Basil Hayden Sr. - known as Old Grand-Dad to the generations that followed - made bourbon the way he wanted. He went against the traditional “grain” of the time and chose to distill his bourbon with a higher percentage of rye. This way of crafting bourbon was likely something he handed down to his son. And in turn, his grandson. That was Colonel R.B. Hayden who would justly name his bourbon after his Old Grand-Dad. The recipe today remains inspired by Basil’s original with complex flavors and an unmistakable spiciness. First bottled in 1882, very little has changed about it. And that’s the only way we’d have it.

Tasting notes
Proof: 80
Color: Golden honey brown
Aroma: A spicy nose with hints of dried fruits
Taste: Medium-bodied – shows some sweet vanilla, but more evident is the peppery spiciness displayed by notes of cloves and cinnamon
Finish: Long and very spicy
How to serve
Best served in any number of Classic Cocktails calling for a full and layered bourbon