Review: Old Grand Dad 114
Type: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
Company: Suntory Holdings
Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery
Availability: Everywhere
Proof: 57% ABV (114 proof)
Age: NAS
Mash Bill: Assumed 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley
Color: light brown, with red overtones
MSRP: $29
2nd Hand Market Price: NA
Type of Glass Used: Distiller’s Tasting Glass
Nose: 28
OGD 114 was heavy on the ethanol right after being poured. As the ethanol dissipated, pleasant aromas of rye spice and brown sugar gave way to traditional oak and caramel notes.
Palate: 28
The boldness of this bourbon cannot be understated. There’s a ton of spice from the high rye mash, but the softness of dark fruits, oak, and vanilla still manage to come through. The alcohol can overpower you at times, but it doesn’t make this a hard drinking bourbon.
Finish: 29
Be ready for a long finish that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The spices of cinnamon and red hots overwhelm the back of the tongue while slowly dissipating over a few minutes.
Value: Solid!
At $29 MSRP you can’t go wrong. Proof point for proof point, OGD 114 wins out most of the time. This is an easily accessible bottle and can be found at most liquor stores.
Final Report: 85
Old Grand-Dad 114 is a great lower shelf bourbon. With a price point under $30, I enjoy sipping OGD 114 neat in a glencairn glass on those cold, Michigan winter nights. I don’t recommend it to anyone looking for an entry level bourbon, but if you’re looking for an introduction to higher proofs, this would be my first stop. This is one of those bourbons that you can make it what you want; if you’re looking to just get the job done, check! If you’re looking for a winter warmer, check! If you want a complexity of flavors from spicy to fruity to classic bourbon oak and vanilla, check check and check! Light the fire, pour a glass, and sit back and enjoy, this whiskey is about to give you that warm Kentucky hug you’ve been looking for.
Blake Johnson