Introduction
Old Grand Dad Bourbon, distilled at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, is one of the oldest and most storied brands of bourbon whiskey. It was created in 1882 by Raymond B. Hayden and named after his grandfather, Meredith Basil Hayden Sr. Despite its rich history, the brand receives little attention from bourbon enthusiasts or marketing efforts from its current owner, Beam Suntory.
History And Background
Old Grand Dad Bourbon has been in production since 1882, including during Prohibition, when American Medicinal Spirits Co., a pharmaceutical company, produced it. The brand’s founder, Raymond B. Hayden, named it after his grandfather, Meredith Basil Hayden Sr.
The Old Grand-Dad brand was originally created as a premium brand of bourbon, and its reputation was maintained even during Prohibition when it was produced for medicinal purposes. When Prohibition ended in 1933, the Old Grand-Dad brand returned to the market with much fanfare.
Despite the brand’s long history and storied reputation, it receives little attention from bourbon enthusiasts or marketing efforts from its current owner, Beam Suntory. This lack of enthusiasm for the brand is surprising, given its strong lineage and pedigree within the bourbon community.
In conclusion, the history and background of Old Grand Dad Bourbon reveals a brand with deep roots in American Bourbon history. Despite its storied past and premium reputation, the brand has not received as much attention or marketing effort as it deserves. Nevertheless, Old Grand-Dad deserves to be recognized as a longstanding member of the American bourbon family.
Origin
Old Grand Dad Bourbon, distilled at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, has a rich history dating back to 1882. The brand was created by Raymond B. Hayden and named after his grandfather, Meredith Basil Hayden Sr. Despite its long and storied history, the brand has received little attention from bourbon enthusiasts or marketing effort from the brand’s current owner, Beam Suntory.
Basil Hayden And His Famous High-rye Bourbon Recipe
Basil Hayden Sr. was a historic bourbon maker known for his high-rye whiskeys. Old Grand Dad Bourbon is based on Hayden’s famous high-rye bourbon recipe, which gives it its signature spiciness and complex flavor profile. The recipe remains largely inspired by Basil’s original to this day.
How The Recipe Evolved To Become Old Grand-dad
When Basil Hayden passed away, his grandson Raymond B. Hayden inherited the family recipe for high-rye bourbon. Raymond began producing and selling his version of the family recipe, which he named Old Grand Dad Bourbon in honor of his beloved grandfather.
Despite being one of the oldest and most storied bourbon brands, Old Grand-Dad receives little attention from bourbon enthusiasts or marketing efforts from its current owner, Beam Suntory. This lack of enthusiasm for the brand is surprising, given its strong lineage and pedigree within the bourbon community.
In conclusion, this bourbon has a rich history and strong lineage within the bourbon community. Despite receiving little attention in recent years, it remains one of the most loved bottom-shelf bourbons on the market.
Old Grand-dad: Going Against The Grain
Old Grand Dad Bourbon has a unique history and recipe that sets it apart from other bourbons on the market. Distilled at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, the brand was created by Raymond B. Hayden in 1882 to honor his grandfather, Basil Hayden Sr., who was a famous bourbon maker known for his high-rye whiskeys. This bourbon is based on Hayden’s famous high-rye bourbon recipe, which gives it its signature spiciness and complex flavor profile.
The Uniqueness Of Old Grand-dad
Despite being owned by one of the largest distilleries in the world, Old Grand Dad Bourbon receives little attention from bourbon enthusiasts. This is surprising given its strong lineage and pedigree within the bourbon community. The brand’s unique flavor profile, achieved through its high-rye mash bill, sets it apart from other bourbons. Old Grand-Dad 114, in particular, is one of the most distinct bourbons on the market with its high alcohol content and bold flavors.
Why It Receives Little Attention From Bourbon Enthusiasts
Despite its unique qualities, Old Grand Dad Bourbon receives little attention from bourbon enthusiasts or marketing efforts from its current owner, Beam Suntory. One reason could be that the brand is positioned as a bottom-shelf bourbon, limiting its exposure to a wider audience. Another reason could be that the brand has not been marketed effectively, with many consumers unaware of its rich history and unique flavor profile.
In conclusion, Old Grand Dad Bourbon has a rich history and unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other bourbons on the market. Despite its unique qualities, the brand receives little attention from bourbon enthusiasts or marketing efforts from its current owner. Nevertheless, the brand remains a beloved bottom-shelf bourbon in the know.
Old Grand-Dad’s Legacy
Old Grand Dad Bourbon has been around for over a century, continuously producing since 1882. Named after Basil Hayden Sr., a well-known bourbon maker, it was created by his grandson, Raymond B. Hayden. Produced at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, this bourbon has a unique recipe with a distinctive taste and flavor.
The Continuous Production Since 1882
With over a century of crafting bourbon, Old Grand-Dad has made a name for itself as one of the most sought-after vintage whiskeys. Produced with the same high-rye mash bill recipe since its inception, this bourbon continues to be a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate its distinct flavor profile and unique history.
What Sets Old Grand-dad Apart From Other Bourbon Brands
The uniqueness of Old Grand Dad Bourbon comes from its high-rye mash bill recipe, which gives it a flavor profile not found in other bourbons. This results in a spicier and more complex taste that differentiates it from other bourbons. Additionally, Old Grand-Dad 114 stands out with its high alcohol volume and bold flavors.
Despite its rich history and unique qualities, Old Grand Dad Bourbon often goes unnoticed in the market. This could be due to its current positioning as a bottom-shelf bourbon or a lack of effective marketing efforts from its current owner, Beam Suntory. While this may be the case, the brand remains a beloved favorite among those in the know who appreciate the distinct flavor and legacy of this iconic bourbon.
Tasting Notes And Flavor Profile
The Distinct Taste And Aroma Of Old Grand Dad Bourbon
Old Grand Dad Bourbon has been around for over a century, continuously producing since 1882. Named after Basil Hayden Sr., a well-known bourbon maker, it was created by his grandson, Raymond B. Hayden. Produced at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky, this bourbon has a unique recipe with a distinctive taste and flavor.
With over a century of crafting bourbon, Old Grand-Dad has made a name for itself as one of the most sought-after vintage whiskeys. Produced with the same high-rye mash bill recipe since its inception, this bourbon continues to be a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts who appreciate its distinct flavor profile and unique history.
The uniqueness of Old Grand Dad Bourbon comes from its high-rye mash bill recipe, which gives it a flavor profile not found in other bourbons. This results in a spicier and more complex taste that differentiates it from other bourbons. The sweetness of the bourbon comes from traces of apricot and oak, highlighted by the accents of brown sugar that develop after the baking spice and cinnamon dissipate. The lingering light spice nicely balances this sweetness after each sip.
The nose of Old Grand Dad Bourbon has a light cinnamon aroma combined with vanilla caramel and a hint of baking spices. Green apples and oak scents are also present after swirling the glass, though only briefly.
Despite its rich history and unique qualities, this bourbon often goes unnoticed in the market. This could be due to its current positioning as a bottom-shelf bourbon or a lack of effective marketing efforts from its current owner, Beam Suntory. Nonetheless, the brand remains a beloved favorite among those in the know who appreciate the distinct flavor and legacy of this iconic bourbon.
How Old Grand-dad Is Made
The Distillation And Aging Process
Old Grand Dad Bourbon has been produced for over a century, continuously since 1882. It is named after Basil Hayden Sr., a well-known bourbon maker, and was created by his grandson, Raymond B. Hayden. This bourbon is produced at the Jim Beam distillery in Clermont, Kentucky.
Making Old Grand Dad Bourbon starts with a high-rye mash bill recipe with a distinct flavor profile. The mash bill used for Old Grand-Dad contains 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley. This high-rye content gives the bourbon its spicy and complex flavor.
After the mash is prepared, it is fermented with a proprietary yeast strain unique to Jim Beam. The fermentation process takes approximately three to five days, which results in a low-proof beer. The beer is then distilled twice in copper stills to a high-proof spirit.
Once distilled, the bourbon is aged in new, charred American oak barrels for at least four years. The aging process gives Old Grand-Dad its distinctive brown sugar and oak notes. The longer the bourbon ages in the barrel, the more oak and caramel notes develop, giving it a smoother taste.
What Makes Old Grand-dad Different From Other Bourbons
Its high-rye mash bill recipe sets Old Grand Dad Bourbon apart from other bourbons. Most bourbon mash bills use a lower percentage of rye, which gives them a sweeter flavor profile. Old Grand-Dad’s higher rye content creates a spicier taste not found in other bourbons.
Additionally, Old Grand-Dad has a low price point compared to other bourbons of similar quality, making it a popular choice for bartenders and bourbon enthusiasts. It is also one of the few fan-favorite bourbons that started as an affordable bottle and has remained that way despite consumer demand.
In summary, Old Grand Dad Bourbon is characterized by its distinct flavor profile resulting from its high-rye mash bill recipe, its proprietary strain of yeast, and its aging process in new, charred American oak barrels. Despite its rich history and unique qualities, Old Grand Dad Bourbon often goes unnoticed in the market. Still, it remains a beloved favorite among those in the know who appreciate its distinct flavor and legacy.
Old Grand-dad’s Low Price Point
Why The Price Of Old Grand-dad Remains Low Despite Its Popularity
Old Grand Dad Bourbon is a fan-favorite among bourbon enthusiasts and bartenders alike. Despite its popularity, the price of this classic bourbon has remained affordable, making it a common choice for those looking for a quality bourbon without breaking the bank. But why has the price of Old Grand Dad Bourbon remained so low, even as other bourbons with similar qualities have increased in price?
One reason for the low price point of Old Grand Dad Bourbon is its long history. This bourbon has been produced continuously since its creation by Raymond B. Hayden in 1882. With over a century of production, making Old Grand-Dad has been streamlined, resulting in lower production costs. This allows the producers to offer the bourbon at a lower price without sacrificing quality.
Another reason for the affordability of Old Grand-Dad is its high-rye mash bill recipe. While many bourbons use a lower percentage of rye, Old Grand-Dad’s mash bill contains 27% rye, giving it a spicier flavor profile than many other bourbons. Rye is generally less expensive than corn, which is the main ingredient in most bourbon mash bills, making Old Grand-Dad more cost-effective to produce.
Additionally, Old Grand-Dad is still a family-owned brand, while larger companies have acquired many other bourbons. The Jim Beam distillery, where Old Grand-Dad is produced, has remained independent and family-owned even as it has grown. As such, they do not have the same expenses associated with marketing and corporate overhead that many larger companies do, which allows them to offer their products at a lower price.
In conclusion, Old Grand Dad Bourbon’s low price point can be attributed to its long history, high-rye mash bill recipe, and independent family ownership. This classic bourbon remains popular among bourbon enthusiasts and bartenders due to its distinct flavor profile and affordability.
Pairing Old Grand Dad Bourbon
Ideal Food And Drink Pairings
Old Grand Dad Bourbon is a versatile spirit that pairs well with various food and drink choices. From classic cocktails to savory dishes, there are plenty of options to explore when pairing this affordable bourbon. Here are a few ideal food and drink pairings to try out:
Cocktails
Old Grand-Dad is a favorite among bartenders for a reason. Its spicy, complex flavor profile makes it a great base for classic cocktails. Some ideal cocktail pairings for Old Grand-Dad include:
- Manhattan: The bold flavors of Old Grand-Dad make it an excellent choice for a classic Manhattan. Try pairing it with sweet vermouth and garnishing it with a cherry for a delicious and timeless drink.
- Boulevardier: Another classic cocktail that pairs well with Old Grand-Dad is the Boulevardier. This drink, which features Campari and sweet vermouth, gets an added kick from the bold spice notes of the bourbon.
- Old Fashioned: Of course, no list of cocktail pairings would be complete without mentioning the Old Fashioned. This drink, which features sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus, is a perfect match for the rich flavors of Old Grand-Dad.
Food Pairings
Old Grand-Dad’s bold flavor profile makes it a great pairing with heartier dishes. Some ideal food pairings for this classic bourbon include:
- Steak: The spicy notes of Old Grand-Dad make it a perfect match for a hearty steak. Serve it alongside your favorite cut for a delicious and sophisticated meal.
- Barbecue: The bold, smoky flavors make it an excellent pairing for Old Grand-Dad. Try enjoying the two together at your next cookout for a match made in heaven.
- Chocolate: Finally, for a sweet treat, try pairing Old Grand-Dad with a rich, dark chocolate. The flavors of the two complement each other perfectly, making for a decadent dessert.
Whether you prefer cocktails or food pairings, Old Grand Dad Bourbon is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in various ways. Experiment with different pairings and find your favorite way to indulge in this classic bourbon.
Conclusion
Old Grand Dad Bourbon is a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey that boasts a rich legacy and tradition dating back in time. The brand is unique in that its founder, Basil Hayden Sr., or Old Grand-Dad as he was fondly known, chose to distill his bourbon with a higher percentage of rye, going against the traditional grain of the time.
Today, Old Grand-Dad is one of the oldest and most storied brands in the market, yet it receives little attention from bourbon enthusiasts or marketing efforts from the brand’s current owner, Beam Suntory. However, at 80 proof and for less than a Jackson, Old Grand-Dad is a value-seeker’s dream, offering quality bourbon at a very low price point. The brand’s legacy and tradition will intrigue any bourbon enthusiast looking to discover a piece of bourbon history.
FAQ about Old Grand Dad Bourbon: Bourbon Tradition: Discovering Old Grand Dad’s Legacy
Q: What is Old Grand Dad Bourbon?
A: Old Grand Dad Bourbon is a classic American whiskey that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is known for its rich history and impressive production process.
Q: What makes Old Grand Dad Bourbon worth trying?
A: Old Grand Dad Bourbon offers a unique combination of affordability and quality. While the price is one of its main attractions, this whiskey also boasts a deep history and a layered palate of tastes. It is perfect for brown spirit-based cocktails and adds a strong punch of texture.
Q: How does Old Grand Dad Bourbon contribute to cocktails?
A: Old Grand Dad Bourbon serves as the backbone of a strong cocktail. Its robust flavors and smooth texture complement a variety of cocktail recipes, such as the Old Fashioned or Remember the Maine.
Q: Can you tell more about the legacy and history behind Old Grand Dad Bourbon?
A: Old Grand Dad Bourbon has a rich and long history. It has been crafted by numerous skilled individuals throughout the years. When you enjoy a glass of Old Grand Dad, you are sipping on a drink that has stood the test of time, thanks to the dedication and craftsmanship of many people involved in its making.
Q: Is Old Grand Dad Bourbon an American tradition?
A: Yes, Old Grand Dad Bourbon is considered a quintessential part of American bourbon tradition. It represents the heritage and craftsmanship associated with American whiskey production.
Q: Where can I learn more about Old Grand Dad Bourbon?
A: For more information about Old Grand Dad Bourbon and its legacy, you can visit the official website of the brand or explore online resources dedicated to American whiskeys. You can also find books and articles that delve deeper into the history and significance of Old Grand Dad Bourbon.
Andre Lotz immigrated to the United States from South Africa almost 20 years ago. Still, he didn’t feel truly at home until he settled in Mobile—a city that reminds him of his childhood home of Fish Hoek on the southern cape of Africa.