Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke Bourbon Whiskey

Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is a light, easy-drinking bourbon with a gentle layer of smoke woven into the brand’s signature high-rye profile. Smooth, approachable, and softly aromatic, it offers a delicate twist on classic bourbon sweetness — ideal for those who enjoy subtle smoke rather than bold, heavy char. Origins & Craftsmanship This expression begins with Basil Hayden’s hallmark high-rye bourbon recipe, known for its bright spice and refined sweetness. After its initial maturation in new charred American-oak barrels, the bourbon undergoes a secondary finishing process that defines the release: finishing barrels are toasted and then infused with hickory smoke before the whiskey rests in them. This finishing approach imparts a restrained smokiness — not overpowering, but present as a gentle aromatic nuance. At 80 proof (40% ABV), the whiskey remains soft, mild, and intentionally accessible. The goal is not intensity, but subtlety: a light, smoky bourbon crafted for smooth sippin