James B. Beam Distilling Co. recently released its highly anticipated Old Grand-Dad 16-Year-Old Bourbon, and it has already made waves among whiskey enthusiasts. This limited-edition bourbon, launched on October 1, honors the legacy of the Old Grand-Dad brand with a vintage-inspired twist. Aged for a minimum of 16 years, this special release was designed to capture the classic Old Grand-Dad (OGD) flavor that so many bourbon lovers hold dear.
Image credit: James B. Beam Distilling Co.
The excitement surrounding this release was palpable well before it hit shelves. Fans of the brand eagerly awaited the drop after James B. Beam Distilling Co. made the official announcement on Instagram. The bourbon world quickly buzzed with anticipation, as followers filled the comments section with praise and excitement. One Instagram user aptly summed up the general sentiment, writing, "This is gonna be gold." The bourbon was first available on September 27 at the brand's American Outpost, before its nationwide rollout in early October.
Old Grand-Dad 16-Year-Old Bourbon pays homage to the brand's legacy with its bright yellow label, a nod to the Old Grand-Dad bottles of the past. The design, combined with the long aging process and a high rye mashbill, gives this release a distinct character. At 100 proof, it promises a rich and robust flavor, true to the Old Grand-Dad reputation for delivering bold, full-bodied bourbon.
James B. Beam Distilling Co. has always been known for producing high-quality bourbon, and Old Grand-Dad has long been a beloved staple. The more accessible, entry-level Old Grand-Dad expression, typically aged for four years, has gained a large following for its approachable price and consistent flavor. Now, with the introduction of this 16-year-old limited release, the brand is offering something special for collectors and seasoned bourbon drinkers alike.
This 2024 release is a one-time-only expression, adding an element of exclusivity that has whiskey collectors scrambling to secure their bottles. The Old Grand-Dad 16-Year-Old follows in the footsteps of other vintage releases, like the Old Grand-Dad 114, which gained a reputation among bourbon enthusiasts as a highly sought-after bottle. Collectors, often referred to as “dusty hunters,” are likely to prize this new release for its rarity and vintage appeal.
The long aging process of this bourbon has allowed it to develop complex flavors. Though the official tasting notes have not been widely shared, bourbon lovers expect it to offer a rich profile with spice, oak, and the signature rye-forward character that the Old Grand-Dad brand is known for. Its 100 proof strength suggests it will deliver a bold, flavorful sip, with enough complexity to satisfy experienced palates.
When the bottles hit the market on October 1, they didn’t stay on the shelves for long. The combination of Old Grand-Dad's loyal fan base, the vintage-inspired design, and the high quality of the bourbon made this release an instant hit. As many predicted, the bourbon quickly became a collectible item, further enhancing its desirability. The retail price and availability varied by location, but that didn’t stop fans from tracking it down across the country.
For James B. Beam Distilling Co., the release of Old Grand-Dad 16-Year-Old was not just about introducing a new product. It was a celebration of the brand’s long-standing history in the American bourbon landscape. By creating a bourbon that blends the vintage spirit of past releases with modern craftsmanship, the distillery has successfully captured the essence of what makes Old Grand-Dad a beloved name in whiskey.
Reviews - How Was It Received?
SLB Drinks
In their review, SLB Drinks dives deep into their experience with Old Grand-Dad 16-Year, and it's clear they're disappointed. While they had high hopes, the bourbon failed to live up to its $199 price tag. SLB Drinks describes it as "just a slightly amped-up version" of the regular Old Grand-Dad 114, with notes of honey and orange, but lacking the depth or richness you'd expect from a 16-year-old bourbon. They sum it up by recommending viewers to "save your money" and pass on this release, emphasizing that "it’s not worth the $200 price tag."
The Mash and Drum
In his review of the Old Grand-Dad 16-Year-Old Bourbon, Jason from The Mash and Drum provides a detailed breakdown of its profile and pricing, concluding that while it has historical charm, it doesn't live up to its $200 price tag. The bourbon features a 16-year age statement, a high-rye mash bill (63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley), and a classic citrus note reminiscent of the old Grand-Dad line. However, Jason notes that the bourbon is “oak forward,” lacking complexity, and missing the “rye spice bite” that he expected from a higher rye content.
Although it carries familiar flavors such as chocolate, vanilla, and orange peel, Jason was disappointed by its limited depth, stating, “I expected a lot more complexity from something like this.” He suggests that it should be priced closer to $70-80, rating its value as below average. Ultimately, Jason recommends trying before buying at the high price, advising that “there are too many other great Bourbons” to justify purchasing this one without first tasting it.
So in conclusion, the Old Grand-Dad 16-Year-Old Bourbon release got mixed reviews. Youtube reviewers were not too impressed though maybe at a lower price tag it would have done better.
About James B. Beam Distilling Co.
James B. Beam Distilling Co. is one of the most iconic and historically significant distilleries in the world, known for its production of Jim Beam bourbon and its central role in shaping the American whiskey landscape. Founded in 1795, the distillery is located in Clermont, Kentucky, and is one of the longest continuously running distilleries in the country, despite interruptions during Prohibition. Today, it remains a leader in the bourbon industry, producing some of the most widely recognized and consumed bourbon brands globally.
The distillery’s legacy began with Jacob Beam, who sold his first barrels of whiskey in 1795, making what would eventually become known as Jim Beam one of the oldest bourbon brands in the U.S. However, it was James B. Beam, often referred to as "Jim," who rebuilt the distillery after Prohibition ended in 1933, ensuring that the family’s bourbon legacy would continue. It was under his leadership that the brand truly flourished, and it was renamed Jim Beam in his honor.
Today, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. is part of Beam Suntory, a multinational spirits company that owns a variety of premium whiskey brands, but Jim Beam remains at the heart of the distillery’s operations. Jim Beam is known for its flagship bourbon, which has a balanced flavor profile of caramel, vanilla, and oak, making it approachable for both casual drinkers and bourbon enthusiasts. The distillery’s consistent quality and affordable pricing have made Jim Beam one of the best-selling bourbons worldwide.
In addition to the core Jim Beam label, the distillery produces a range of bourbon expressions that appeal to a variety of tastes. The Jim Beam Black is a longer-aged version, offering a richer, deeper flavor with more oak influence. Jim Beam Devil’s Cut introduces a bolder, more intense bourbon by incorporating whiskey that’s extracted from the wood of the barrel staves, creating a unique and robust profile. Other expressions like Jim Beam Single Barrel and Jim Beam Double Oak offer more specialized, premium options within the brand.
Beyond Jim Beam, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. also produces other well-known whiskey brands, including Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, Booker’s, and Baker’s. These labels are part of the Small Batch Bourbon Collection, which was introduced by Jim Beam’s great-grandson, Booker Noe, in the early 1990s to showcase high-quality, handcrafted bourbons. This initiative helped to fuel the growing popularity of premium and craft bourbons in the U.S.
Knob Creek, known for its robust, full-bodied flavor, is often regarded as one of the standout brands in the small-batch bourbon category. Booker’s, named after Booker Noe, is a barrel-proof bourbon that is unfiltered and uncut, offering bourbon enthusiasts a bold and unadulterated whiskey experience.
The distillery itself has become a major tourist attraction, with its Jim Beam American Stillhouse offering tours that take visitors through the history, production process, and tasting of the distillery’s famous bourbons. The distillery also showcases its deep commitment to tradition while embracing innovation, such as using modern technology to ensure consistency and quality while adhering to time-honored practices like aging bourbon in charred new oak barrels.
The Beam family has been instrumental in preserving the legacy and quality of the distillery over generations. Today, Fred Noe, Jim Beam’s great-grandson, and his son, Freddie Noe, continue to lead the brand, ensuring that the craftsmanship and tradition behind every bottle remain intact.
In summary, the James B. Beam Distilling Co. is not only a cornerstone of the bourbon industry but a symbol of American whiskey heritage. With its roots in early American distillation and a legacy that spans over 225 years, the distillery continues to influence and lead the world of bourbon, from its widely beloved Jim Beam label to its premium small-batch offerings. Its commitment to tradition, quality, and innovation makes it a central figure in the global whiskey market.