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Old Grand-Dad 7 Year Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Review

Can a 7-year bottled-in-bond, high-rye bourbon deliver a wild ride in the glass? We taste the 2025 Old Grand Dad 7 Year to find out.

OVERALL RATING

7
$38
  • Charles Steele is an attorney and whiskey enthusiast with a penchant for the peculiar.
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Tasting Notes

About:

James B. Beam Distilling Co. has announced the return of its annual limited-edition bourbon, Old Grand Dad 7 Year Old Bonded Bourbon, with bottles of the high-rye whiskey hitting shelves this month at select retailers across the United States.

The 2025 release of Old Grand Dad 7 Year Old Bonded Bourbon represents whiskey distilled during a single season in spring 2018, in accordance with the Bottled-in-Bond Act of 1897. The federal designation requires the spirit to be produced by one distiller at one distillery during one distillation season, aged for at least four years in a federally bonded warehouse, and bottled at exactly 100 proof.

“Historically inspired by vintage releases, this fine bourbon is cut to 100 proof to reach its optimal and distinctively classic OGD flavor and body,” the company stated in an announcement. The bourbon features the brand’s signature high-rye mash bill, containing approximately 27% rye grain, which produces a spicier profile than standard bourbons.
Appearance:
A lighter tawny clear in color with semi-fast legs with hold to the glass. Tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.
Nose:
On the notes are heavier notes often associated with bonded expressions. Candied cherries but not quite a cough syrup thickness, some red wine and peanuts and toffee round out the nose.
Palate:
On the tongue you grab a sweetness to start from the grain and wood before the alcohol grabs hold with touches of peppercorn and cinnamon. It evolves into a lovely cherry profile with touches of syrup and sugar to balance out the heat.
Finish:
The finish releases to ovewrsteeped teas and light bitter tannins.
Comments:
This would be excellent in a cocktail and can lend itself into multiple styles of drink. Every moment was not what was expected it worked together nicely to make an pleasurable dram.

In some regards it felt like Mr. Toads Wild Ride, approachable with moments of excitment.

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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