Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

"Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Brand & History

Basil Hayden is part of the Small Batch Bourbon Collection produced by the Jim Beam Distillery. Named after Meredith Basil Hayden Sr., a pioneering distiller from the late 18th century, the brand is known for its high-rye mash bill and approachable, refined bourbon style.

Product

Basil Hayden Red Wine Cask Finish is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that undergoes a secondary maturation in red wine casks after its initial aging in new charred American oak barrels. This finishing process enhances the bourbon with additional layers of fruit and complexity while maintaining the brand's signature smooth character.

Tasting Notes

The nose opens with aromas of ripe berries, vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak, accompanied by subtle baking spices. The palate is smooth and medium-bodied, revealing notes of red fruit, honey, toffee, cinnamon, and gentle oak, leading to a soft, lingering finish with hints of wine and spice.

Specifications

Region: Kentucky, United States

ABV: 40%

Trivia

Finishing bourbon in wine casks is a relatively recent innovation in American whiskey. The practice introduces subtle fruit and tannin characteristics from the previous contents of the barrel while preserving the bourbon's identity, creating a bridge between the worlds of whiskey and wine."