Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year Bourbon Review

Every bourbon drinker seems to have that one bottle they recommend when someone asks for the best value on the shelf. For a lot of people, that bottle is Old Grand-Dad 114.

Known as a favorite among bartenders and service industry folks, it brings plenty of proof, plenty of flavor, and usually leaves enough money in your pocket for another bottle. In a world obsessed with unicorn hunts, there's something refreshing about a bourbon that's simply good, available, and affordable.

The Bottle

Distillery: Jim Beam Distillery

Release: 2026 Release

Classification: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Proof: 114 (57% ABV)

Age: 7 Years

Mash Bill: 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley

MSRP: $50

First Impression: Burnt orange and warm baking spices rise from the glass before seasoned oak rounds out a pleasant, inviting nose.

On the Palate: Rich caramel arrives first, followed by cinnamon and dark molasses as lingering oak adds depth and structure.

The Last Sip: Anise and brown sugar slowly give way to an earthy finish that hangs on long after the sip is gone.

Final Thoughts

Given the reputation Old Grand-Dad carries, it was a no-brainer that bourbon fans would be eager to get their hands on this latest expression. The real question is whether this single barrel release does enough to separate itself from the standard 114 and establish itself as something truly special.

For now, I'm left thinking maybe not.

The bottle reviewed here came from Lot No. 001, and I'm sure these will fly off shelves initially before settling into a more regular rotation. At its $50 price point, it's a welcome addition to the Old Grand-Dad lineup and easy enough to recommend if you come across one. That said, I wouldn't be chasing it down or paying secondary market prices just yet.

I'm looking forward to future lots and curious to see how the profile evolves over time. For now, the original Old Grand-Dad 114 remains one of the best values in bourbon, and this single barrel release hasn't done quite enough to knock it off that pedestal.

Recomendation

🟡 Try at a Bar