Old Grand Dad 114 vs Wild Turkey Rare Breed: Comparison

Last Updated on: 9th April 2024, 08:34 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 Grand Dad 114 vs Wild Turkey Rare Breed 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

Old Grand Dad 114 vs Wild Turkey Rare Breed: Comparison

Old Grand Dad 114: Bold and spicy with notes of caramel and cherry, this high-proof bourbon is best enjoyed in cocktails.

Rare Breed: A flavorful whiskey from Wild Turkey, offering creamy vanilla and oak notes with a balanced warmth, making it a steal for its quality and complexity.

Verdict: Old Grand Dad 114 delivers a fiery punch ideal for cocktails that require a spicy kick, while Rare Breed stands out with its smoothness and value, perfect for sipping neat or on the rocks, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top-Rated Wild Turkey Whiskeys

Old Grand Dad 114: Bold & Peppery, Not for the Faint of Heart

Nose: Old leather, vanilla, cherry
Palate: Caramel, cinnamon, cherry, citrus
Finish: Long, rye spice, oak
Alcohol content: 114 proof (57% ABV)
How to drink: Cocktails
Similar to: Old Grand 100

Old Grand Dad 114 packs a punch on the nose with aged leather, vanilla, and a touch of cherry, but the ethanol is noticeable.

Get ready for a ride:

Taste: It’s oily and full-bodied, with bold flavors of sweet cherry, caramel, citrus, and cinnamon. But remember, this is 114 proof, so expect a kick.
Finish: Warm and spicy, with that classic Jim Beam peanut note.

Good for sipping? Maybe not for everyone. The high proof brings a heat that even water can’t tame. But it’s great for cocktails like Old Fashioneds, offering flavor and value.

Here’s the catch:

Not the smoothest sip: Be prepared for a spicy experience.
Better options exist: Consider its Bottled in Bond brother, known for being smoother and cheaper.

Old Grand Dad 114 facts:

Aged 4 years
63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley
Made by Jim Beam Distillery (owned by Suntory)

So, if you like your bourbon bold and spicy, Old Grand Dad 114 might be your jam. Just be aware of the heat!

Remember: Drink responsibly and explore other options from Jim Beam if you crave smoothness.

Rare Breed: Wild Turkey’s Underrated Gem

Nose: Vanilla, caramel, oak
Palate: Baking spice, burnt sugar, vanilla, oak, old leather
Finish: Vanilla, old leather, oak char
Alcohol content: 116 proof (58% ABV)
How to drink: Rocks, Cocktails
Similar to: Elijah Craig Barrel Proof

Rare Breed might not have the hype, but don’t let that fool you. This bourbon packs a flavor punch without breaking the bank.

The good stuff:

Nose: Honey, cinnamon, and toasty oak – warm and inviting.
Taste: Creamy, full-bodied, and warming. Notes of butterscotch, brown sugar, vanilla, and oak dance on your tongue.
Finish: Medium-long, warming, and flavorful. Imagine rich vanilla, old leather, and that classic Wild Turkey charred oak.

The best part?

High proof (116), but smooth: It might sound intense, but it doesn’t overpower. Sweetness balanced by wood and spice makes it surprisingly easy to sip.
Value king: Outshines many pricier bourbons, making it a steal for the quality.

Not your average Wild Turkey:

More complex and flavorful than many of its siblings.
A bit bolder, so not for the faint of heart.

The verdict:

If you’re looking for a flavorful, well-rounded bourbon that won’t empty your wallet, Rare Breed is a hidden gem. Don’t sleep on this Wild Turkey!

Bonus fact: Rare Breed is a blend of Wild Turkey aged 6-8 and 12 years, giving it depth and complexity. It even snagged gold at a major competition!

So, there you have it! A concise and engaging overview of Rare Breed, highlighting its key features and value proposition while maintaining transparency and avoiding harsh negativity. Remember, responsible drinking is always important!