This bottle of Old Grand-Dad 86 proof is from about 2003 (’03 stamp on bottle) which was about 10 years before they cut the proof down to 80. The 86 was cut down to 80 so that Jim Beam could get more bottles of whiskey out of each barrel they produced and it subsequently made for a lighter whiskey since cutting proof means they’re just adding more water.
Even though the 86 proof was no shining prize, it was better than what the current 80 is and it’s a shame that it’s not still around since it’s one of the three proof levels OGD has been bottled at for decades. The other two proofs being 100 (BiB) and 114.
Old Grand-Dad 86 proof Info
Region: Kentucky, USA
Distiller: Jim Beam
Mashbill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley
Cask: New charred oak
Age: NAS
ABV: 43%
Price: NA – “Dusty”
Old Grand-Dad 86 proof Review
EYE
Brassy copper
NOSE
The aroma of the Old Grand-Dad 86 proof is great. Rich caramel heavy dark sweets, corn, oak, vanilla, leather, pepper and a touch of yeast and waxy fruit. Multi-dimensional and engaging it’s a whiskey I could happily just sit and sniff.
PALATE
The flavor is a complete 180 of the nose. The corn is raw and course, caramel is watery, spice is stale and dusty, vanilla comes across more like an imitation, citrus is sweet and syrupy and the oak is old and worn. Dismal taste experience.
FINISH
Long and unattractive – dusty oak ending layered with notes of marshmallows and caramel coffee syrup.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Not well balanced, thin body with a weak and watery texture.
OVERALL
Old Grand-Dad 86 proof isn’t made anymore and that’s not really a crime. The nose is rich, dense and fantastic, but the palate is disappointing and the finish is unappealing. In a group blind tasting at my house of 9 Old Grand-Dads this was tied with the 80 proof for least favorite of the night with everyone saying the same thing. The nose is great, but the palate and finish are noticeably less-than-great. Not a fan… but I do like it more than the current 80.
SCORE: 78/100