Old Grand-Dad 114 is the best bourbon in the Old Grand-Dad lineup. It tastes better than any of the others, it smells better than any of the others, it has a better finish than the others, has a higher proof than the rest so you can dialing it in to your liking and it’s 1/2 the cost of Basil Hayden’s. In fact, it’s everything that Basil Hayden’s should be but isn’t.
This bottle proves that Jim Beam could make Basil Hayden’s a much better bourbon if they wanted to… and the should. Right now BH sits in the awkward position of being a lackluster bourbon in a fancy bottle in a lineup of good bourbons. It stands out like a sore thumb because compared to the others it’s limp and light, but enough about the overpriced woes of BH, we’re here to talk about Old Grand-Dad 114.
Old Grand-Dad 114 Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Jim Beam
Mashbill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New charred oak
Age: 6 years
ABV: 57%
Price: $26
Old Grand-Dad 114 Review
EYE
Dark amber
NOSE
Oh man this is nice. Rich and full the aroma is layered with notes of dark fruit, caramel heavy dark sweets, vanilla, bold spice, hay, oak and a syrupy sweet undertone. It needs a bit more of those rustic earthy notes to fully balance it out, but it’s nice nonetheless.
PALATE
The flavor contains more facets than the aroma and, like the nose, is nice and rich. Oak, caramel heavy dark sweets and dark fruit give way to, and mix with, notes of leather, hay, pepper and baking spices. A feathery light bit of vanilla comes and goes like a flash in the distance.
FINISH
Long and oaky with bits of hay, chunks of caramel and a light drizzling of syrupy sweetness.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
The nose is a bit un balanced, but the flavor and finish both have a nice symmetry to them. A full round body and a heavy warm mouthfeel compliment the rich character.
OVERALL
Old Grand-Dad 114 is great and if the nose were balanced out it would be in the 90s but, as is, it’s the one thing keeping it out right now. Regardless, it’s still a great bourbon with a hearty, sweet and rustic, character that’s easy to enjoy. It comes in at a high proof and adding a splash of water helps open it up a bit. A splash can also help tame it if it’s feeling hot for your tastes. OGD 114 is a tasty full bourbon with a lot to offer and if you get the chance, give it a try.
SCORE: 89/100
