Old Grand-Dad is a titan among budget bourbons, known for its punchy, high-rye mash bill. But the brand is evolving. In this episode, Jake and Scott dive into the deep history of Old Grand-Dad, tracing it from the 1800s through its current era under the Jim Beam umbrella.
We explore the expanded lineup, from the standard 7-year bottled-in-bond to ultra-premium, age-stated releases like the rare 16-year. The core of this discussion, however, centers on the beloved 114 proof and the launch of the new signed single barrel variant. Can aging hide the signature OGD profile? Does Beam’s extensive line expansion threaten its core brands?
We break down tasting notes, discuss warehouse terroir, and offer recommendations for all levels of bourbon explorers navigating this crowded, complex market.
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⏱️ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Welcome and overview of bourbon topics
00:28 - Trip to the Clermont Supper Club
01:22 - The experience at Clermont Supper Club and community vibe
02:15 - Food, cocktails, and the immersive bourbon events
03:17 - State-of-the-art chefs, bartenders, and the culture of bourbon tastings 04:05 - Favorite cocktails, including the New York Sour
05:11 - Unique cocktail experiences at the Supper Club
05:42 - Highlighting the delicious food options and the Claremont location
06:15 - The whiskey shop and rare bottles like Old Grand-Dad 114
06:56 - Historical background of Old Grand-Dad and its origins
08:02 - The evolution of Old Grand-Dad under Jim Beam’s ownership and its high-rye mash bill
08:55 - The expansion of Old Grand-Dad lineup, including bottling proof and age statements
09:53 - The value and quality of the 7-year bottled-and-bond and 114 proof variants
11:33 - The contrast between regular Old Grand-Dad 114 and higher-age options like the 16-year
12:06 - Beam’s stock and availability of premium releases
13:42 - Introduction of the new Old Grand-Dad 114 single barrel, signed by Freddie Noe
14:03 - The industry trend of launching line extensions and premium offerings
15:27 - Market dynamics, pricing, and the future outlook of bourbon
16:37 - The flavor profiles of different Old Grand-Dad variants
17:03 - The nuances of cannibalization within whiskey brands and lineup strategy
18:18 - How Beam maintains a strong core lineup of affordable, quality bourbons
19:27 - The impact of age statements, proof, and price on consumer choices
20:05 - Recommendations for beginner to intermediate bourbon drinkers
21:36 - The role of recognizable brands in navigating a crowded bourbon market 22:20 - The evolution of whiskey knowledge and the host's own journey
23:40 - Sharing trust with your audience and personal recommendations
24:54 - Tasting notes on Old Grand-Dad 114 and the single barrel release
25:31 - Calorie content and drinking it responsibly
26:33 - Tasting profile: notes of corn, fruit, baking spices, and oak
27:11 - The proof’s influence on flavor and a perfect pour on a cube
27:36 - Flavor complexity and the fruit and spice medley
28:28 - Spice notes and balance in the flavor profile
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