Image: Jim Beam / Beam Suntory press materials (https://www.beamdistilling.com/old-grand-dad-bourbon/whiskies/old-grand-dad-7-year-bottled-in-bond)
Old Grand-Dad has long been the quiet value pick on the shelf, and Beam’s 7-year bonded release gives it a real age statement. This is the second annual edition, distilled and barreled in fall 2018 from a single season, as the Bottled-in-Bond Act requires. It lands at a suggested $39.99, which is rare territory for seven-year-old bourbon.
The Specs
Distillery: James B. Beam Distilling Co. (Clermont, Kentucky)
Mash bill: Beam’s high-rye recipe (the brand does not publish percentages; commonly reported as roughly 63% corn / 27% rye / 10% malted barley)
Proof / ABV: 100 proof / 50% ABV
Age: 7 years (distilled and barreled fall 2018)
Price / where to find it: $39.99 SRP; a wide release, so check your regular liquor store
The Nose
Caramel and vanilla lead, with warm baking spice behind them. Expect a little clove and anise from the rye, plus some nutty, toasty depth.
The Taste
The front is sweet, velvety caramel and vanilla. The middle brings charred oak and cinnamon, with rye spice keeping it from getting sugary. The finish is long and peppery, with caramel lingering.
What the distillery says: Beam describes a golden color with deep copper tones, a bold aroma of caramel, cinnamon and vanilla, and a full-bodied palate of sweet, velvety caramel, charred oak and vanilla, ending in a “long lingering peppery finish.”
The Verdict: BUY
This is for anyone who wants a daily sipper that tastes older and pricier than it is. At roughly $40 for 100 proof, seven years of age and a bonded label, it is hard to argue with. Other reviewers have called it a bargain too, so grab a bottle while it is still easy to find.
What are you pouring this week? Drop it in the comments.
Please drink responsibly.