Basil Hayden's Bourbon dates back to 1796 when Master Distiller Basil Hayden, Sr., created a new bourbon recipe using a traditional corn base, but adding small grains into his mash. The result revealed the spicy flavors of rye, which complemented the sweetness of corn. Today Basil Hayden's is aged for eight years at a relatively mild 80 proof, and glints like liquid gold in the glass. Its spicy-sweet perfume shows hints of peppermint and black tea and its flavors are spicy, peppery and honeyed, with a light body and a gentle bite. According to Patterson's Beverage Journal: "The group liked its clean, dry and most decidedly delicate palate. Elegant and soft." (1/2005)