Old Grand-Dad Bourbon Whiskey

Product Description

Old Grand-Dad: Named for a Legend, Built with His Recipe in Mind

When Raymond B. Hayden decided to distill his own bourbon in 1882, he set out to make it worthy of the man who taught him the craft, his grandfather, Basil Hayden Sr., a well-known and respected distiller in his own right. Raymond named the brand Old Grand-Dad in tribute, and a fanciful portrait of Basil Hayden Sr. has appeared on every bottle ever since. The brand survived Prohibition, produced under medicinal license by American Medicinal Spirits Co., before passing through the Wathen family, National Distillers, and eventually landing with Beam Suntory, where it's produced today at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky.

What's remained consistent through all that history is the mash bill: Old Grand-Dad is a genuine high-rye bourbon, built with roughly 27% rye, well above what most bourbons use for their secondary grain. That higher rye content delivers real spice and structure, black pepper, baking spice, and a firmer backbone than a typical wheated or low-rye bourbon offers, while still keeping the classic caramel and vanilla character bourbon drinkers expect. It's a genuinely old-school profile from a brand that's been quietly making bourbon since before most of today's "craft" labels existed.

Whether you're a fan of high-rye bourbon looking for real spice and value, or simply curious about a name with real 19th-century roots behind it, Old Grand-Dad delivers honest, straightforward bourbon character at an approachable price.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Spicy black pepper from the high-rye mash bill, alongside sweet corn, new oak, black cherries, vanilla, and baking spice.

Palate: Mellow and balanced, with sweet corn, black pepper, caramel, vanilla, and gentle leather.

Finish: Lingering leather, black pepper, and tobacco leaf notes.

Food Pairings

Old Grand-Dad's spicy, peppery character pairs well with classic Southern fare. Try it alongside smoked ham, aged cheddar, or a charcuterie board with black cherries and toasted nuts.

Serving Suggestions

Old Grand-Dad is a genuinely versatile bourbon, equally good neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a Manhattan or Old Fashioned, where its higher rye content adds real backbone to the cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Old Grand-Dad a "high-rye" bourbon? Its mash bill contains roughly 27% rye, notably higher than many traditional bourbons, contributing a spicier, more peppery character than a standard low-rye or wheated recipe.

What is the alcohol content? 40% ABV (80 proof).

Who was Basil Hayden? A respected 19th-century Kentucky distiller. His grandson, Raymond B. Hayden, founded Old Grand-Dad in his honor, and his portrait appears on every bottle.

Are there other proof options? Yes. Old Grand-Dad is also released at 100 proof (Bonded) and 114 proof, both bolder expressions of the same high-rye recipe.

How should I enjoy it? Neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a Manhattan or Old Fashioned.

Explore More

Looking for more exceptional Kentucky bourbon? Shop our full Bourbon collection to discover more standout single barrel and small batch releases.

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At Quality Liquor Store, we guarantee the authenticity and quality of every bottle we sell. All of our products are sourced directly from authorized distributors, and every order is carefully packaged to arrive safely at your door. Shop with confidence knowing your bourbons are in good hands.