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Old Grand Dad 114 Single Barrel Bourbon Review

Can a single-barrel, 114-proof bourbon still taste surprisingly soft? We taste Old Grand-Dad's Gold-winning 7-Year expression to find out if this sleeper delivers.

OVERALL RATING

9
$49.99
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

About:

From the Jim Beam press release: “Old Grand-Dad has been a staple in American bourbon since 1882. The brand has long held a devoted following among bartenders and whiskey enthusiasts drawn to its bold, high-rye character.

This newest expression builds on that heritage with a more limited, nuanced offering. Each annual release will be produced from select barrels chosen to preserve the signature spice, structure, and full-bodied flavor profile that defines the OGD 114 line. Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7-Year recently won a Gold medal at the International Spirits Challenge, one of the drinks industry’s most respected annual competitions.”

Old Granddad is one of the first ‘sleeper’ bottles I was ever recommended. The OGD 114 squat bottle was recommended to me as a bottle for fans of bolder bourbon that is a bit unrefined but has plenty of body to enjoy. That was over a decade ago. The recommendation proved to be pretty prescient and it has become a staple on my shelf. A single-barrel 114 proof could take an already great budget whiskey to the next level.
Appearance:
A light clear tawny color with thick slow legs which cling to the glass. Tasted neat in a Glencairn.
Nose:
Buttery caramels, salt, touches of alcohol, deep oaky wood and humid cigar wrapper. Just a light hint of charcoal.
Palate:
Smooth and light, this is a great flavor of classic Beam Bourbon. Dark coffee, some nuttiness, bitter chocolates open the first sip. Charcoal, sugar, and light char across the mid palate. Closing out the palate with sweet earth tones.
Finish:
Watery mouthfeel with good charcoal profile and caramel fading into a warming hug.
Comments:
Very classic bourbon from nose to finish. I was surprised by how soft the dram was despite being a single barrel and higher proof. However, this is a great bottle. If you’re looking for a real sleeper that will add a nice depth to your bar cart, this is a great choice.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Charles Steele

Charles Steele, a Portland-based attorney, is a native of the Pacific Northwest. His legal background provides him with an analytical approach to understanding whiskey and other aged spirits. Primarily a legal writer, freelancing for The Whiskey Wash offers Charles a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility as a writer. Although his preference lies with whiskey and whiskey-based cocktails, he has a profound appreciation for all unique and unconventional liquors, from Malört to Ojen - if it's peculiar, he's intrigued.

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