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Redemption Bourbon vs Basil Hayden’s
On paper Redemption Bourbon and Basil Hayden’s are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so price (~$25 – $32 vs. ~$38 – $45) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Redemption Bourbon | Basil Hayden’s |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 21% rye, 4% malted barley | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 84 proof (42% ABV) +4 proof | 80 proof (40% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$25 – $32 ~$13 less | ~$38 – $45 |
- 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
Redemption Bourbon
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Basil Hayden’s
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Redemption Bourbon Basil Hayden’s
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 7/6 spice: Redemption Bourbon 7 out of 10, Basil Hayden’s 6 out of 10
oak 4/3 oak: Redemption Bourbon 4 out of 10, Basil Hayden’s 3 out of 10
heat 3/2 heat: Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10, Basil Hayden’s 2 out of 10
sweetness 5/5 sweetness: Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10, Basil Hayden’s 5 out of 10
fruit 5/5 fruit: Redemption Bourbon 5 out of 10, Basil Hayden’s 5 out of 10
nuttiness 3/3 nuttiness: Redemption Bourbon 3 out of 10, Basil Hayden’s 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Redemption Bourbon if you want an inexpensive, unambiguous example of the MGP high-rye style for mixing at a lower price point.
- 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.
Best enjoyed old-fashioned, cocktails, highball (Redemption Bourbon); neat, rocks, highball (Basil Hayden’s).