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 1882, 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 initially created and is now owned by Beam Suntory. It was once marketed as part of the company’s “The Olds” Collection, which also includes Old Overholt, Old Tub, and Old Crow. ‍‍Old Grand-Dad is currently released in three different ongoing bottlings with varying proofs: 80 (changed from 86 in 2013), 100, 114. There was also a 2024 limited release, Old Grand-Dad 16 Year.

The bourbon’s medium intensity, straightforward aroma, gets right to the point with an inviting wave of caramel and cinnamon upfront. Beneath this, a distinct corn-forward sweetness adds depth, complementing its seasoned oak base. A subtle kick of black pepper brings a touch of spice, and a light green apple crispness helps keep the aroma lively. It’s a classic overall style, with well-integrated scents that seem slightly pulled back for its proof point, but work when they need to.

The sip unfolds with a slightly tight and closed off palate, requiring time to unfold. Seasoned oak leads, with cinnamon and brown sugar adding warmth and sweetness. A burnt orange peel note pops, adding a touch of bitterness and mild fruitiness. This is balanced by notes of classic vanilla, a touch of prune, along with dry oak and leather. It’s a fairly direct, and uneventful midpoint to the sip, but remains solid, with a good overall quality and mouthfeel.

A warm and lively finish with a nose-filling presence that lingers, thanks to a bold wave of warm cinnamon slurry and a mix of baking spices and rye spice that takes center stage. Rich charred oak follows, with a slight molasses undertone that further molds the finish into something memorable. A touch forceful at times, but impactful as a result, this is a delicious end to the sip, and really lets the bourbon’s proof shine.

The Old Grand-Dad brand family has remained small with only three ongoing releases and one recent limited edition release, and it feels like Beam is content where it's at. Or perhaps they simply don’t think it has broader appeal outside of its loyal ongoing fans and are careful not to mess with it.

The Old Grand-Dad brand has always been known for its cinnamon and baking spices flavor profile. Much of that has to do with the brand’s high-rye mashbill, though where that once was a standout trait of Old Grand-Dad bourbons, many more high-rye bourbons have been introduced to the market over the past decade. To combat this, Beam seems to purposely blend this bourbon to exceed other high-rye bourbons’ baking spice flavor profiles on the market.  And that is a great thing, as it takes only one sip of Old Grand-Dad 114 to know you’re drinking an Old Grand-Dad bourbon. For as long as the brand has been going, it continues to have an identity that sticks out despite much more direct competition in the marketplace.

Even a decade ago, when you could find a bottle for under $30, Old Grand-Dad 114 was considered a great deal. Though plenty of bottles were found in the $20 range, Old Grand-Dad’s extra proof, combined with its high-rye mashbill, created a sip with considerably more heft.

In 2025, amazingly, Old Grand-Dad’s 114 price has changed very little, but everything else around it has changed. There are far fewer $20 bourbons than there once were, and even finding a competent one in the $30 range isn’t always easy. Coming in about $5 more than it was a decade ago, Old Grand-Dad 114 truly represents a fantastic value in bourbon. Then, if you also factor in that many stores price this below $35 - including Costco, which likes to price this at $20 - it's tough to beat this bourbon toe-to-toe on value.

There have been rumors for years that Jim Beam was looking to retire Old Grand-Dad 114, but that has never come to pass. It remains a fan-favoriate release because of its flavorful sip, proof point, and excellent value. Many bourbons hit in its proof range, but Old Grand-Dad has a bit of magic about it.

Old Grand-Dad 114 uses its cinnamon and baking spices flavor notes better than many bourbons, even though most are much higher in price. Though there are always concerns that drawing more attention to this release may result in Beam suddenly “waking up” to its greatness, this will likely be doubtful since, over the last decade, the price has only marginally increased and, in some cases, can be found even lower. Despite a dated label and an overall geriatric feeling surrounding the brand, Old Grand-Dad 114 remains a must-have for any bourbon drinker.