Jim Beam has an acclaimed range of small batch bottlings, including Knob Creek and Booker’s Bourbon, but Basil Hayden’s is perhaps the most approachable. Presented at a lower proof, this is the perfect dram for the curious American whiskey fan, looking to try more interesting offerings. 

Interestingly, Basil Hayden’s descendents continued to be major players in the distilling business, with his grandson Raymond establishing another distillery. Here he produced Old Grand-Dad, another high rye whiskey, that featured an image of the original Basil Hayden on the label. This brand is now also owned by Jim Beam.