Indulge in the ultimate Kentucky straight bourbon experience with the Basil Hayden Toast & Subtle Smoke Bundle, a pairing that perfectly balances sweetness, spice, and nuanced smokiness. The Toast Bourbon, with its innovative brown rice mash bill and toasted barrel finishing, presents a velvety profile of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak, offering a warm yet delicate sip. Complementing this, the Subtle Smoke Bourbon elevates the experience with its high-rye mash bill, secondary aging in hickory-smoked barrels, and subtle layers of soft char, light butterscotch, and a whisper of smoke. Both bourbons are bottled at an approachable 80 proof, making this bundle ideal for both novice bourbon enthusiasts and seasoned connoisseurs who appreciate smooth elegance with intriguing complexity. Savor them neat, on the rocks, or in refined cocktails for a versatile sipping adventure.
Process & Profile
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Basil Hayden Toast: Crafted with toasted oak barrels, this bourbon replaces traditional rye with brown rice in its mash bill, resulting in a soft, smooth flavor with lightly sweet and nutty undertones.
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Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke: This limited release undergoes a six-month secondary aging process in hickory-smoke-infused barrels. By toasting and lightly charring the secondary barrel, a delicate smokiness complements its high-rye mash bill.
Both bourbons are bottled at 80 proof, making them light yet intricate enough to showcase their nuanced profiles. These expressions reflect Basil Hayden's commitment to pushing bourbon boundaries while maintaining an approachable style.
Tasting Notes
#### Basil Hayden Toast:
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Nose: Warm vanilla and toasty oak with hints of caramelized sugar.
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Palate: Creamy and rich with notes of sweet brown sugar, toasted almonds, and a hint of spice.
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Finish: Medium-length with lingering warmth and subtle sweetness.
#### Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke:
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Nose: Mellow smoke, soft vanilla, and a faint touch of charred oak.
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Palate: Balanced flavors of butterscotch, light char, and maple sweetness with a touch of spice.
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Finish: Crisp and smooth with lingering hickory smoke and a touch of warmth.
These complementary profiles make the bundle a masterful pairing of sweet and smoky perfection.
What Makes It Special
- The Toast's unique mash bill (featuring brown rice) crafts smoother, nuttier flavors.
- Subtle Smoke's hickory-smoking process offers a refined take on smoky bourbon, perfect for new and seasoned bourbon lovers alike.
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Premium Craftsmanship: Produced by the James B. Beam Distilling Co., these expressions honor the heritage of Kentucky bourbon while innovating with distinctive aging techniques.
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Approachability: At 80 proof, both bourbons are invitingly easy to sip, ideal for beginners yet sophisticated enough for connoisseurs.
How to Enjoy
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Neat: Appreciate the complexity of each bourbon by sipping it unaltered.
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On the Rocks: A few ice cubes open up the intricate layers of flavor, particularly the subtle smoke in Subtle Smoke.
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For Toast: Try a Bourbon Sour to highlight its nutty sweetness.
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For Subtle Smoke: A Smoked Old Fashioned enhances its smoky notes without overpowering its delicate profile.
This bundle is also an excellent gift option for whiskey aficionados or anyone looking to explore the wide range of bourbon possibilities.
Elevate your bourbon experience with the
Basil Hayden Toast & Subtle Smoke Kentucky Straight Bourbon Bundle—a celebration of craftsmanship, innovation, and flavor now waiting to be savored.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the Basil Hayden Toast & Subtle Smoke Bundle?
The bundle features two distinct bourbons: Basil Hayden Toast and Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke. Both are Kentucky Straight Bourbons offering unique flavor profiles, with Toast focusing on sweetness and subtle spice, and Subtle Smoke introducing a refined hint of smokiness.
What makes Basil Hayden Toast unique?
Basil Hayden Toast replaces the traditional rye in the mash with brown rice, creating a softer, less spicy bourbon. It is finished in toasted barrels, which emphasize sweet notes like caramel, vanilla, and light oak. Its approachable flavor makes it ideal for both novices and seasoned bourbon enthusiasts.
What is the flavor profile of Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke?
The Subtle Smoke offers a delicate balance of mellow smokiness, soft char, and light sweetness reminiscent of butterscotch and maple. The hickory-smoked barrel aging process imparts a crisp yet gentle smokiness that complements the high-rye mash bill without being overpowering.
How is the smokiness added to Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke?
The bourbon undergoes a secondary aging process in toasted and lightly charred barrels. Hickory-smoked chips are ignited and the smoke is pumped into these barrels, infusing the bourbon with layered smokiness.
What is the proof of these bourbons?
Both Basil Hayden Toast and Subtle Smoke are bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV), making them lighter and more accessible compared to higher-proof bourbons.
How should Basil Hayden Toast and Subtle Smoke be served?
Both bourbons can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails. Subtle Smoke's gentle smokiness pairs well with lighter cocktails, while Toast's sweet and warm profile is versatile for both sipping and mixing.
Are these bourbons suitable for beginners?
Yes, both offerings are designed to be smooth and approachable. Basil Hayden Toast introduces a sweet and milder flavor, while Subtle Smoke provides a delicate introduction to smoky spirits, making this bundle an excellent choice for those new to bourbon.
Are these limited-edition releases?
Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is a limited release, while Toast has become a more permanent addition to the Basil Hayden lineup. Availability may vary by location and stock levels.
What are the primary flavor notes in these bourbons?
- *Basil Hayden Toast*: Vanilla, caramelized sugar, light citrus, and toasted oak.
- *Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke*: Vanilla, light char, butterscotch, maple, and mellow smoke.
Who is this bundle ideal for?
This bundle appeals to a wide audience, from bourbon enthusiasts seeking unique finishes to newcomers exploring approachable, well-crafted whiskeys. Toast's sweetness and Subtle Smoke's refined smokiness offer something for everyone.