brbnjunkie
Old Grand-Dad Bonded Bourbon
Bourbon — Kentucky, USA
Reviewed
November 19, 2020 (edited August 25, 2021)
Whenever I taste Old Grand-Dad I get annoyed because I think of the overpriced Basil Hayden 10-year which could have been a phenomenal release at 100 proof. Instead they kept it at 80.
This is probably my favorite OGD offering. There is nothing wrong with the 114, but for my palate this is the best proof for the high rye Beam recipe, which is also in Basil Hayden.
Nose: very approachable and balanced with hints of honey, peppercorn, spruce tree, cinnamon, mint, vanilla and corn and some malty notes as well.
Palate: quite rich for a $20 bourbon. More honey, caramel, brown sugar, and then some oak, a nice cinnamon and nutmeg rush on the middle palate.
Finish: medium finish, quite nice for a “bottom-shelf” bottle.
This continues to be one of the best values on the shelf. There really isn’t much you can say that’s negative. Great winter/Christmas bourbon in my opinion.
20.0
USD
per
Bottle
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
@ContemplativeFox for my palate many higher proof or barrel proof bourbons do cover up flaws in bourbon. To me 100-110 is the sweet spot for most bourbons. But in the 115-125 range of bourbons My favorite is probably Knob Creek Single Barrel.
Interesting that you like this better than the 114. Does the 114's higher proof cover some of the complexity?
@BeppeCovfefe fair point! I feel that way about many Scotches.
It's funny I like Basil Hayden for exactly that reason, at 80proof I can pour a drink or two and not get hammered. But it still drinks like a higher proof in flavor quality., Cheers!