Basil Hayden Toast Bourbon Whiskey
Basil Hayden Toast Bourbon Whiskey is an 80-proof (40% ABV) Kentucky straight bourbon from the James B. Beam Distilling Co. in Clermont — the brand's fourth permanent expression, launched in 2021, built on a brown-rice mash bill (63% corn, 27% brown rice, 10% malted barley) and finished in toasted, then flash-charred oak barrels. Sweet vanilla and rich roasted notes in a 750mL bottle. Order bourbon online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Mash bill: 63% corn / 27% brown rice / 10% malted barley
- Finish: Secondary finish in toasted then flash-charred oak barrels
- Distillery: James B. Beam, Clermont, Kentucky — no age statement
Toasted, Not Charred — Then Kissed with Char
Most bourbon gets its color and much of its flavor from heavily charred new oak. Basil Hayden's Toast takes a different road: after the standard new-charred-oak aging, a portion of the whiskey gets a secondary finish in barrels that were toasted gently (heat, not flame) and then flash-charred — coaxing out softer, sweeter wood character. Combined with the brown-rice mash bill (the brand's usual 27% rye swapped for 27% brown rice), the result is Basil Hayden's at its most approachable: sweet vanilla complemented by rich roasted notes, toasted oak, caramel, and dried fruit, with the brand's signature smooth, creamy texture. Explore more Basil Hayden's bourbons, browse the bourbon whiskey collection, or compare with the high-rye George Remus for a spicier contrast.
Tasting Notes
Sweet vanilla up front with rich roasted notes underneath. The palate layers toasted oak, caramel, vanilla, and dried fruit over a smooth, creamy body — gentle, warm, and easy-drinking.
How to Enjoy
Neat or on a single cube — this is a contemplative sipper. Its softness also makes it an excellent gateway bourbon for Scotch or Irish whiskey drinkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes "Toast" different from regular Basil Hayden's?
Two things: a brown-rice mash bill (27% brown rice instead of 27% rye) and a secondary finish in toasted, then flash-charred oak barrels.
Is Basil Hayden Toast an allocated or limited bottle?
No — launched in 2021 as the brand's fourth permanent, year-round expression.
What does "flash-charred" mean?
The finishing barrels are first toasted gently with heat, then given a brief surface char — a lighter touch than standard barrel charring.
A softer shade of bourbon — buy Basil Hayden Toast online from Del Mesa Liquor and have it ready for pickup or delivery in San Diego, CA.
