‘Back By Popular Demand’: Basil Hayden’s Subtle Smoke Bourbon Returns

Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke has returned. (Photo: Basil Hayden)

On Monday, Kentucky whiskey distillery Basil Hayden announced the return of a whiskey that hasn’t been seen since 2022: Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke.

Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is distilled from Basil Hayden’s usual high-rye mashbill but differs from standard Basil Hayden thanks to the barreling process. The limited-edition bourbon undergoes a six-week finishing period in toasted and lightly charred barrels, which the brand claims were “pumped with a special smoke that was made from the delicate ignition of hickory smoked chips.”

Bottled at 80 proof, Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is available for a limited time throughout the U.S. at a suggested retail price of $49.99 per 750-milliliter bottle.

Basil Hayden claims that the spirit “challenged the notion that smoky spirits are harsh” when it debuted in 2022.

According to Basil Hayden, Subtle Smoke was planned to be a one-off, but the brand reconsidered after it earned $1.9 million in Nielsen Sales in its first six months on shelves. Now, the brand says, Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke is “back by popular demand.”

Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke was crafted by eighth-generation Beam distiller Freddie Noe at the James B. Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky.

Basil Hayden Subtle Smoke Tasting Notes, Via the Brand

Nose: Mellow smoke character with a hint of vanilla

Taste: Soft char with light sweetness reminiscent of caramel and apple

Finish: Crisp yet delicate smokiness with light toasted hickory wood

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