Basil Hayden vs Old Grand Dad: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 09:10 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.

Discover the differences between Basil Hayden’s vs Old Grand Dad in this in-depth comparison and decide which bourbon is better for You!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Basil Hayden’s vs Old Grand Dad: Comparison

Basil Hayden’s: Offers a unique blend of fruity flavors with a light, refreshing finish, but may fall short for those seeking depth at its price range. Perfect for those enjoying lighter, fruitier bourbons.

Old Grand Dad: An affordable, rye-forward bourbon that’s smooth but lacks complexity. Ideal as a mixer or for those new to bourbon looking for an easy introduction without a big investment.

Key Fact: Basil Hayden’s and Old Grand Dad are both high-rye bourbons from Jim Beam, sharing the same mash bill and bottled at 80 proof; they differ in aging, with Old Grand Dad aged for at least 2 years and Basil Hayden’s for 6-8 years, affecting their flavor profiles and mouthfeel.

Verdict: Basil Hayden caters to those who appreciate a lighter, fruitier profile in their bourbon, while Old Grand Dad serves as a solid, budget-friendly option for everyday sipping or cocktails. Each has its niche, with Basil Hayden offering a distinctive taste experience and Old Grand Dad providing value and versatility, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Basil Hayden: Fruity Charm or Overpriced Sipper?

Nose: Apple, floral, rye spice
Palate: Oak, cherry, spice, pineapple
Finish: Medium, vanilla, apple
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Neat
Similar to: Jim Beam

Smell: Think tropical vacation! Juicy apples dipped in pineapple juice with a hint of spicy rye, like cocktail cherries soaked in the good stuff. Inviting and different.

Sip it: Light on the tongue, with initial oak and cereal grain flavors giving way to sweet cherry. Imagine summer fruit salad meets bourbon.

Finish it: Quick fade with lingering apple, pineapple, and a whisper of rye. Not deep, but refreshing and light.

The verdict: Smooth and easy on the palate, with unique fruity notes and minimal bite. But…

It’s a lightweight: Thin in texture and short in finish, lacking the depth and complexity of other bourbons at its price point.

Style over substance? The attractive bottle and cool name might not match the actual taste experience for the money.

Bonus facts:

63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley mash bill.
No age statement, but the rye influence is subtle.
Launched in 1992, honoring the rye-loving distiller Basil Hayden.

So, should you try it?

Love fruity, easy-drinking bourbons? Give it a whirl!
Prefer bolder flavors and complex finishes? Maybe look elsewhere.
Open to something different but value taste over presentation? Consider exploring other options.

Remember, the best bourbon is the one you enjoy most. Basil Hayden offers a unique fruity sip, but keep its thin texture and short finish in mind before you buy.

Old Grand Dad: Smooth Sipper or Mixer Must-Have?

Nose: Vanilla, oak, rye spice
Palate: Rye spice, oak, sweet corn, brown sugar, cinnamon
Finish: Short-lived, warm, spicy
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Add water
Similar to: Evan Williams

Sniff it: Sweet vanilla and rye spice mingle with a touch of oak. Pleasant, familiar, but maybe not mind-blowing.

Sip it: Rye takes center stage, joined by oak, sweet corn, and hints of brown sugar and cinnamon. Smooth, but thin and a bit watery.

Finish it: Quick fade with lingering oak warmth and a touch of spice. Not complex, but well-balanced.

The verdict: Easy-drinking and affordable, but lacking in depth and body. Think “everyday sipper” rather than a flavor explosion.

Mixer magic: This is where Old Grand Dad shines! The lower proof and smooth notes make it a great base for cola, ginger ale, or even whiskey sours.

Lower proof, lower impact: Compared to its former 86-proof version, the current 80-proof feels lighter and less flavorful.

Bonus facts:

No age statement, but the rye influence is clear in the taste.
63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley mash bill.
Founded in 1882 and seen several ownership changes over the years.
The man on the label? Basil Hayden, the rye pioneer!

So, should you try it?

Looking for a budget-friendly sipper to mix with Coke? Go for it!
Prefer richer, bolder flavors? This might not be your top choice.
Open to exploring rye-forward bourbons? Give it a shot, but keep your expectations in check.

Remember, the best bourbon is the one you enjoy most. While Old Grand Dad delivers on affordability and smoothness, it doesn’t hit the mark for complexity or body. Try it neat first, then mix it up and see how you like it!