BOTM, 12/06: Old Grand Dad 114

This is one of my favorites, and easily my favorite of those that suit my wallet well enough to always have on hand. Never disappoints, and the predominate sensation is usually clean, upfront, spiciness. Sometimes sweet corn makes itself known, sometimes an earthy rye taste (like last night - I'd had an oatmeal chocolate chip cookie about an hour before), and I can usually find either if I try. But a spicy twang is always there, and never any harshness. Not really a long finisher, although the tingle endures, but a terrific bourbon that all should try, if available.

It's been my backpacking bourbon for a while (I'm not toting 80 proof on my back) and is still good cut with water from the tap or freshly filtered from a trout stream. But I usually drink it neat, and most are suprised that it's 114.

Sadly, I can't say if Beam is doing a particularly good job of matching the older ND profile, which some have described as fruitier. In my first, shorter, bourbon phase in the early '80s, most friends were WT drinkers; one guy was a OGD man, esp. the 114, but I didn't like him much. My only memory of the drink in that time is spiciness. But even if it's a little departure from history, it's good.

Bob

Crap! This sounds like one I would love to try, but the 114 isn't sold here in Virginia! :hot: We have the low octane version, which doesn't sound like it would be near as good as this one.

Hmm.. I do see we have Rare Breed on sale this month, as well as ETL and ERSB! :)

I really enjoy the OGD 114 and thanks to the folks here for helping me see the light that it makes an excellent Manhattan. At 114 proof I like to cut it a bit otherwise it is too astringent for me for sipping.

Did I mention it makes a great Manhattan :grin:

http://rlovingjr.smugmug.com/photos/100322425-L.jpg

This is always right in my top ten somewhere. Sometimes top five, but always top ten. I fluctuate on my favorite lists. I just feel that this is such a solid pour, regardless of price.

On a side note, I was out at a dive bar in Indiana the other night. Oh, the delight on my face when I saw OGD BIB on the bar. It was *so* nice to be out of California....

OGD 114 is top-notch in my book, though I really favor the older BIB or 86's from National Distillers. A great pour for the money, but not up to snuff with the '80s expressions.

an exelent whiskey!!! one of my top pours

I enjoyed my first bottle of Old Grand-Dad 114 back in 1978. It was delicious, and sparked my preference for both OGD BIB 100 and 114.

I will say that I like the Beam-made OGD 114, too, and keep a couple of bottles around at all times. It refuses to be ignored--that famous OGD slap is always there, lingering at the first sip, but then I get accustomed to it once again and welcome the slightly high proof and very full-bodied whiskey like a favorite memory of times past. It has an honored place on my bar, along with OGD BIB 100.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Virginia Gent

Crap! This sounds like one I would love to try, but the 114 isn't sold here in Virginia! :hot: We have the low octane version, which doesn't sound like it would be near as good as this one.

Hmm.. I do see we have Rare Breed on sale this month, as well as ETL and ERSB! :)

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I would feel sorrier for you if you didn't have those fine bourbons on sale. Stock up!

The OGD 86 proof is nothing to turn your nose up at. It is a good solid bourbon, even if most who like the line prefer the BIB and the 114.

Ed

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Edward_call_me_Ed

I would feel sorrier for you if you didn't have those fine bourbons on sale. Stock up!

The OGD 86 proof is nothing to turn your nose up at. It is a good solid bourbon, even if most who like the line prefer the BIB and the 114.

Ed

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Oh yes, definitely going to take advantage. Although it seems we have the more popular labels on sale every other or every 3rd month, only the larger stores here carry ETL at all. Haven't had Rare Breed yet, but I see it is very well liked here. I gave a friend a bottle of Russels Reserve, and it was quite tasty. We enjoyed it side-by-side with my Baker's. Perhaps I'll give the OGD 86 or BIB (if we have it here) a try.

This will be my first post as an 'old' newbie to the forum. Been reading and learning for quite a while though just recently decided to join. So, I feel like I've been here a while and a genuine feeling of being right at home. I was going to intro myself in the newbie section but seeing the BOTM, I could not resist jumping in right here to plug one of my top favorites - Old Grandad 114. Having a good pour of it right now in fact. For all those folks who say it is a great cold weather pour - a hearty 'AMEN'! It is about 15-20 degrees right outside my back door tonite. Without OGD, I might freeze just trying to find my way to the pillow a bit later. It is a wonderful, warm - and despite the higher proof, a real smooth friend anytime!

Good to be here - in person now - and always enjoy learning something new every night! Thanks!