Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 07:50 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 Old Crow 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
Old Crow vs Old Grand Dad: Comparison
Old Crow: A nostalgic sip with rough edges, offering vanilla, oak, and pepper notes, better suited for cocktails than solo sipping due to its spicy finish and lack of sweetness.
Old Grand-Dad: Sweet, spicy, and smooth, with hints of vanilla, oak, rye spice, and sweet corn. Great value for a budget-friendly bourbon, perfect for mixing or casual sipping.
Verdict: Old Crow evokes nostalgia but falls short in terms of smoothness and complexity, making it better suited for mixing. Meanwhile, Old Grand-Dad delivers a balanced blend of flavors at a great value, ideal for those seeking an easy-drinking bourbon without breaking the bank, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Whiskey Picks under $20
Old Crow: A Nostalgic Sip with Rough Edges (Be Gentle on Your Palate)
- Nose: Vanilla, oak, caramel, apple juice
- Palate: Oak, vanilla, pepper, clove
- Finish: Pepper, oak spice, vanilla
- Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Evan Williams
History in a bottle: Old Crow carries the weight of time, once America’s favorite bourbon enjoyed by even President Grant. But with age comes change, and its current iteration might not live up to its legendary past.
First sniff: Apple juice, vanilla, and hints of caramel offer a familiar sweetness, balanced by the presence of oak.
The sip: Brace yourself! This bourbon packs a punch. Initial warmth gives way to sharp oak spice and peppery notes, with a touch of clove and roasted peanuts lurking beneath. Sadly, the promised sweetness gets lost in the mix.
The finish: Short and fiery, leaving an unpleasant peppery and oaky aftertaste. Not exactly a smooth sipper.
Is it worth it?
Honestly, compared to other value-driven bourbons, Old Crow falls short. The harshness and lack of sweetness make it less than ideal for neat sipping.
But wait!
Old Crow shines in cocktails. Its boldness cuts through mixers, making it a decent option for budget-friendly concoctions. Or, if you’re feeling mischievous, use it for a “friend’s” blind taste test (wink wink).
The facts:
- Aged 3 years, a bit young for complex flavors.
- Mostly corn (75%) with some rye and barley influence.
- Once a champion, now a budget warrior.
- Ulysses S. Grant might have enjoyed it in a different era.
- Remember, James Crow, the skilled distiller, wouldn’t be behind this version.
Final verdict:
Old Crow offers a historical sip, but manage your expectations. While decent in cocktails, its rough edges make it a tough choice for solo sipping. Unless you’re a budget explorer or a prankster in disguise, there are smoother bourbons for your buck.
Old Grand-Dad: Sweet, Spicy, and Smooth (with a Twist)
- 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: Wild Turkey
Uncorking tradition: Old Grand-Dad, a bourbon steeped in history, offers a classic experience at a friendly price.
Honey, oak, and a rye kick: The aroma starts sweet with vanilla, taking a turn towards oak and spicy rye notes. Expect a bold rye spice on the first sip, but wait! Hints of sweet corn, brown sugar, and cinnamon peek through, creating a balanced dance.
A quick finish, but leaves warmth behind: Don’t expect it to linger, but the finish offers a pleasant warmth with a touch of oaky dryness. Not overpowering, just enough to remind you’re sipping on good ol’ American bourbon.
Great value, easy to sip: Smooth and approachable, Old Grand-Dad is a crowd-pleaser for its price tag. While it might feel lighter than some bourbons, its lack of intense heat makes it a great everyday sipper.
Mixer magic: Feeling adventurous? Try a splash of Coca-Cola for a classic bourbon and Coke combo. Simple yet satisfying!
The inside scoop:
- No age statement, but the rye influence shines through.
- Made with 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley.
- Founded in 1882, it’s seen its share of history.
- The man on the label? That’s Basil Hayden, the rye-loving mastermind behind the mash bill.
Is it for you?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, easy-drinking bourbon with a touch of rye spice, Old Grand-Dad won’t disappoint.
It’s not the most complex, but it delivers on smoothness and value.
For a bolder experience, explore other options.
But hey, for a quick, classic bourbon fix, Old Grand-Dad deserves a spot on your bar cart (or at least in your next mixer!).
What do Old Crow and Old Grand Dad have in common?
Both are crafted at the Jim Beam Distillery, located in Clermont, KY, along with the Jim Beam Bourbon, Knob Creek, Basil Hayden’s, and Booker’s.
Are Old Crow and Old Grand Dad the same bourbon?
No, the Old Crow is made from the same mash bill as the Jim Beam (low in rye), while the Old Grand Dad uses a mash high in rye (27%) making it more spicy.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price | Bottle Size |
| Old Crow | $13 | 1L |
| Old Grand Dad | $24 | 1L |