Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Merlot maize is a sun-loving crop

maize is a sun-loving crop

blossoming for a few fleeting weeks each Spring

with hints of roasted nuts and corn

and vanilla bean

Basil Hayden Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Merlot maize is a sun-loving cropIn 1796, Master Distiller Basil Hayden Sr. broke 'the rules' by mixing small grains into the mash of a traditional corn base. A Maryland transplant unafraid to stand out amidst the residing establishment, Basil conjectured that the spicy flavor of rye would be a striking complement to the sweet smoothness of corn in his distillery's standard bourbon. And much to the chagrin of the traditionalist set, Basil was right. His recipe was a masterpiece,