Old Grand-Dad Bourbon (80 proof)

I finally remembered to try this at a family gathering this weekend and having tried OG 100 first it somewhat influenced my taste for the version of Old Grand-Dad 86. This is not a bad drink and at this price point, it is a good deal as well. It can be found nearly anywhere and the quality is really consistent across the line. Sadly, however, it is not as good to me as the Bottled-in-Bond version. The color in the glass is to light like an iced tea, not a bourbon. It does coat the glass some but it is too watery. Sipped neat it was light and with oak, vanilla, and something spicey. The body was different more corn (almost like 13th Colony Corn Whiskey) with oak and vanilla rounding out the short body. The finish was brief and sweet with an aftertaste of bitterness. Several members of my family like this bourbon and not the BiB version and I am the opposite and that is fine like what you want to like and share what you have and know. I do keep in mind that this is an extremely inexpensive bottle and it can be found almost everywhere.

The aroma is peanut dust, hay, sawdust and oak. Green apple skins, some orange zest and ribbon candy. It's got a dry, almost dusty nose, like spending some time in a barn. Taste of peanut, caramel, and oaky wood. A definite apple-and-cinnamon vibe, like a chunky applesauce. The rye kicks in at the front of the palate, and it adds a prickly spice. The finish is vanilla and apple syrup. Some cherry juice, bitters, spicy orange peel and oak. The oak, especially, lingers at the end, giving a lacquered richness. This is one of the better budget Bourbons I've had. Full of rich flavor and terrific for the price.

At a restaurant with the in laws and they had this. Perfect time to try. Reminded me of Early Times in flavor. A toffee, almost burnt caramel flavor was the bulk of the experience. Aroma was fairly light and matched the flavor notes to come. Really a single note front to back without much depth or finish. Moment of sweetness lingers. Wanted to taste it and I did. I'll be sure to leave this to others to mix with Coke. Cheers!

For a whiskey under $20, Old Grand-Dad 80 is surprisingly good. It's a high rye bourbon which is quite spicy, peppery and sweet. On the palate I get sweet corn, brown sugar and cinnamon. It actually reminds me a lot of the regular Bulleit Bourbon. Not that unique and complex, but highly drinkable.

On the nose, notes of caramel, oak char, vanilla, red cedar, and baking spices. Lightly tannic and somewhat angular mouthfeel. More oak char, cedar, vanilla, and baking spice on the palate, plus a touch of hay. Finish is medium-length, with some very mild heat. 2.75/5.00 – Decent (neat)

Mild floral aroma. Sips smooth. Slight sweetness but taste overall is somewhat watered down. Heat sticks around when swallowed. Good price point for an inexpensive watered down bourbon. Probably will not revisit. Better Bourbons out there at this price point.