Overview: In the world of bourbon, few brands have experienced a renaissance as profound as that of Old Grand-Dad. Once relegated to the bottom shelf, this venerable brand has undergone a significant transformation in recent years.
The Full Story
Old Grand-Dad’s origins date back to the late 1800s, when distiller Basil Hayden Sr. earned the nickname “Granddad” for his wisdom and experience behind the stills. The name stuck, and over time, it became synonymous with a bourbon that was both reliable and underrated. However, as we now know from recent releases like Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year, this brand has been quietly building towards greatness.
In an industry where aging is often seen as the key to success, Beam’s decision to bottle its high-rye mashbill expression at a relatively young age was met with skepticism. Critics felt that it wouldn’t have enough time to develop into something truly exceptional. However, those doubts were swiftly put to rest upon tasting this remarkable single barrel.
Production & Profile
Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year is bottled at a staggering 114 proof, thanks in part to its high-rye mashbill (63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley). This recipe gives the bourbon an unmistakable spice profile that complements its oakiness perfectly. The aging process has imbued this whiskey with complex flavors of burnt caramel, ripe plum, vanilla pudding, honey-roasted peanuts, and blackberries.
Upon pouring a dram of this exceptional whiskey into my glassware for tasting in peace we can safely say it is one step closer to being the standout release from Beam’s Olds lineup. Whether you are an experienced connoisseur or just starting your bourbon journey – giving this offering a go will be an unforgettable experience that showcases why some brands do not age with time.
Brand & Industry History
In 1987, Fortune Brands acquired National Distillers Group and subsequently Beam Inc. (and then eventually Suntory Global Spirits), which gave the Olds lineup under their control. That period brought significant recognition for Basil Hayden’s high-rye mashbill recipe – used in both Basil Hayden and now this remarkable bourbon.
The brand has undergone several transformations over its long history, but most notably moving away from a single ownership structure to multiple companies ultimately resulting in where it is today: an iconic American whiskey recognized by many around the world. The Old Grand-Dad line-up continues to captivate fans with releases like 114 Single Barrel 7 Year.
What This Means
The success of this new release marks a significant turning point for Beam’s approach to its legacy brands, including Jim Beam Black Extra Aged and Basil Hayden. It signals that the company is committed to elevating these spirits through innovative releases like Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year.
This renewed focus on experimentation has opened doors not only for fans of Olds but also wider within bourbon enthusiasts in general who often look towards brands pushing boundaries with their new products and styles.
Source: Read the original article
Overview: In the world of bourbon, few brands have experienced a renaissance as profound as that of Old Grand-Dad. Once relegated to the bottom shelf, this venerable brand has undergone a significant transformation in recent years.
The Full Story
Old Grand-Dad’s origins date back to the late 1800s, when distiller Basil Hayden Sr. earned the nickname “Granddad” for his wisdom and experience behind the stills. The name stuck, and over time, it became synonymous with a bourbon that was both reliable and underrated. However, as we now know from recent releases like Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year, this brand has been quietly building towards greatness.
In an industry where aging is often seen as the key to success, Beam’s decision to bottle its high-rye mashbill expression at a relatively young age was met with skepticism. Critics felt that it wouldn’t have enough time to develop into something truly exceptional. However, those doubts were swiftly put to rest upon tasting this remarkable single barrel.
Production & Profile
Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year is bottled at a staggering 114 proof, thanks in part to its high-rye mashbill (63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley). This recipe gives the bourbon an unmistakable spice profile that complements its oakiness perfectly. The aging process has imbued this whiskey with complex flavors of burnt caramel, ripe plum, vanilla pudding, honey-roasted peanuts, and blackberries.
Upon pouring a dram of this exceptional whiskey into my glassware for tasting in peace we can safely say it is one step closer to being the standout release from Beam’s Olds lineup. Whether you are an experienced connoisseur or just starting your bourbon journey – giving this offering a go will be an unforgettable experience that showcases why some brands do not age with time.
Brand & Industry History
In 1987, Fortune Brands acquired National Distillers Group and subsequently Beam Inc. (and then eventually Suntory Global Spirits), which gave the Olds lineup under their control. That period brought significant recognition for Basil Hayden’s high-rye mashbill recipe – used in both Basil Hayden and now this remarkable bourbon.
The brand has undergone several transformations over its long history, but most notably moving away from a single ownership structure to multiple companies ultimately resulting in where it is today: an iconic American whiskey recognized by many around the world. The Old Grand-Dad line-up continues to captivate fans with releases like 114 Single Barrel 7 Year.
What This Means
The success of this new release marks a significant turning point for Beam’s approach to its legacy brands, including Jim Beam Black Extra Aged and Basil Hayden. It signals that the company is committed to elevating these spirits through innovative releases like Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year.
This renewed focus on experimentation has opened doors not only for fans of Olds but also wider within bourbon enthusiasts in general who often look towards brands pushing boundaries with their new products and styles.
Source: Read the original article
