From Sparrow’s bourbon list, Basil Hayden is one of the most easygoing pours we keep, a gentle, high-rye Kentucky bourbon that suits both newcomers and longtime sippers ($15 by the pour, or $22.50 for a larger pour).
About Basil Hayden
Basil Hayden is part of the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection, introduced in 1992 and produced by Beam at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. The brand is named for Meredith Basil Hayden Sr., an 18th-century distiller who favored a higher proportion of rye in his recipe. That heritage carries through today: Basil Hayden is a high-rye bourbon, which gives it a lighter, more delicate profile than many of the bigger, sweeter Kentucky bourbons. It is aged in charred new American oak, the standard for straight bourbon, and built to be approachable rather than heavy.
Tasting Notes
This is a soft, well-mannered bourbon. The high-rye recipe brings a touch of peppery spice and a dry, clean finish, while the corn keeps things gently sweet underneath. Expect light caramel, a little vanilla, and a hint of dried fruit and tea-like spice, all in an easy, approachable body that never feels hot. It is a fine introduction to bourbon and an equally good everyday pour.
What to Pair It With
Basil Hayden is an easy sipper, lovely neat or over a single large cube, and it makes a clean, balanced Old Fashioned. From the Sparrow dinner menu, it pairs nicely with the American Wagyu steaks, the Sparrow-Smoked Rack, or the Truffle Deviled Eggs. Enjoy it after dinner in our 21+ lounge at the quartzite bar, or catch our daily happy hour from 3 to 5 PM with $3 off well drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of whiskey is Basil Hayden?
Basil Hayden is a high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon from the Jim Beam Small Batch Collection, known for its lighter, gently spiced, approachable style.
How much is a pour of Basil Hayden at Sparrow?
At Sparrow in Kirkland, Basil Hayden is $15 by the pour, or $22.50 for a larger pour.
Find it on the Sparrow beverages menu alongside siblings like the Basil Hayden Dark Rye and Blade and Bow Bourbon. We are in Kirkland’s Juanita neighborhood on the Eastside, so reserve a table and come sip it.