but it’s still a neat spirit that everyone can enjoy.
It has a medium-length finish that has hints of smoke. The charcoal filtering adds a bit of spice to the finish to round off the flavor.
6. Old Forester 86
Average Price: around $24.99 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 43% ABV
Why We Like It: The Old Forester is a rye-based spirit with a good spicy punch, similar to Basil Hayden.
It’s an easy drink with no notable or off-putting characteristics and is great value for the money.
This sweet and slightly bitter blend starts with a sharp hit of ethanol before transitioning into a sweet and slightly bitter finish.
This is a good option for an inexpensive cocktail and has a little higher proof than average.
5. George T. Stagg
Average Price: around $99 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 58.45% ABV
Why We Like It: This blend features dark chocolate and layered toffee sweetness with hints of molasses, nougat, and vanilla.
It also has notes of tobacco, dates, and spearmint.
This is a robust whiskey that has been aged for over ten years. It’s made with only the finest ingredients and features a bold character. However, it’s a bit pricey.
4. Four Roses Small Batch
Average Price: around $39.99 /750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: This blend has a spicy character similar to Bulleit Bourbon and Basil Hayden. The nose is sweet with hints of cherry, vanilla, and oak.
Four Roses has a creamy body and is filled with hints of vanilla and rye spice. Its finish is long and has a nice burnt caramel note.
This is a more flavorful and satisfying drink giving excellent value for money. It also provides a satisfying and enjoyable daily drink.
3. Old Grand Dad Bonded
Average Price: around $23.95 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 50% ABV
Why We Like It: The Old Grand Dad Bonded is a slightly aged version of Basil Hayden. It’s bottled at around 100 proof, providing the body that Basil Hayden lacks.
This is a nice drink that has a nice balance of sweet and savory notes. However, a drop or two of water can add some sweetness to the drink.
On the palate, it features a strong rye, cinnamon, and oak flavor, which then mellows into a combination of sweet and savory notes.
2. Bulleit Bourbon
Average Price: around $32.99 /750ml (Drizly)
Alcohol Content: 45% ABV
Why We Like It: Compared to the average bourbon [1], the Bulleit Bourbon is a bit spicier due to the presence of rye.
This is a pleasant, rich, and flavorful bourbon with some sweet notes coming later in the finish.
It’s also a bit spicy on the palate due to a large amount of rye used in the mash bill. And the nose gives off a blast of rye spice, followed by hints of cinnamon and clove.
1. Old Grand-Dad 114
Average Price: around $6.15 /750ml (MSRP)
Alcohol Content: 57% ABV
Why We Like It: Old Grand-Dad is our best bet when it comes to looking for spirits similar to Basil Hayden.
This high-rye mashbill makes for an interesting addition to any bourbon drink.
As more bourbon whiskey blends become popular, this becomes a more serious entry. It’s a stiff drink that any drinker will enjoy.
Its full flavor and high proof are its edge over Basil’s and other spirits under $25.
FAQs
Is Basil Hayden’s Kentucky straight bourbon sweet?
Yes. Basil Hayden has enough sweetness with hints of orange zest, white pepper, corn, cinnamon, rye spice, and sweet caramel.
Is Basil Hayden’s Kentucky straight bourbon high-rye?
Basil Hayden’s Kentucky straight bourbon is high rye but low-proof premium whiskey. It is aged longer in barrels, which creates a layer of deep and complex flavor.
What bourbons are similar to Basil Hayden?
Bourbons similar to Basil Hayden include Knob Creek, Booker’s, Four Roses Small Batch, Woodford Reserve, and Elijah Craig Small Batch.
What makes these bourbons comparable to Basil Hayden?
These bourbons share similarities in their flavor profiles, aging processes, and production methods, resulting in a comparable drinking experience.
Can I expect similar flavor notes in bourbons like Basil Hayden?
Yes, bourbons like Basil Hayden often feature notes of spice, caramel, vanilla, and oak, providing a smooth and enjoyable drinking experience.
Are there any specific characteristics I should look for when choosing a bourbon similar to Basil Hayden?
Look for bourbons with similar mash bills, aging statements, and production methods to ensure a comparable flavor profile and drinking experience.
Final Verdict
That’s it – our top bourbons close to Basil Hayden.
From the Woodford Reserve Double Oak to the Old Grand-Dad 114, you can try any of the spirits on our list and fill up your shelf.
But our top favorite is the Old Grand-Dad 114. Its high rye mash bill [2] is comparable to Basil Hayden.
References:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/bourbon-whiskey
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/mash
