Old Grand-Dad Bourbon (80 proof)

The last time I had this bourbon was decades ago, gas was $.28 a gallon. I had just gotten my first decent job making pretty good money ($102.50 per week) and felt I had graduated from the cheap bottom shelf offerings to Makers Mark, Harpers, Wellers and the like. Too bad I forgot there are some hidden jewels down there and this is one. The nose is a little timid but you’ll detect orange peel, cinnamon and woods. The body is a little thin but I picked up mostly an oily pine mouth feel which was very pleasant with more orange peel and hints of cinnamon, relatively short finish with the oily pine coating remaining. Although they say this is a high rye mash bill it doesn’t resonate as strongly as I would like. While this can’t compare with the mid shelf offerings it can hold its own on the bottom shelf. I found this very approachable and friendly and a welcome reminder not to take Old Grand-dad for granted.

Honestly if tasting this and basil Hayden’s blind I hardly tell a difference and at 12.99-14.99 a 750 I always choose this! Yeah maybe the basil Hayden’s is “aged longer” however I’m yet to believe it since basil isn’t age stated and in blind tastings the two haven’t been picked apart correctly more than half the time. What can I say it’s 80 proof and I hold 80 proof stuff in low regard taste wise but this atleast has some flavor

Mixed with ginger ale. Lacking in real flavor. Not tasting any oak or vanilla