Beam Introduces Old Grand-Dad 7 Year Old Bottled in Bond
(Credit: Beam-Suntory)
First introduced in 1882, the Old Grand-Dad Bourbon brand predates the Bottled in Bond Act of 1897, but that doesn’t mean the one cannot offer the other something by way of improvement.
Jim Beam acquired the brand in 1987, and for a decade and a half it was the standard bearer for the distillery’s spicy “high rye” bourbon formulation. Old Grand-Dad was later eclipsed in this role by the introduction of Basil Hayden in the 1990s, but in recent years the company has been giving the brand a push. In its latest effort, they have introduced a 7 year old bonded version of the high rye bourbon.
The Bottled in Bond Act required the whiskey in the bottle to come from a single distillery and distilling season; aged for a minimum of four years; and be bottled at 100 proof. At seven years, this expression greatly exceeds the minimum standard. Expect to pay $39.99 for a 750ml bottle.
This was one of my favorite pours 7-8 years ago. I don’t see it on the shelves anymore. Maybe discontinued or not available in
Georgia now. Still a decent #, but having progressed to the likes of Michters 10 year, Pappys 15, and my current fave William Larue Weller, it’s an average pour. Some nice everyday finds are Old Forester Single Barrel Blue Label, Four Roses Single Barrel (store picks are more special), and a Hirsch Barrel Strength store pick around 8 years old are mighty fine!