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Old Grand Dad 114

Farewell to Old Grand Dad

2 690

@NozinanReview by @Nozinan

6th Dec 2016

0

Old Grand Dad 114
  • Nose
    ~
  • Taste
    ~
  • Finish
    ~
  • Balance
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  • Overall
    90

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Distribution of ratings for this: brand user

This is a quick review as I polish off the last 20 cc of my first ever bottle of OGD 114,

I have liked this from start to finish. It was purchased in 2015 from ACE Spirits online for $19.95 plus $5 shipping. Took half a year to get it brought over from Florida to Toronto, as the first bottle went to @Paddockjudge. Now I have 2 left and 3 in Seattle that I got on sale as well but with higher shipping.

Opened Aug/15 and gassed all the way through, Decanted in October. This bourbon went quickly (for me) partly because I was keen on getting as many people as I could to try something you just can't get here.

This is a whisky that continues to grow for a very long time in the glass. I have been known to leave it and just sniff for at least 20-30 minutes before taking a taste. And the last drop is always better than the first sip.

On the nose tons of Vanilla. The first sniff is best described as "bourbon". Brown sugar (the moist, Demerara kind that you can actually smell). Caramelized sugar. Apple pie filling before it is baked (my mother uses raw apples - not stewed filling as I sometimes see). As you can see, not too complex, all the smells are within a very tight range. But it is a great nose that gets better as it opens. 22/25

On the palate - WOW! Look up "full flavour" in a dictionary and this is the picture next to it. Sweet, caramel, brown sugar, vanilla. The brown sugar becomes richer the longer this is exposed to air in the glass. Thick, rich mouthfeel. 22/25

Finish: Short, and a lot less dry than taste. 21/25

Balance: The taste delivers on the promise of the nose. Maybe a touch sweet but I don't mind. 23/25

Total Sequential Score: 88/100

Adjusted Score based on enjoyment: 90/100


This is not what I would call a subtle dram. Nor is it complex. But it is delicious.

I thank @Victor for repeatedly mentioning this one to the point where it became a must find whisky, and to my friend who muled it over from Florida.

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6 comments

@Ol_Jas
Ol_Jas commented

It's cheap, tasty, inexpensive, inoffensive, well-priced, flavorful, good-value, and it gives my dad something to mix into his ginger ale when he comes over. And did I mention the price is good?

I've said this before, but there's a very good chance it'll be the only bourbon I ever buy again if prices stay consistent.

7 years ago 0

@Victor
Victor commented

I remain amazed that Beam still sells this 57% ABV juice under $ 30. I would not bet my life that it will be available a year from now, at least at that price.

I like Old Grand-Dad 114 so much that I chose it for my very first Connosr review. I called him the "Outrageous Old Man". I felt that people just needed to know about this whiskey.

@Nozinan, that is very useful to hear that long time in the glass brings out good flavours in OGD114. It rarely has remained very long in my glass, so I lack much experience there!

7 years ago 0

@Ol_Jas
Ol_Jas commented

The latest sales pitch email from Ace Spirits says that OGD114 is discontinued.

I kinda doubt that, though. These are the same guys who told everyone Laphroaig 10 CS was discontinued back in August.

7 years ago 0

@Nozinan
Nozinan commented

@Ol_Jas There's nothing on the website about it. Luckily I convinced a friend to order 3 bottles for me and one day they will make their way here from Seattle.

7 years ago 0

@Victor
Victor commented

chuckcowdery.blogspot.com/2016/10/…

According to Chuck Cowdery in late October, 2016 Beam told him that Old Grand-Dad 114 would "...probably will be discontinued next year." Chuck Cowdery is one of the most reliable in the industry.

If you want Old Grand-Dad 114, now is the time to stock up...if you happen to have any for sale in your area. We haven't had any here for 2 years.

I still think that it would be logical for OGD to put out a barrel strength version and make it part of the Beam small batch collection. It would probably be pricier than the current OGD114, I would imagine.

BTW, in that same article, Cowdery mentions that Booker Noe once told him that the mashbill for the Old Grand-Dad bourbons is about 30% rye. That's the first time I've seen that stated as having come from Booker.

7 years ago 0