Tastes

I will most likely do a more extensive review later. But for now, I am blown away by how amazingly good this bourbon is! I believe it gets a bad rap due to the fact that Early Times tends to be associated with a bottom shelf product. As a result, many will simply stay away from it like the plague. I bought a bottle because I’ve always been intrigued by ANY BIB bottling. Examples would be Evan Williams, Old Granddad, or Rittenhouse Rye. But THIS really surprises! Before I even took a sip, I noticed right away the dark amber color, a characteristic that, while not always a guarantee of excellence, tends to suggest a more full bodied experience. In this particular case it WAS! Some other reviews I read seemed to gravitate toward a more generic flavor profile. But I’m getting more of a dense dried fruit and tobacco experience, similar to bourbons at least double the investment. A major bang for the buck. But even at a higher price point, this transports one to a fanfare of undiluted delights.

With Wild Turkey 101 being my benchmark by which all “100 proof” bourbons are compared to, I must say that OF 100 has always been a very enjoyable alternative to WT. With no intention of suggesting taste profiles it’s, like they say, “apples and oranges”. There couldn’t be more of a contrast between the two; with WT being far more robust and “in your face” with no apologies. That being said, OF 100 has this elegance and, dare I say, “flower power” (I’m an old freak…sorry) that makes it a lovely alternative. For now, I will skip the tasting notes, as so many others have nailed it’s profile here. I will say that when I’m seeking a less assault on my taste/olfactory buds, this is my 100 proof bourbon of choice…on a budget! But then there’s those “two glencairn glass” evenings, with that special fair one, when tasting together is almost as good as the foreplay. 😉 Cheers… 🍻

I totally disagree with the so-called “expert“ review and rating of this fantastic bourbon. The first time I tasted Old Grand-Dad BIB some years ago, I was instantly sold on it’s incredible multifaceted, full bodied palette. And with this in mind, who could ignore it’s uncanny bang for the buck. Here’s a breakdown from my experience: Nose: Dried fruit, tobacco, maple syrup, a slightness of peppermint, oak char, and the full compliment of vanilla without being overpowering. Palette: Sweet on the entry followed by a very balanced mixture of licorice, oak, orange marmalade, dried fruits, and that undefinable richness that embodies most bourbons at twice the price. Finish: Long and lingering with all of the above holding ground . Candied apples and syrupy oak thickness that beckons another sip. My rating is easily a solid 93 out of 100. For the flagship version of this outstanding whisky, go for OGD 114. A higher proof version of a total winner in my books.

An addendum to a recent review I posted. I’m sipping this right now and after my first dram (neat) I had an epiphany: After the myriad of times I’ve sipped WT101, each time I chew on this stuff, it’s like the band Foreigner once said: Feels Like the First Time!! Seriously; 101 never ceases to please and surprise. It’s rich, full bodied, and so incredibly fucking balanced! The sweetness never overpowers the spice, that light/right rye, not to mention that old cedar cigar box mustiness. Like my wife of 39 years, it never disappoints. Cheers!!

Nose: Burnt popcorn. Nice barrel char. Sour dough bread. A bit unbalanced for my sniffer, but definitely unique. Palate: Sweet and rich. Quite dense for 92 proof. Cedar wood. Very little spice. Not super complex but enjoyable. Finish: Short finish leaving me wanting more. Verdict: 8.5. When considering 90 proof bourbons, I lean much more toward Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace (2nd to that)...hands down. Not one I feel inclined to stock my arsenal with.