OGD proof change?

[SFS]

He must be 114 years old.

[Josh]

So, any suggestions as to what I should ask when I'm on the line?

[cowdery]

Sure, when and why? And "what, if anything, still makes Old Grand-Dad premium?"

[JPBoston]

Depressing news.

Whatever, Beam. You win... I don't care anymore.

[CoMobourbon]

Better to drop the 86 than the BIB or the 114....but damn, I hate this trend.

+1.

I consider downgrading the OGD 86 least of many possible evils. But that's probably because I only get the BIB or the 114.

Edited March 8, 2013 by CoMobourbon

[unclebunk]

By the way, STOP with the OGD threads, just STOP!:hot: You're like my kids, stop messing around, you're going to ruin it.

I kinda had the same thought. The next guy to mention OGD 114 gets a free groin kick!

[p_elliott]

Why don't these distilleries just go out and shoot theme selves in the foot. 20 years ago they were going broke and didn't know what to do now they are making money hand over fist and are breaking their necks to find out how to go broke.

[MauiSon]

I guess I'll lay in another bottle or two of the ole agent 86.

[squire]

I'd stock up on the 114 if I were in stocking mode.

[Brisko]

On the one hand, this is bad for those of us who don't like watered down whiskey. On the other hand, it doesn't affect me directly because I never bought OGD 86. Same with the age statement on BH. If that's what it takes to keep cranking out OGD 114 and BiB, I'm okay with that.

But there is a devil/angel on my shoulder telling me to stock up on the 114.

[squire]

I vote for Angel.

[cowdery]

Here's an official answer from Beam:

"This was an adjustment that happened mid-year 2012 to address certain factors particular to the Old Grand Dad brand, including maintaining a competitive retail price amidst higher input costs, while continuing to meet surging demand among bartenders and consumers in Old Grand Dad Bonded – which is 100 proof and one of very few bonded products out there. It should also be noted that Old Grand Dad’s signature high-rye mash bill – which has certainly set the brand apart from most other Kentucky Straight Bourbons in the last few decades – has not changed (and will not change)."

Although they don't say so, I think we can safely extrapolate that keeping the more profitable BH and 114 supplied played into it as well. Because OGD and BH are the only products that use that juice, they have to make adjustments within the family. Dropping the 86 to 80 was probably the least painful option and although none of us like the symbolism of it, none of us--even OGD fans--drink the 86.

Edited March 8, 2013 by cowdery

[jburlowski]

The 80 has appeared on local shelves... apparently in replacement for the 86.

[squire]

Did they keep the same price?

[jburlowski]

Did they keep the same price?

[TheNovaMan]

I went to my favorite store today, and the "regular" OGD handle they had was 86 proof, but the 750s were 80 proof.

[squire]

So I'm taking a wild guess here by saying you bought the 86.

[TheNovaMan]

Actually, I didn't; I've never had OGD 86, and I don't want to get hooked on something I can't get anymore. BUT, if there's another member who has need of it (I think I remember someone's wife likes it quite a bit), I'd be more than willing to help out.

[squire]

I'd pick it up anyway if the price is good. I haven't had any particular reason to buy the 86 but since it's going out the door . . .

[Lazer]

I'd stock up on the 114 if I were in stocking mode.

[Restaurant man]

I know I speak for everyone when I say that basil Hayden is the only bunker able bourbon on the shelves today :cool::grin::slappin::skep:

[White Dog]

I know I speak for everyone when I say that basil Hayden is the only bunker able bourbon on the shelves today :cool::grin::slappin::skep:

I concur! And let me add any Turkey bottled at 81pr, Old Crow Reserve, and anything Michter's, since they're the first American maker of anything.

[Josh]

Whoever it is didn't call me yesterday like she or he said, but I do currently have a voicemail on my phone from someone with a 312 area code that was left at dinner time. Think I'm gonna let it sit there for a while.

[zillah]

Next time I see a friend buy BH I am going to laugh now. Both NAS, 80 proof and same juice? Beam is passing a fast one on the uninformed. This has left me concered for my beloved BIB. I am gonna have to stock up me thinks.

[cowdery]

The statement says what the statement says, but I think the biggest reason was price and profitability. Beam, and perhaps others, seem to have come to the conclusion that for any bourbon in the popular price segment or below, having a proof above 80 is just leaving money on the table.