OLD GRAND-DAD BONDED KENTUCKY 50% BOURBON 1Ltr

The Old Grand-Dad brand was created by Raymond B. Hayden and named after his grandfather Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr. The bourbon has been in production since the 1800’s, including during Prohibition when it was produced by American Medicinal Spirits Co., a pharmaceutical company. The brand has changed ownership numerous times since it was originally created and is now owned by Beam Suntory and marketed as part of their “The Olds” Collection which also includes Old Overholt. Old Grand-Dad is currently released in three different bottling proofs: 80 (changed from 86 in 2013), 100, and 114.

The bottle in review is the 100 proof variant, and is labelled “Bonded” which is short for Bottled in Bond. To be labelled Bottled in Bond, the whiskey must be the product of one distillation season and one distiller at a single distillery, aged in a federally bonded warehouse under U.S. government supervision for at least four years, and it must be bottled at exactly 100 proof. Additionally, the Bottled in Bond label must clearly identify the distillery where it was distilled and where it was bottled, if different.

NOSE

A wave of cinnamon leads the charge, followed by sweet caramel, vanilla, and a hint of burnt oak. Cinnamon dominates overall, but the balance of sweeter scents along with the oak keeps it manageable. While it comes across as somewhat one-dimensional, it's still inviting.

palate

Big cinnamon spice pops upfront with a flash of Fireball candy potency. Dark fruit and baking spices follow, along with a touch of rye spice. It has a nice intensity, and like the nose, the cinnamon dominates and is also quite pleasant. It's medium-bodied with a nice mouthfeel.

finish

Sweet flavors of caramel candy and raw sugar develop first, followed by baking spices and a very light display of seasoned oak. The finish is medium-length and has just the right amount of intensity. Enjoyable overall and leaves a good impression