Here we are, already into the fifth inexpensive bourbon, marking the antepenultimate review in this series. The last time I had Old Grand Dad was at a friend's wedding in the Poconos, about 3 years ago. If I remeber correctly, it was the only whiskey the bar stocked. Needless to say, I have fond memories of it.
Old Grand Dad, with its distinctive bright orange label, is a Kentucky straight bourbon. It's currently produced by Jim Beam, and is said to be named after Basil Hayden. It's recipe dates back to before the Prohibition.
Neat: Old Grand Dad's nose is grainy, spicy, and woody. Lurking way in the background is some caramel sweetness. So far, so very, very good. The taste is rye at first, then a spicy crispness. The finish is all over the mouth and tongue, and is a permeating, strong burn that dissipates into an agreeable warmness. It's like getting slapped in the face, but it being an enjoyable experience you'd want to repeat. Old Grand Dad is brusque and tough. Wonderful.
Whiskey Sour: The sugar in the whiskey sour certainly sweetens the Old Grand Dad up, but its rye flavor is still alive and kicking. I find myself wishing that I was still drinking it neat, as I would a higher-priced bourbon. That isn't to say, however, that mixing it is bad. Rather, the mix was still in keeping with the character of Old Grand Dad neat: good and strong. Having said that, I do think I prefer it neat. I am going to see how it fares in a manattan. I think it has earned a spot on the varsity team.
I think we have a winner. I know there are still two more bourbons to go, but as of today, Old Grand Dad edges out Early Times. The back label on the bottle reads, "Since 1882, the unique marriage of body and flavor in Old Grand-Dad whiskey has been the standard by which all others are judged." I think this motto is justified, at least within the arena of bourbons under $12.99 a bottle. Well done.
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I've got to agree with you on the point that OGD edges out the Early Times. I just inherited some bottles of cheap whiskey, and I've found the OGD to be surprisingly good. Next up...the Heaven Hill.
ReplyDeleteLet me know what you think of all the other whiskies you've inherited. Happy drinking...
ReplyDeleteI have not tried the 86 but I did buy the 100 proof yesterday. Knob Creek just went up in price, and OGD 100 is my new bourbon. First glass kind of stung so I let it sit on the ice for a minute and I was surprised at the great flavor.
ReplyDeleteYeah, well come November or so Knob Creek should come back down to its normal price - that's when the KC production will catch back up with demand. But it still goes to show that there a several very servicable bourbons that fall far below the premium price levels. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhere can you buy OGD 79 mixture pipe tobacco
ReplyDeleteada 28/02/10
OGD 86 Proof is an absolute winner! I'm a big fan of rye and this one packs the punch. I've been serving it up neat with 2.5CL of OGD topped with 2.5CL of Eagle Rare... exquisite!!!
ReplyDeleteI bought this after reading all 6 reviews, trying to find an every day bourbon. On I am very mixed on OGD. On one hand, there is an absolutely repugnant note when tasted neat in it that I can only best describe as tasting akin to vomit, while on the positive when mixed equally with diet coke, one can easily taste the enjoyable wood and spices.
ReplyDeleteOGD 86 isn't too shabby but it's significantly more expensive than some of the other economical bourbons you reviewed, it's about $10 more for a 1.75 than EW Black in VA.
ReplyDeleteOld Grand Dad is my favorite.
ReplyDeleteThe last 1/2 gallon I got, had a problem. The flavor acted like the grains were starting to turn.The Bourbon had a musty flavor. I did pass it around to some friends and they thought it to be off as well. I will buy more but after a while as this may just be that batch.
Didn't Old Grand Dad used to be 114 proof?
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