Old Grandad 114

Distilled and sold by Jim Beam, The Old Grandad line is one of Jim Beams core ranges and line of high- rye bourbons, that have continued to grow in popularity over the years. High rye refers to 27% rye rather than the usual 13% used for Jim Beam, Knob Creek and Booker’s. The main difference with Old Grandad 114 (750ml) compared to others in its line such as Old Grandad 80 proof, Old Grandad Bottled in Bond and Basil Hayden’s 100 proof,  is the slightly higher proof of 114 (57% ABV) whereas the others come in at 50% or lower.

Some say a firm drink you could imagine your own grandfather drinking, others say a drink that separates the men and the boys. Either way Old Grandad 114 is full bodied, with those classic rich bourbon flavours.

Medium amber in colour, Old Grandad 114’s higher than average rye in the mashbill is immediately evident on the nose where you are hit with that rye heat alongside cinnamon and caramel, though some lighter hints of spice. That first sip packs a punch with a fruit and caramel sweetness that quickly gives way to that rye spice and heat. As for the finish, expect full bodied and hot cinnamon though less heat than the palate, that picks up some caramelised sugars, oak and char as it lingers into that lovely calm burn.

This historic distillery was founded in Kentucky, USA in 1796. The founder Basil Hayden, is in fact the Old Grandad you see smiling on the label. It was Basil’s grandson, Raymond B. Hayden III that later named his company’s premium bourbon back in 1882, after his grandfathers achievements. The distillery firmly maintains those traditional manufacturing methods and strict quality controls  since it was founded with the ration of rye, the yeast used, the open steaming kettle and sour mash ratio.