Old Grand-Dad Bourbon is a brand of bourbon whiskey that has been around for over 130 years. It is produced by Beam Suntory at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky. Old Grand-Dad Bourbon is named after Basil Hayden Sr., who was a well-known distiller in his time. Hayden was known for his high-rye bourbon, and Old Grand-Dad Bourbon continues that tradition.
Old Grand-Dad Bourbon is made with a mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley. This mash bill gives the bourbon a higher rye content than most other bourbons, which gives it a spicier flavor profile. The bourbon is also aged for at least four years in new American oak barrels. This aging process gives the bourbon its characteristic oaky flavor profile.
Old Grand-Dad Bourbon has a deep golden amber color in the glass. It has a medium to thick viscosity and forms a nice rim when swirled. The nose of Old Grand-Dad Bourbon is complex and inviting. There are aromas of vanilla, caramel, oak, and spice. The rye content is also evident in the nose, adding notes of cinnamon and allspice.
The palate is smooth and full-bodied. The initial flavors are sweet and vanilla-forward. There are also notes of caramel, oak, and spice. The rye content is also present on the palate, adding notes of cinnamon and allspice. The bourbon is also slightly spicy, with a hint of black pepper.
The finish of Old Grand-Dad Bourbon is long and lingering. The sweetness, spice, and oak flavors from the palate continue to develop on the finish. There is also a hint of dryness, which is likely due to the oak aging.
Here are a few food pairings that go well with it:
Chocolate: The sweetness of chocolate pairs well with the spiciness of Old Grand-Dad Bourbon. Try pairing it with a dark chocolate bar or a chocolate brownie.
- Nuts: The nutty flavor of nuts pairs well with the vanilla and caramel flavors of Old Grand-Dad Bourbon. Try pairing it with a bowl of cashews or almonds.
- Cheese: The sharpness of cheese pairs well with the spice and oak flavor . Try pairing it with a sharp cheddar cheese or a blue cheese.
Here are a few cocktails that you can make:
- Old Fashioned: To make an Old Fashioned, simply combine 2 ounces of Old Grand-Dad Bourbon with 1/4 ounce of simple syrup and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters in a glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled and garnish with an orange twist.
- Manhattan: To make a Manhattan, combine 2 ounces of Old Grand-Dad Bourbon with 1 ounce of sweet vermouth and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until well-chilled and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.
- Whiskey Sour: To make a Whiskey Sour, combine 2 ounces of Old Grand-Dad Bourbon with 1 ounce of lemon juice and 1 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously until well-chilled and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge and a cherry.
No matter how you choose to enjoy, it is a classic American whiskey that is sure to please.
