Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke Bourbon Relaunches After Successful Debut

Posted on by Scott Dilley

Rejoining the Basil Hayden family for a limited time, Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is available now nationwide.

Fast Facts about Subtle Smoke

  • Style: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  • Mashbill: undisclosed; high rye mashbill
  • Proof: 80 (40% abv)
  • Age: No age statement; at least 4 Years
  • Finish: the bourbon is finished for additional six weeks inside secondary toasted and lightly charred barrels that have been pumped with a special smoke of hickory smoked chips.
  • Tasting Notes (from the Brand):
    • Nose: aromas of mellow smoke character with a hint of vanilla 
    • Palate: soft char with light sweetness reminiscent of caramel and apple
    • Finish: crisp yet delicate smokiness with light toasted hickory wood 
  • Price: $49.99
  • Availability: Limited Time; Nationwide

When first released in 2022, Basil Hayden challenged the notion that smoky spirits are harsh with the limited-edition release, Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke. Crafted by eighth generation distiller, Freddie Noe, Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke redefines how smoky spirits can taste. The unique, two-phased maturation process imparts very mellow notes of smoke complimented by soft char and light butterscotch for a subtly smoky, yet approachable taste profile.

When we debuted Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke, we were proud to share a boundary-pushing liquid that shows bourbon in a new light. It was such a hit with brand fans that we’re excited to be bringing Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke back, and hope to reach even more bourbon lovers as we highlight the more refined side of smoky spirits.

Freddie Noe

After what was intended to be a one-time release, the exciting innovation, which offers a balance of soft and silky smoke notes and refined finish, racked up $1.9M in Nielsen Sales in its first six months on shelf. Given impressive sales and that loyalists have been asking for Subtle Smoke’s return, the brand was more than happy to bring it back for a limited time.

About Subtle Smoke’s Process

While the flavor of most smoky spirits can be attributed to smoking the grain pre-distillation, the smoother, more approachable flavor of Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is the result of a unique barrel-finishing process. Featuring the signature Basil Hayden high rye mashbill as its base, the bourbon is then aged for six weeks inside secondary toasted and lightly charred barrels that have been pumped with a special smoke that was made from the delicate ignition of hickory smoked chips.

Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is made on the grounds of the James B. Beam Distilling Company in Clermont, KY. Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is now available for a limited time at retailers throughout the United States with a suggested retail price of $49.99 / 750mL.

Basil Hayden recommends the whiskey be enjoyed stirred into your favorite aperitif cocktail like the Brass Rail, neat or on the rocks. Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke invites new and seasoned bourbon drinkers to redefine what bourbon can be with a complex and delicately smoky American Whiskey, without the harshness.

Brass Rail Cocktail Recipe:

  • Ingredients:
    • 2 oz Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke
    • .5 oz Bénédictine
    • 4 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters
    • Orange peel expressed over cocktail and Amerena cherry for garnish
  • Directions:
    • Combine ingredients in a mixing glass with ice
    • Stir to chill 
    • Strain into a rocks glass over fresh, large ice cube

About Basil Hayden:

To learn more about Basil Hayden, visit BasilHaydenBourbon.com or find on social media at @basilhayden.

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