Old Grand Dad 114 Review
In-Depth Review
Old Grand Dad 114 (or ODG114 as many call it) is one of the core range of Jim Beam products that has steadily gotten more popular over the years as the bourbon boom has taken off. But as Jim Beam has toyed with discontinuing the line over the years, fans have clamored for it to remain in production because its relative accessibility, high proof, and Jim Beam nutty flavor profile.
Old Grand Dad 114 is the highest proof expression in the Old Grand Dad line that also features an 80 proof version, a 100 proof, bottled-in-bond and this 114 proof version. And while some may think that Old Grand Dad 114 may be a much cheaper version of Jim Beam’s revered Booker’s line, how does this shape up as a sipper? I pulled this open bottle of OGD114 from the back of my cabinet to try and find out.
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 57%
Cask: New Charred Oak
MSRP: $35
Distillery Name: Jim Beam
Review Date: 6/25/21
Color: Medium Amber
Nose: Upon first nosing, this isn’t as big and bold as I was expecting for 114 proof. Relatively subdued, it’s sweet but spicy, reminding me a bit of Cajun seasoning. There are notes of tobacco leaves and old wood with barrel char just under the surface. The heavy rye in the mashbill spice comes through, with a significant heat that borders on an ethanol burn. The nose here isn’t my favorite.
Palate: BAM. I found the 114 proof. While it may have been hiding on the nose, the first sip is an explosion of heat. It’s spicy, nutty, almost like if they made flaming hot peanuts. Or Jalapeño peanut brittle. Notes of oak, leather, and some bitterness from the char makes it feel like this has spent significant time in the barrel - maybe too much time. There’s a touch of corn, but it comes off as less sweet than many other bourbons and instead cranks up the heat and spice to help keep you warm on those cold winter nights. The mouthfeel is pretty good, but nothing extraordinary - even at the full 114 proof.
Finish: Long, lingering finish with less heat than the palate but still featuring peanut butter, caramelized sugars, and a touch less oak. The finish is the best part of OGD114, with a lovely calm and lingering burn that makes you want to dive back into the brash and aggressive palate just to get back here.
Final Thoughts: Old Grand Dad 114 occupies an interesting segment. I regularly find this at under $30, and at that price point, I struggle to think of other high proof bourbons from big name distilleries to compete with it. And while I appreciate what Jim Beam has accomplished here, I find that I don’t love this bourbon. It’s an excellent value, makes a great old fashioned, and is readily available near me. But that isn’t enough to make this a slam dunk for me. The nose is underwhelming, the palate is brash and a bit too hot for me, and ultimately the excellent finish can’t make up for some of its flaws. I wouldn’t turn down a pour of this, but I won’t be rushing out to grab another bottle.
