Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 1.75L. Jim Beam Distillery / Beam Suntory, Clermont, Kentucky the handle-format bottle of Booker Noe’s 1992 Small Batch Collection flagship, delivering the same high-rye mash bill, twice-the-standard-rye character, and approachable 80-proof profile as the 750ml the practical choice for regular Basil Hayden drinkers, home bars, and Manhattan or Old Fashioned rotation where the bottle goes quickly.

The story of Basil Hayden begins with two men: Meredith Basil Hayden Sr., a Maryland rye farmer who moved to Kentucky in 1796 and began distilling with a higher-than-typical rye content, and Booker Noe, Jim Beam’s master distiller who in 1992 honored that legacy by creating the Small Batch Bourbon Collection four expressions each representing a different philosophy of premium bourbon craft. Basil Hayden’s was Booker Noe’s invitation to accessibility: the high-rye expression at 80 proof, lighter and more delicate than its three Small Batch siblings, a bourbon that welcomes new drinkers without condescending to experienced ones.

The 1.75L contains the same bourbon as the 750ml same mash bill, same Clermont distillation, same 80 proof. The higher-rye content that defines the brand produces the signature peppermint, pepper, and honey-toned lightness that distinguishes Basil Hayden from heavier corn-dominant bourbons. At 1.75L, the lower per-ounce cost and reduced restocking frequency make it the straightforward choice for those who have already decided Basil Hayden is their regular bourbon.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Charred oak and sweet vanilla with caramel and hints of dried fruit. The high-rye mash bill creates the lighter, more delicate aromatic profile that defines the brand.
• Palate: Charred oak complemented by brown sugar, a touch of black pepper from the rye, and dried fruit. Spicy yet smooth, rich and sweet at 80 proof.
• Finish: A pleasant, lingering charred oak finish with a touch of dried fruit. Clean and refined.

Specs

• Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery, Clermont, Kentucky (Beam Suntory)
• Collection: Small Batch Bourbon Collection (est. 1992 by Booker Noe)
• Mash Bill: High-rye (twice the standard rye content)
• Named For: Meredith Basil Hayden Sr. (1796 Kentucky distiller)
• ABV: 40% (80 Proof)
• Size: 1.75L

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the 1.75L the same bourbon as the 750ml? Yes same mash bill, same distillery, same 80 proof. The 1.75L is the larger format at a lower per-ounce cost, ideal for regular drinkers and cocktail rotation.
• Who was Meredith Basil Hayden Sr.? A Maryland rye farmer who moved to Kentucky in 1796 and began distilling bourbon with a higher-than-typical rye percentage. His philosophy of using more rye to create a lighter, spicier character became the foundation Booker Noe honored when naming the brand in 1992.
• What cocktails work best with Basil Hayden? Manhattan (the high-rye spice integrates beautifully with sweet vermouth), Old Fashioned, Whiskey Sour, or neat. The lighter body and 80 proof also make it excellent as an introductory bourbon for those new to the category.

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