Introducing the Basil Hayden Malted Rye: A New Addition to the Beam Suntory Portfolio

Tomorrow, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. will be making a significant announcement. They will introduce a new permanent addition to their portfolio, the Basil Hayden Malted Rye. Crafted by the esteemed eighth generation Master Distiller Freddie Noe, who is responsible for other beloved brands like Booker’s and Little Book, this release is expected to make waves in the whiskey community.

Basil Hayden has always been known for its delicate and refined spirits, and the Basil Hayden Malted Rye is no exception. It was a conscious decision by Noe and his team to create a rye whiskey that explores the more sophisticated side of the category. While many rye whiskey brands focus on the spiciness of the spirit, Basil Hayden wanted to offer something different for those who are just beginning their journey into the category.

To achieve this unique flavor profile, Noe and his team decided to work with a 100% malted rye mash bill. This approach softens the whiskey’s spice notes, a defining characteristic of rye, and adds a touch of sweetness and floral lift. Noe believes that this expression will introduce consumers to a flavor unlike anything they have tried before.

I had the opportunity to taste the Basil Hayden Malted Rye in an exclusive pre-announcement tasting, and it is truly an elegant whiskey. The aromas of honey-drizzled graham crackers, shortbread biscuits, and warm butter immediately caught my attention. The palate was surprisingly delicate, with flavors of lemon, devil’s food cake, honeysuckle, and subtle sweet spice of vanilla and cinnamon. It is a unique and successful expression of rye that not only appeals to fans of rye and Basil Hayden but also serves as an excellent entry point for whiskey lovers looking to explore the world of rye.

The timing for the release of this new whiskey is perfect. Rye whiskey has been on the rise in recent years, with consumer familiarity and demand growing. According to statistics from the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), case volumes for rye have grown by 1,275% since 2009. Mixologists and bartenders have been using rye whiskey in classic cocktails like the Manhattan and Sazerac, which has further popularized the category.

With the Basil Hayden Malted Rye, consumers not only have an exciting new rye whiskey from an iconic brand, but also a beautifully elegant expression of the category as a whole. It is also worth noting that this release is the first 100% American rye whiskey from the larger Beam Suntory, Inc. portfolio.

Look out for the standard 750ml bottles of Basil Hayden Malted Rye, coming to shelves at 80 proof with a suggested retail price of $59.99. This whiskey offers a delightful twist on traditional rye and is sure to impress whiskey enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on this new addition to the world of rye whiskey.

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