There is an initial astringency that takes a second to blow off. Once it does there is a classic bourbon profile of caramel and vanilla that is paired with some honey, brown butter, and bruleed bananas. A very light fruit runs underneath the whole nose with a bit of fresh corn keeping it company. Imagine an ecosystem where the cooker is continually grinding in new grain, heating it according to recipe specs before it cools, yeast is pitched and the liquid transferred to fermenters for about five days. Then, terminal beer is alternately pumped into the beer still, then the spirit still and clear new make or white dog bourbon is collected out of the spout.

Old Grand-Dad and Basil Hayden’s are considered high-rye bourbons, where Jim Beam is often thought of as a traditional bourbon. This is in line with the historical perception of Old Grand-Dad, which was often written about as having contained a higher percentage of rye grain than whiskeys made at surrounding distilleries. The fictional character Morgan Kane, from the book series of the same name, always drank Old Grand-Dad if it was available and took a bottle or three with him most of the times he had to venture too far from a liquor store or a bar to his liking. Of all “The Olds” Old Grand-Dad is my favorite and also happens to be one of the whiskeys I believe doesn’t get the respect that it deserves. Next time you’re hosting a blind bourbon tasting add this to your line up. You’ll be surprised how many of your fellow whiskey snobs will tell you they like it but might have turned their nose up if they had known what it was. Just goes to show that you can’t judge a whiskey by it’s bright orange label.Old Grand-Dad has a mash bill of 63 percent corn, 27 percent rye and 10 percent malted barley. Old Grand-Dad shares this grain bill with stablemate Basil Hayden. Oh man this is nice. Rich and full the aroma is layered with notes of dark fruit, caramel heavy dark sweets, vanilla, bold spice, hay, oak and a syrupy sweet undertone. It needs a bit more of those rustic earthy notes to fully balance it out, but it’s nice nonetheless. The Old Grand-Dad brand was created by Raymond B. Hayden and named after his grandfather Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr. The bourbon has been in production since the 1800’s, including during Prohibition when it was produced by American Medicinal Spirits Co., a pharmaceutical company. The brand has changed ownership numerous times since it was originally created and is now owned by Beam Suntory and marketed as part of their “The Olds” Collection which also includes Old Overholt. Old Grand-Dad is currently released in three different bottling proofs: 80 (changed from 86 in 2013), 100, and 114.

According to modernthirst.com, Old Grand-Dad Bonded Bourbon uses a mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye and 10% malted barley. That mash bill is identical to Basil Hayden’s bourbon’s mash bill. 27% is a lot of rye! For a frame of reference, Jim Beam’s line of bourbons and their offspring (Knob Creek, Booker’s, Baker’s) use only 13% rye (and 75% corn, 12% malted barley, if you were wondering?). Being a bottled-in-bond bourbon, Old Grand-Dad Bonded has to be at least 4 years old, and 100 proof. Other bourbons in the Old Grand-Dad line include 80 and 114 proof versions. Tasting Notes He knows how much you care, but why not show him through a personalised gift? You can add a personalised message or his name to a gift that he’ll love and keep for years to come. Whether it’s a personalised spirit level if he likes getting hands-on or putting his name on a tumbler for drinking his favourite tipple, choose a truly unique gift for him. For more inspiration, see our full range of personalised gifts. Foodie Gifts for Grandad Today, Old Grand-Dad and the Basil Hayden’s brand with the same namesake are both produced by Beam Suntory. But as you’ll see in our subsequent sections, these two bourbons have special privileges compared to other legacy brands from the company. Mashbill The author Charles Bukowski frequently mentioned Old Grand-Dad in his stories. For example, in Post Office, the protagonist Chinaski buys Grandad for breakfast. [7]

Grandpa Hayden’s face is featured on every bottle.

If you have tried the Old Grand-Dad bourbon let me know what you think in the comments below. Old Grand-Dad 100 Review This is significant when considering these two brands are the only bourbons that diverge from the Jim Beam mash bill of 75 percent corn, 13 percent rye and 12 percent malted barley 1. Australian producers Vanda & Young recorded an album titled "Tales of Old Grand-Dad" with future AC/DC guitarists Angus and Malcolm Young under the alias "Marcus Hook Roll Band".

Old Grand-Dad 114 is great and if the nose were balanced out it would be in the 90s but, as is, it’s the one thing keeping it out right now. Regardless, it’s still a great bourbon with a hearty, sweet and rustic, character that’s easy to enjoy. It comes in at a high proof and adding a splash of water helps open it up a bit. A splash can also help tame it if it’s feeling hot for your tastes. OGD 114 is a tasty full bourbon with a lot to offer and if you get the chance, give it a try. First produced in 1882, Old Grand-Dad was founded by Raymond B. Hayden, who named the brand after his grandfather, Basil Hayden Sr. A well-known distiller in his own right. Hayden Sr.’s name now adorns the label of another famous bourbon brand, but his portrait continues to look on from the label of OGD with a friendly smile. Food critic Morgan Murphy said "The sweet corn of this whiskey is hot on the lips but has a mild finish of vanilla and baking spices." [4] References in media [ edit ] AMS was absorbed in 1929 when National Distillers Products Corporation began actively acquiring brands towards the end of Prohibition. Jim Beam acquired National Distillers brands in 1987.The nose is a bit un balanced, but the flavor and finish both have a nice symmetry to them. A full round body and a heavy warm mouthfeel compliment the rich character.