Four Roses vs Old Grand Dad

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:35 pm

In this direct comparison, uncover distinctions between Four Roses and Old Grand Dad, and determine which bourbon suits your taste preferences better!

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

Four Roses vs Old Grand Dad: Comparison

Four Roses: A honey and caramel aroma leads to a palate of honey, apple, and cinnamon, with a fruity and spicy finish. Smooth and versatile, ideal for sipping neat or on the rocks.

Old Grand Dad: Vanilla and rye spice on the nose, with a palate dominated by rye, oak, and sweet corn. The finish is warm and spicy. Affordable and straightforward, great for everyday sipping or cocktails.

Verdict: Four Roses offers a smooth, easy-drinking experience with a sweet and crisp profile, perfect for those who appreciate bourbon’s softer side. Old Grand Dad caters to those who enjoy the boldness of rye spice, offering a straightforward and budget-friendly option, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Sipping Bourbons under $30

Four Roses: Smooth, Easy-Drinking Bourbon for Every Occasion

• Nose: Caramel, honey, pear
• Palate: Honey, apple, cinnamon, oak
• Finish: Fruit, rye spice
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Bulleit Bourbon

Inviting Aroma: Four Roses greets your nose with a delightful sweetness, offering notes of caramel, honey, and ripe pear.

Sweet to Crisp Transition: The taste starts with a sweet and smooth character, transitioning into a refreshing apple flavor. Hints of citrus, cinnamon, and a touch of oak round out the profile.

Long and Fruity Finish: The finish lingers pleasantly, with fruity notes taking center stage and a gentle oak spice adding subtle warmth.

Easy on the Palate: While not as complex as some bourbons, Four Roses boasts a smooth texture with minimal heat and oak spice, making it highly sippable.

Versatile Enjoyment: This bourbon shines neat or on the rocks, allowing you to savor its full flavor profile. However, its lower proof makes it less ideal for cocktails where higher-proof spirits are often preferred.

A Standout in its Range: Notably, Four Roses avoids the unpleasant notes sometimes found in similarly priced bourbons. This, combined with its pleasant taste and attractive price point, makes it a competent choice for both beginners and experienced drinkers alike.

A Reliable Everyday Bourbon: Four Roses delivers a straightforward and enjoyable sipping experience, making it a great choice for everyday enjoyment as a nightcap or whenever you seek a smooth and easy-drinking bourbon.

Four Roses: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation:

• This unique bourbon is a blend of ten different straight bourbons, all crafted and aged at the Four Roses Distillery in Kentucky.
• The recipe utilizes two distinct mash bills, one featuring a higher rye content (20%) and the other with a more prominent corn base (35%).
• Five proprietary yeast strains contribute to the diverse flavor profile.
• The aging process takes place in new, American oak casks within a single-story warehouse for consistent temperature control and minimized weather impact.

This review highlights the key characteristics of Four Roses, emphasizing its approachability, smoothness, and versatility, while acknowledging its limitations for mixed drinks.

Old Grand Dad: A Smooth, Affordable Choice for Everyday Enjoyment

• 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

Appealing Aroma: Old Grand Dad greets your nose with a pleasant sweetness, offering hints of vanilla and rye spice, followed by subtle oak notes.

Rye Spice Takes Center Stage: On the palate, the rye spice comes forward, complemented by oak, sweet corn, brown sugar, and a touch of cinnamon. These flavors develop further as you savor the sip.

Warm Finish: The finish is short and warming, with a touch of oak spice bitterness. While noticeable, it’s not overwhelming.

A Straightforward Sip: While Old Grand Dad offers enjoyable smoothness and manageable heat, it might come across as slightly thin and lacking in body compared to some other whiskeys. This makes it an easy sipper, but it may not leave a lasting impression on your palate.

Mixing Potential: If you enjoy your whiskey mixed, Old Grand Dad can be a great base for cocktails like Coca-Cola or simple highballs.

A Glimpse into History:

• No age statement is present on the bottle.
• The mash bill consists of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley.
• Founded in 1882, Old Grand Dad has seen several changes in ownership throughout its history.
• The figure on the label is Basil Hayden, the first distiller to introduce rye grain to the bourbon mash bill.
• Today, it’s crafted at the Jim Beam Distillery in Clermont, Kentucky.

Remember:

• Old Grand Dad was previously bottled at 86 proof, which some drinkers may recall offering a fuller body and bolder flavor profile. The current 80 proof version reflects a shift in the industry standard.

This review aims to provide an honest and transparent perspective on Old Grand Dad, highlighting its strengths and acknowledging its limitations. Whether you’re a seasoned whiskey enthusiast or just starting your exploration, we encourage you to try it for yourself and discover your own personal take.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Bourbon	Price
Four Roses Yellow Label	$25
Old Grand Dad Bourbon	$20