Basil Hayden has announced the launch of Basil Hayden Toast, a new Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Consisting of an entirely new mash bill, the whiskey “breaks away from preconceived notions of American whiskey to deliver an inviting spirit for both familiar and new bourbon drinkers,” says the brand.
Crafted by eighth generation Beam family distiller Freddie Noe, Basil Hayden Toast reimagines the brand’s iconic bourbon with the use of a toasted barrel. In lieu of traditional rye grain, the whiskey is made using US-grown brown rice, which imparts a hint of sweetness and a touch less spice, while a secondary toasted barrel finish draws out notes of caramelized sugar and toasted wood. After aging, the toasted brown rice bourbon is blended back with more brown rice bourbon, which has been rested in level four char barrels, to achieve a final product with flavors grounded in sweet vanilla and rich roasted notes.
“Basil Hayden Toast is truly a whiskey for fans of all taste and experience levels to share. When my grandfather Booker Noe first made Basil Hayden, his intention was always to create bourbon that opened people’s minds to what bourbon can be. Inspired by his mission, I’ve spent many years working to produce a new bourbon that speaks to this sense of discovery,” said Freddie Noe. “The unexpected addition of brown rice, as well as the toasted barrel finish of Basil Hayden Toast does just that. It delivers an intriguing avenue into the warm and memorable bourbon sipping occasion. I encourage you to raise a toast with friends to this exciting addition to the Basil Hayden family!”
In addition to being the newest permanent expression to join the brand’s portfolio, Basil Hayden Toast marks the debut of a design-forward packaging update that elevates its most distinctive brand asset – the monogrammed belt. A nod to the metal hoops that encircle bourbon barrels, the belt “holds both the physical bottle and liquid stories of Basil Hayden together,” says a press release. This new packaging will be featured across the portfolio, while leaving the liquid inside untouched.
“As one of the fastest growing super-premium bourbons on the market, Basil Hayden has been quick to respond to the increasing demand for elevated offerings in the bourbon category,” said Jonathan Marks, Senior Brand Director for Global Small Batch Bourbon at Beam Suntory. “The launch of Basil Hayden Toast is a testament to our expanding fan base and an exciting moment in our continued journey to redefine what it means to be a whiskey.”
To celebrate the launch of the new whiskey, Basil Hayden is partnering with contemporary design studio and manufacturer, Fort Standard to help one lucky winner level up their entertaining space with a custom-made oak home bar crafted to show off the new toasted oak bourbon. For more information on how to enter for a chance to win, check out Basil Hayden’s Instagram.
Bottle at 40% ABV, the Basil Hayden Toast is recommended to be enjoyed in aperitif cocktails, neat, or on the rocks.
It is now available in the United States for the price of $49.99 per 750ml bottle.
For more information, head over to Basil Hayden’s official website.