Old Grand Dad 100. Meh

**atison** · 05-17-2012, 06:37 AM

So I am almost to the bottom of my Elijah Craig 12 bottle, which I am thoroughly enjoying, and I decided to line up the next bottle to follow it (I am going through the bourbons a bottle at a time to really get to know each). Was staring at the rack at the store and my eyes went down a shelf and found the Old Grandad in 100 proof. I thought I would give it a try as a frugal (as if American Whiskey is not frugal enough in the world of Whiskey's) alternative since I have heard it pop up in threads before.

I don't think I am a fan. Keep in mind I am drinking it with just a splash of filtered water (I think most folks use Grand Dad for mixing). There is something unappealing about it and I can't put my finger on it. Not much depth to it, and an almost chemical/artificial taste to it.

I am still happy with my purchase as it can move to the back of the shelf and serve as a mixer whiskey, but wanted to get this out there for those who think this could be their daily sipper. I think next time I want to go lighter on the wallet I may go for some more mainstream ones like a varietal of Beam or Jack to see if there is a viable sipping option at or below $20 (my current best value go-to is Dickel).

**Miles** · 05-17-2012, 08:01 AM

Can you get a hold of some Buffalo Trace over there? Might be a good one to add to your list.

**Slash McCoy** · 05-17-2012, 08:13 AM

I don't care for OG straight up, either. It's good in an oldfashioned, or with coke.

**atison** · 05-17-2012, 08:15 AM

Yep, had Buffalo Trace and it is on my list to return to once I have made my rounds. So far here is what my American Whiskey bar will consist of (If I can ever keep a bottle around for longer than a month or two):

Buffalo Trace
Elijah Craig
George Dickel #12
Makers Mark
Jim Beam White Label (my current mixing choice)

I have been staying in the $20-$30 range so far but looking for one or 2 below $20 to keep around and then eventually I will look for 1 or 2 in the +$30 range to keep on hand as well.

**xraygun** · 05-17-2012, 08:38 AM

I ended up buying a bottle of Woodford reserve for the Derby. They didn't have the OGD 100 or 114 at the state run store. I'd heard the Turf Club was serving it at Churchill Downs. Wow was it tasty. I highly recommend.

**bigxnyc** · 05-17-2012, 08:47 AM

Ancient Age is cheap and plays nicely with others. Virginia Gentleman is cheaper and is good with Cola.

**BlackBard** · 05-17-2012, 02:14 PM

I'd like to recommend Evan Williams Bourbon (black label). It is a surprisingly good, but cheap whiskey.

**joshmpdx** · 05-17-2012, 03:30 PM

Im in the same boat as others here. OG 100 is best for mixing and not as good as Elijah 12 for a glass straight.

Originally Posted by bigxnyc

Ancient Age is cheap and plays nicely with others. Virginia Gentleman is cheaper and is good with Cola.

Ancient Age is buffalo trace 6yr. IMHO not very good, shoot for Henry McKenna instead. But, then again, I also don't care for Buffalo Trace either.

**OldAF** · 05-17-2012, 04:56 PM

It occurs to me that the whiskeys you say you like aren't very rye heavy....Grandad is. That said, I tend to mix it with seltzer (or soda) and ice. It was my go to drink in clubs because it's so difficult to screw up something that simple. Sadly, they still managed it now and then.

**xraygun** · 05-17-2012, 09:20 PM

I just remembered what I love the OGD Bonded 100 for. You mix it with Lapsang Souchoung tea on ice. Holy Smokey Moley is that good.

**CGBradley** · 05-20-2012, 03:18 PM

If I were to make a recommendation or two:
For inexpensive, try Weller or Old Forester. For more expensive, try Basil Hayden or Bernheim. Also, since you are close to Northern Kentucky, sneak across the border and look for all of the decent mid-priced craft bourbons that have sprung up lately. Of those, I think I am most interested in trying Town Branch, which I understand is fantastic and, at least here in bourbon country, is generally less than $30.

**joshmpdx** · 05-20-2012, 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by CGBradley

If I were to make a recommendation or two:
For inexpensive, try Weller or Old Forester. For more expensive, try Basil Hayden or Bernheim. Also, since you are close to Northern Kentucky, sneak across the border and look for all of the decent mid-priced craft bourbons that have sprung up lately. Of those, I think I am most interested in trying Town Branch, which I understand is fantastic and, at least here in bourbon country, is generally less than $30.

Wow, I'd love to try some of the crafters stuff. Is there anything of note worthy for the discerning pallets here at B&B? websites by chance?

**CGBradley** · 05-21-2012, 08:29 AM

Well, Rowan's Creek is pretty decent I think. Depending on what you like, Willett Family Estate (I have the 15 year) is packed with flavor, but also a bit harsh and high on alcohol content. I've not yet tried Johnny Drum Special Reserve, but I understand it's a great bourbon for under $30.00. Also, if you can find it, Weller 20 year is basically Pappy Van Winkle 20 year at less than half the price. What else would you recommend?

**atison** · 05-22-2012, 06:21 AM

Threw some Old Grandad 100 over ice last night and it fared much better. Let it sit for a bit so that ice could melt a tad and it was quite enjoyable. Not nearly as much as the Elijay Craig or as my new bottle of Jim Beam Black (really like this one for the price).

It will still hang out in the back for mixing purposes but I am starting to see where/how it shines.

**joshmpdx** · 05-22-2012, 10:22 AM

Originally Posted by CGBradley

Well, Rowan's Creek is pretty decent I think. Depending on what you like, Willett Family Estate (I have the 15 year) is packed with flavor, but also a bit harsh and high on alcohol content. I've not yet tried Johnny Drum Special Reserve, but I understand it's a great bourbon for under $30.00. Also, if you can find it, Weller 20 year is basically Pappy Van Winkle 20 year at less than half the price. What else would you recommend?

I'd love to hear more about this statement.

**CGBradley** · 05-22-2012, 11:27 AM

This is information gathered from a bartender friend at a local bourbon focused bar/restaurant -- I have had Pappy, but not the William Larue Weller. However, from what I gather, there is not much difference between William Larue Weller (which is not aged 20 years as I originally believed, but rather generally is aged on the order of 13 or 14 years -- there was a Weller 19 year, which is what I was remembering, though it is very difficult to find) and Pappy Van Winkle 20 in terms of taste or quality. For all intents and purposes, the fancy Weller is uncut unfiltered Pappy. As a result, the Weller is probably not quite as smooth as Pappy, but the overall flavor is supposed to be quite similar. Maybe this is not surprising, as they both are now distilled by Sazerac (i.e. Buffalo Trace). Anyway, if and when I get my hands on the William Larue Weller, I will report back.

**Stevew443** · 05-22-2012, 02:22 PM

When I could drink, I dearly loved Virginia Gentleman with just a touch of water. It was inexpensive and quite tasty.

**beeranon** · 05-24-2012, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by OldAF

It occurs to me that the whiskeys you say you like aren't very rye heavy....Grandad is. That said, I tend to mix it with seltzer (or soda) and ice. It was my go to drink in clubs because it's so difficult to screw up something that simple. Sadly, they still managed it now and then.

Now I'll have to pick up a bottle of OGD this weekend, as I'm a big rye fan.

I just looked through my whiskey notes, and one <$30 bourbon I'd add is the Evan Williams Single Barrel. I find it much tastier than the black label, and still a good buy.

**LegendofVogel** · 05-24-2012, 03:31 PM

Elijah Craig is by far my favorite bourbon. Haven't tried OGD but I am poor, and for bargain bourbons I like Evan Williams, both black and 100 proof. Jim Beam Black and Devil's Cut are really good too. Ancient Ancient Age is very good I hear and can be had for less than $20 where i'm at, its next on my list.