Inexpensive, tasty 100 proof bourbon?

[mozilla]

The point should hit home with the budget minded man who might be even the slightest bit crafty....mix one bottle of straight bourbon with two bottles of cheap vodka....and voila...blended whisky for a fraction of regular price. Mix in more vodka for a liter flavor.

I don't know how to spread the word to all the whisky green horns? I tried to educate as many drinkers as I could while on the sales side of the counter, but there is just so much misinformation pumped into the system already.

[CorvallisCracker]

Mix in more vodka for a liter flavor.

You mean it would taste more metric?

[mozilla]

You mean it would taste more metric?

Sorry,

I was thinking Miller Lite-r. Or, in other words...worse.

Thanks for keepin tabs on my spillin'.

[shoshani]

So, having just returned from a local neighborhood liquor store where I plunked down the princely sum of $16.99 plus Chicago and Cook County taxes, I can seriously recommend Old Grand-Dad Bottled In Bond.

Yes, Beam makes it, but they haven't let it go to swill the way they did Old Crow and Taylor. This actually tastes like OGD, and not only has a lot of fruity muscle from the rye but also has a musty caramel sweetness in its aftertaste, which if I recall from my wayward youth is a hallmark of the OGD profile of 20 years ago.

Points also for historical continuity in one respect: Beam's OGD is bottled at the old National Distillers OGD plant, DSP-KY-14.

I also picked up a bottle of Old Fitz BiB for $12.00. It's inexpensive, I will give it that. And its label is pretty. It's also quite thin in body (most older style Bonded bourbons tend to be just a slight bit syrupy with a heavier mouthfeel) and is sort of a firewater with wood flavoring. That "whisper of wheat" actually shouts fairly loudly until it spends a few more years in the barrel...

Unrelated and off-topic: I also picked up Old Overholt out of curiosity. I immediately emailed Jim Beam to ask why oh why won't they bottle this at at least 90, preferably 100? It has potential, but really tastes diluted. I'd love to get my hands on some BiB Overholt from 50-60 years ago to see what it was like in its heyday.

[mozilla]

Yes, Beam makes it, but they haven't let it go to swill the way they did Old Crow and Taylor. This actually tastes like OGD, and not only has a lot of fruity muscle from the rye but also has a musty caramel sweetness in its aftertaste, which if I recall from my wayward youth is a hallmark of the OGD profile of 20 years ago.

Points also for historical continuity in one respect: Beam's OGD is bottled at the old National Distillers OGD plant, DSP-KY-14.

I found the current OGD Bib to be flat and uninspiring. I won't go as far as to say that it was swill, but I don't think it holds a candle to even the 86 proof ND juice. I don't remember any "musty" flavors from the ND distillate. I remember that it had lots of soft fruit and was very balanced between the caramel, barrel flavors and rye spice. There are lots of very mellow floral notes that cannot be found in the current rendition.

Also, lots of Beam products make an appearence at the OGD plant. It is a huge and bussling facility. I wish they gave tours there.....but, alas....Beam is not concerned with the opinions of yours truely.

[spun_cookie]

I found the current OGD Bib to be flat and uninspiring. I won't go as far as to say that it was swill, but I don't think it holds a candle to even the 86 proof ND juice. I don't remember any "musty" flavors from the ND distillate. I remember that it had lots of soft fruit and was very balanced between the caramel, barrel flavors and rye spice. There are lots of very mellow floral notes that cannot be found in the current rendition.

Moz,

I second that. All of teh older OGD that I have been fortunate to taste is remarkable. Good depth, and a wonderful taste profile... I have had many of the 2000 and newer OGDs and I have not been happy.

[shoshani]

It could be that I got an "off" bottle, then It reminded me very much of a 1979 bottle I finished not too long ago. I was pleasantly surprised.