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Basil Hayden’s vs Redemption Bourbon
On paper Basil Hayden’s and Redemption Bourbon are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$38 – $45 vs. ~$25 – $32) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Basil Hayden’s | Redemption Bourbon |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) | 84 proof (42% ABV) +4 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$38 – $45 | ~$25 – $32 ~$13 less |
- 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.
Redemption Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Basil Hayden’s Redemption Bourbon
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 6/7 spice: Basil Hayden’s 6 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 7 out of 10
oak 3/4 oak: Basil Hayden’s 3 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 4 out of 10
heat 2/3 heat: Basil Hayden’s 2 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10
sweetness 5/5 sweetness: Basil Hayden’s 5 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Basil Hayden’s 5 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Basil Hayden’s 3 out of 10, Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land close together on every flavor axis — the differences are in texture and proof more than character.
- 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.
- Redemption Bourbon: Straightforward sourced MGP at a modest proof, and about as clear a reference sample of the high-rye MGP profile as you can buy. Thin neat, but a reliable and inexpensive cocktail base.
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.
- Go with Redemption Bourbon if you want an inexpensive, unambiguous example of the MGP high-rye style for mixing at a lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, highball (Basil Hayden’s); old-fashioned, cocktails, highball (Redemption Bourbon).