Old Grand Dad 80 Proof Bourbon Whiskey (750ml)

This is the 80 proof version of one of our favourite 'house' American whiskies, Old Grand Dad 114, a Bourbon revered for its full-throttle flavour profile and unusually high proportion of rye. If one was to find any fault with the 114, it'd be the exuberant intensity, something that ought to be remedied here. Jim Murray rates the 43% bottling 90.5 points in his 2015 Whisky Bible. This slightly lower proof expression shouldn't be far off the mark. The brand's typically high mash bill is retained in a showy aroma that feels 'mature'. Pure dark rye bread notes dominate alongside hints of dried liquorice and emerging vanillas. Light and accessible on entry, but with enough rye grit and presence to bolster the intensity as it goes. Muddled mint, white pepper, with a surprising degree of oiliness retained... A flavour spike at the finish kicks the profile on with remarkable length. Easily one of the most convincing 40% bourbons going around.