Types, Flavors, and Recommended Ways to Enjoy Old Grand-Dad

Old Granddad is a bourbon whiskey characterized by the portrait of an elderly man on its label.

Old Granddad, meaning 'great grandfather', was named by Raymond B. Hayden in honor of his grandfather, Beazel Hayden, who was highly regarded as a bourbon whiskey maker.

While many bourbons have evolved their production methods over time, Old Granddad adheres to its traditional techniques while remaining conveniently accessible.

In this article, we introduce the types and flavors of Old Granddad along with recommended ways to enjoy it.

What is Old Granddad?

Old Grand-Dad is currently produced at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky.

In addition to Jim Beam, the distillery also houses brands such as Old Crow, with Old Grand-Dad being one of its owned labels.

Since Beam Suntory owns the distillery, Suntory is the distributor of Old Grand-Dad.

This brand, which boasts a smooth yet robust bourbon profile, continues to be favored by bourbon enthusiasts.

About Beazel Hayden, known as the 'Great Grandfather'

Old Grand-Dad means 'great grandfather,' but the portrait depicted is of Basil Hayden the individual in question.

Celebrated as a pioneer in bourbon and still acclaimed as a master distiller, Basil Hayden is cherished not only through Old Grand-Dad but also by having his name used for a brand of its own.

The name Old Grand-Dad was bestowed by Basil Hayden’s grandson Raymond B. Hayden and in honor of his grandfather.

When branding Old Grand-Dad, The Old Grand-Dad Distillery Company was established, and during Prohibition, it was sold as medicinal whiskey.

Although its inception dates back to 1796, making it over 100 years old, considering that Basil Hayden’s methods are its foundation, this bourbon whiskey boasts a history of over 200 years.

At Jim Beam, traditional craftsmanship is passed down.

The legacy of Basil Hayden—the namesake of Old Grand-Dad—and the distilling techniques passed down by his grandson, Raymond B. Hayden, are still upheld at Jim Beam.

The recipe uses a lower proportion of corn and a higher proportion of rye mash bill in its blend, thereby achieving the spicy flavor characteristic of traditional bourbon.。

Also, the numbers in the Old Grand-Dad brand name 80、114 represent the alcohol strength in proof, which are, respectively, 40 degrees and 57 degrees indicating as such.

Bonded refers to those variants produced using only whiskey matured in the same year at the same distillery and bottled at an alcohol level of 50% or higher, the Bottled-in-Bond method that meet these standards.

The varieties and flavors of Old Grand-Dad.

Let’s introduce the varieties and flavors of Old Grand-Dad.

Old Grand-Dad 80

Image credit: https://products.suntory.co.jp/d/080686406020/

As the standard bottle offering of Old Grand-Dad, Suntory the variant sold, marked as 80 (40°) by proof, takes its place.

Traditional bourbons with a higher rye content exhibit a robust spiciness along with hints of vanilla or melon-like sweetness.

Given its accessibility, this variant is recommended for those trying Old Grand-Dad for the first time.。

[SUNTORY’S WHISKY] OLD GRAND DAD (Old Grand-Dad) Bourbon Whiskey 80 [Whiskey, United States, 750ml]

created by Rinker

Suntory

¥3,150 (As of 2025/04/11 07:32:24, according to Amazon research-Details)

• Amazon
• Rakuten Ichiba

Old Grand-Dad 114

Image Credit: Amazon.co.jp

Old Grand-Dad 114 (57°) is the version bottled at a higher alcohol strength.

The higher alcohol content enhances its spiciness, resulting in a bourbon that truly expresses its distinctive character.

If you’re after a bourbon with a bold personality, looking for the higher-numbered Old Grand-Dad might be the way to go.。

Old Grand-Dad 114, 57° 750ml [Parallel Import]

created by Rinker

Old Grand-Dad

¥3,641 (As of 2025/04/11 07:32:25 Amazon research-Details)

• Amazon
• Rakuten Ichiba

Old Grand-Dad Bonded

Image credit: https://www.syurui.co.jp/products/0561

Bonded is an abbreviation for the Bottled-in-Bond method, a designation given to bourbons that meet traditional production standards.

This is a classic bourbon where a spicy aroma melds with notes of leather and tobacco, accented by a honey-like sweetness.

While Old Grand-Dad carries forward the legacy of traditional bourbon flavors, if you’re looking for a taste closer to the original style, this variant is recommended.。

Old Grand-Dad Bonded, 50° 750ml [Parallel Import]

created by Rinker

Old Grand-Dad

¥2,699 (As of 2025/04/11 07:32:25 Amazon research-Details)

• Amazon
• Rakuten Ichiba

Recommended ways to enjoy Old Grand-Dad.

Now, let’s explore some recommended ways to enjoy Old Grand-Dad.

Let’s take a closer look at each one.

Straight

To savor the traditional taste of bourbon, drinking it neat or on the rocks is fundamental.

We recommend enjoying Old Grand-Dad neat to fully appreciate its inherent flavor.。

Chaser Prepare a glass and sip slowly so as not to overwhelm your palate.

Among the Old Grand-Dad variants, the Bonded version is particularly recommended to be enjoyed neat.

This article discusses the key characteristics that make a whiskey outstanding when enjoyed neat.

What makes a good neat (straight) whisky? 4 recommended whisky brands

Watered-down

When drinking Old Grand-Dad 80 or 114, you might also try it diluted with water or as a highball, aside from neat or on the rocks.

Adding water can enhance its sweetness, so serving it with water might reveal a new facet of Old Grand-Dad.

If you find neat bourbon a bit strong or wish to experiment with other styles after trying it straight, consider having it diluted with water.。

This article provides a detailed guide on how to enjoy whiskey with water.

Recommended brands of whisky with water and their recipes!

At Last

Old Grand-Dad is a classic, spicy bourbon whiskey.

As you enjoy this brand created in homage to a great grandfather, you might also take a moment to reflect on your own grandparents.

Although its traditional flavor might seem tailored for connoisseurs, the 80 variant is widely accessible and approachable for anyone, so give it a try.