Old Grand Dad vs Jim Beam: Bourbon Comparison

Last Updated on: 10th April 2024, 12:04 am

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 Jim Beam vs Old Grand Dad in this head-to-head 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

Jim Beam vs Old Grand Dad: Comparison

Jim Beam: A staple in the bourbon world, Jim Beam presents a familiar blend of caramel, vanilla, and light spice. Perfect for those who seek a reliable bourbon for cocktails, offering a sweet foundation with a peppery twist. Its straightforward profile and affordability make it a go-to for casual mixing.

Old Grand Dad: Offers a smooth, spicy sip with a balance of sweet corn and rye spice, making it a versatile choice for both neat sipping and cocktail crafting. Its affordability and approachable flavor profile make it a commendable option for those exploring bourbon or seeking a budget-friendly pour.

Key Fact: Kentucky cousins, Jim Beam & Old Grand Dad share a distillery but not a taste. Old Grand Dad packs a spicy rye punch, while Beam leans smoother with less rye in its mash bill. Different recipe, different spirits!

Verdict: Jim Beam and Old Grand Dad serve different purposes; Jim Beam shines as a cocktail base with its sweet and buttery notes, while Old Grand Dad provides a slightly more complex sip with its rye-forward character, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best Jim Beam Picks

Jim Beam: A Familiar Friend, Needs More Flair

Nose: Caramel, vanilla, hay, corn
Palate: Toasty oak, peanut, vanilla, black pepper, oak spice
Finish: Short-lived, caramel, oak spice
Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
How to drink: Cocktails
Similar to: Four Roses

Sweet & Buttery: Jim Beam opens with a classic corn syrup aroma, layered with creamy vanilla and butterscotch. A whisper of alcohol peeks through, reminding you it’s a drink, not a dessert.

Light & Peppery: Take a sip and it feels thin on the tongue. Sweet corn, vanilla, and butterscotch return, now joined by a sprinkle of black pepper. A quick flash of acetone might appear, a sign of its youth. Don’t worry, it fades fast. The signature Beam peanut pops in, subtle but recognizable.

Warm & Short: The finish is quick and spicy, leaving a sweet warmth along with oaky bitterness and lingering pepper. Think of it as a friendly handshake, not a lingering hug.

Good for Mixing, Not Sipping: Jim Beam shines in cocktails! Its sweetness and light body blend well with mixers, making it a go-to for classics like whiskey sours and highballs. But neat or on the rocks, it might leave you wanting more. The sweet start fades, leaving warmth and pepper as the main course.

The Lowdown:

Mashbill: 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley
Aged: 4 years in new charred oak barrels
Fun fact: It’s the world’s best-selling bourbon (not Tennessee whiskey!)

In a Nutshell: Jim Beam is a reliable, budget-friendly bourbon. It’s perfect for mixing up your favorite cocktails, but might not impress neat sippers. Its sweetness fades into warmth and pepper, leaving a short finish. While not a standout, it’s a familiar friend for casual drinks and good times.

Old Grand Dad: A Smooth Sip with Room to Grow

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: Four Roses

Sweet & Spicy: Old Grand Dad hits your nose with a friendly vanilla wave, followed by a touch of oak and rye for a bit of peppery kick.

Spicy Start, Sweet Finish: Take a sip and the rye spice takes center stage, warming your tongue before sweet corn, brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon join the party. The finish is quick and smooth, with a gentle oak warmth that lingers.

Easy on the Wallet, Easy on the Palate: Affordable and smooth, Old Grand Dad goes down easy without any harsh bite. However, it’s on the lighter side, lacking the depth and complexity of some pricier options.

Mix It Up! While enjoyable neat, Old Grand Dad truly shines in cocktails. Its spice and sweetness play well with cola in a classic whiskey and Coke, or add it to simpler cocktails for a flavorful boost.

The Lowdown:

Age: No statement, but likely young
Mashbill: 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley
Founded: 1882 (seen a few owners!)
Face on the label: Basil Hayden, the rye-loving founder

In a Nutshell: Old Grand Dad offers a pleasant, uncomplicated sip for beginners and budget-conscious drinkers. While it might not impress whiskey connoisseurs, its smooth taste and mixability make it a solid choice for everyday enjoyment.