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Basil Hayden’s vs Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky
On paper Basil Hayden’s and Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (80 vs. 93) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Basil Hayden’s | Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 93 proof (46.5% ABV) +13 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$38 – $45 ~$16 less | ~$55 – $60 |
- Basil Hayden’s does 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.
Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Basil Hayden’s Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
oak 3/8 oak: Basil Hayden’s 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 8 out of 10
sweetness 5/8 sweetness: Basil Hayden’s 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 8 out of 10
heat 2/4 heat: Basil Hayden’s 2 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 4 out of 10
spice 6/5 spice: Basil Hayden’s 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 5 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Basil Hayden’s 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Basil Hayden’s 3 out of 10, Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Oak is doing most of the differentiating here.
- 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.
- Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky: Old Forester given a second barrel, which loads it with dessert notes: toffee, buttercream and milk chocolate over heavy char. Sweet and rich for 93 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 lower price point.
- Go with Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky if you want a double-barreled, dessert-sweet bourbon with heavy char at a modest proof.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, highball (Basil Hayden’s); neat, old-fashioned (Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky).