Usually on tasting whiskey I try to avoid reading reviews or flowery PR to mitigate against any undue influence or bias in my tastings.
Everyone has their own individual & often unique palate preferences as to how they enjoy & experience their whiskey.
With Old Grand-Dad I did pick up it was part of the Beam group – no mention of Suntory on the back of this bottle.
Beam encompasses a worldwide brand portfolio & Old Grand-Dad has been available from the late 1800’s.
It’s also a ‘high rye’ style of bourbon.
Now ‘high rye’ isn’t legally defined. It loosely equates to a rye grain content of between 20 to 35% in the all important mash-bill – along with the 51% minimum corn to be labelled as bourbon.
The rye produces a pleasing dry spiciness over and above the candy floss sweet bourbon which adds a degree of complexity, depth & bite to my palate.
Old Grand-Dad certainly is a fine example of this style.
Slightly shy on the nose. The rye is in there – but the 40% ABV might just mute it a little.
Mild & sweet in the palate – it’s not until the finish Old Grand-Dad opens up for me.
That dry, almost biscuity ryeness kicks in above a sugary sweet candy floss leaving an enjoyable prickly tingling slowly departing.
I also read Old Grand-Dad is a ‘cult’ whiskey.
Whether that’s because it’s an old brand given a resurgence, hard to get hold of or limited release – I don’t know.
What I do know is Old Grand-Dad offers a lot of flavour for it’s affordable price point.
It also further confirms my high rye bourbon soft spot.
Sláinte
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 