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Basil Hayden’s vs Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Comparing Basil Hayden’s and Michter's US*1 Small Batch reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a sourced, even-keeled blend.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Basil Hayden’s | Michter's US*1 Small Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley | Not disclosed |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 91.4 proof (45.7% ABV) +11 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$38 – $45 ~$9 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Basil Hayden’s and Michter's US*1 Small Batch do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Basil Hayden’s
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Michter's US*1 Small Batch
No notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Basil Hayden’s Michter's US*1 Small Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
sweetness 5/7 sweetness: Basil Hayden’s 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 7 out of 10
spice 6/4 spice: Basil Hayden’s 6 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
oak 3/5 oak: Basil Hayden’s 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Basil Hayden’s 2 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 3 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Basil Hayden’s 3 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 4 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Basil Hayden’s 5 out of 10, Michter's US*1 Small Batch 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The clearest split is how sweet each one drinks.
- Basil Hayden’s: Built on the high-rye Old Grand-Dad mash but bottled at just 80 proof, which makes it the lightest thing in the Beam range by a distance. Peppery and herbal, but very thin — the price reflects the packaging more than the liquid.
- Michter's US*1 Small Batch: Polished and easy-drinking, with butterscotch and stone fruit and very little rough edge. What you pay for is refinement and mouthfeel rather than age or proof.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Basil Hayden’s if you want an unusually light, peppery, low-proof pour and you do not want any weight in the glass at a slightly lower price point.
- Go with Michter's US*1 Small Batch if you want a smooth, polished pour with a premium feel and no rough edges with more proof behind it and with the texture that comes from skipping chill filtration.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, highball (Basil Hayden’s); neat, rocks (Michter's US*1 Small Batch).