Old Grand-Dad 114 Proof 750ML is a high-rye Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey bottled at 57% ABV (114 proof) in a 750ml bottle. Distinguished by its 27% rye mashbill — nearly double that of many standard bourbons — this expression won Fred Minnick's $40 bourbon blind tasting, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most assertive values in American whiskey. Quick Facts: ABV: 57% | Origin: Kentucky, USA | No Age Statement | Distillery: Jim Beam Production & Heritage The Old Grand-Dad brand traces its name to Basil Hayden Sr., the grandfather of Colonel Raymond B. Hayden, who honored him when the label was established in the 1880s. Now produced at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky — owned by Suntory Global Spirits — the bourbon uses a mashbill of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley, then ages in new, charred American oak barrels. The 114 Proof expression sits at the top of the Old Grand-Dad lineup, bottled at a significantly higher strength than the 80 Proof and Bonded (100 Proof) versions, delivering the full intensity of that high-rye grain recipe without dilution. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with a sweet-spicy character that recalls Cajun seasoning, layered with tobacco leaf and barrel char. Deeper sniffs reveal old wood, candied sugar, and unmistakable rye grain intensity. Taste: The palate hits with immediate rye spice and a nutty, almost jalapeño peanut-brittle quality — dry and earthy at the core. Mid-palate brings pepper and leather alongside darker notes of tobacco, while the high proof contributes a firm but controlled heat that carries the flavors without overwhelming them. The overall impression is noticeably drier and spicier than most bourbons in this price tier. Finish: Long-lasting, with dominant oak and vanilla notes that linger well past the final sip. A persistent warmth and subtle nuttiness close things out cleanly. How to Drink Old Grand-Dad 114 At 114 proof, a splash of water opens up the spice and reveals sweeter undertones without diminishing the bourbon's backbone; it also holds up remarkably well over a single large ice cube. The high proof and bold rye character make it a natural choice for cocktails: try it in an Old Fashioned, where the rye spice cuts through sweetener and bitters with authority; a Boulevardier, where the 57% ABV stands up to Campari and sweet vermouth without getting lost; or a Gold Rush, where the peanut-brittle nuttiness complements honey syrup and fresh lemon. Best For Bourbon drinkers who favor bold, rye-forward flavor profiles over sweeter wheated styles Building a home bar with a versatile, high-proof mixing bourbon Blind tasting lineups comparing high-rye bourbons against standard mashbills Gifting a whiskey enthusiast who appreciates overlooked classics Frequently Asked Questions What does Old Grand-Dad 114 taste like? Old Grand-Dad 114 is a dry, spicy bourbon dominated by rye pepper, nutty peanut-brittle sweetness, and firm oak, with a long vanilla-laced finish. The high proof adds controlled heat, but the overall profile leans earthy and bold rather than sweet. How does Old Grand-Dad 114 compare to Wild Turkey 101? Both are high-proof, affordable Kentucky bourbons, but Old Grand-Dad 114 runs 13 proof points higher and carries a noticeably spicier, drier profile due to its 27% rye mashbill. Wild Turkey 101 tends toward a rounder, more caramel-forward character with its own distinctive funky yeast contribution. Is Old Grand-Dad 114 good for cocktails? Its 57% ABV and bold rye spice make it one of the best values for cocktail use, as the flavors project clearly through ice, citrus, and sweeteners without disappearing. It is especially effective in spirit-forward drinks like the Old Fashioned and Manhattan. Where is Old Grand-Dad 114 made? Old Grand-Dad 114 is produced at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. The distillery is owned by Suntory Global Spirits and is one of the largest bourbon-producing facilities in the state. What foods pair well with Old Grand-Dad 114? Smoked brisket or pulled pork benefits from the bourbon's peppery rye bite cutting through rich fat. Sharp aged cheddar mirrors the nutty, earthy notes in the spirit. Pecan pie aligns with the peanut-brittle sweetness on the palate. Dark chocolate with chili amplifies the spice and adds complementary bitterness. Cajun-spiced shrimp echoes the seasoning-like character found on the nose. What sizes does Old Grand-Dad 114 come in? Old Grand-Dad 114 Proof is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle, which is the most common format found at retail. Is Old Grand-Dad 114 worth the price? Old Grand-Dad 114 positions as a value-tier bourbon that consistently punches above its weight class, delivering barrel-proof intensity and a distinctive high-rye character at a fraction of what many comparable-proof bourbons command. Its win in Fred Minnick's blind tasting against similarly priced competitors underscores the quality-to-value ratio. Why Old Grand-Dad 114? In a crowded field of budget-friendly bourbons, Old Grand-Dad 114 stands apart on two counts: a 27% rye mashbill that delivers genuine grain-driven spice, and a 114-proof bottling strength that few competitors in this price range can match. That combination yields a bourbon with enough backbone for cocktails and enough complexity for neat sipping — a rare balance at any price point. Its pedigree stretches back to the 1880s, and its continued production at one of Kentucky's most established distilleries ensures consistency from bottle to bottle. For drinkers who find standard 80- and 90-proof bourbons lacking in intensity, this remains one of the most reliable full-flavored options on the shelf.
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