A little background
Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year is a high-rye bourbon from James B. Beam Distilling Co., bottled at 57% ABV (114 proof) and retailing for around $49.99. Built on the classic Old Grand-Dad mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley, this release takes the cult-favorite OGD 114 formula and pushes it further — hand-selecting individual barrels and giving each one a full seven years of aging before bottling. The result, according to James B. Beam Distilling, is a bourbon that delivers the bold, signature character OGD fans already love, with added depth and complexity unique to each single barrel.
For context, the standard Old Grand-Dad 114 is a batched, non-age-stated product that has long been a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts for its aggressive rye spice and approachable price point. Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year builds on that legacy by offering something more individualistic — each barrel telling its own story while staying true to the high-rye DNA that defines the lineup. At $49.99, it sits at an interesting price point for a single barrel release with a stated age, and it’s worth examining closely to see whether this bottle lives up to the reputation of its predecessor.
(Tasted neat from a Glencairn Glass)
Color
Dark Gold
| Mash Bill | Nose | Taste | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63% Corn, 27% Rye, 10% Malted Barley | Caramel, vanilla, baking spice, roasted peanuts, oak, orange citrus peel, cherry cola | Caramel sweetness, cinnamon/rye spice, peanut brittle, brown sugar, toffee, oak, vanilla cream | Cinnamon spice, oak, brown sugar, butterscotch, pepper, mild char, lingering warmth |
In closing
At the end of the day, Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year is a genuinely impressive step up from the standard batched OGD 114, and it makes a compelling case for itself at $49.99. The nose is richer and more confectionery — think peanut brittle, caramel, cherry cola, and baking spice — with a fuller, more inviting quality that the NAS version simply doesn’t match. On the palate, that unmistakable high-rye Jim Beam character comes through loud and clear: syrupy caramel gives way to peppery rye spice and cinnamon heat, with peanut brittle, brown sugar, tangerine, and vanilla cream layering in real complexity. The finish is medium to medium-long, spice-forward, and closes with cinnamon, oak, butterscotch, and a pleasant oily warmth that lingers well after the glass is empty.
Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it refines it meaningfully. If you’re already a fan of OGD 114’s bold, rye-driven profile, this single barrel expression delivers more of everything you like about it — more depth, more nuance, and more individuality — without asking you to spend dramatically more. At $49.99, Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year represents solid value in a crowded single barrel market and earns a strong recommendation for fans of high-rye bourbon.
Old Grand-Dad 114 Single Barrel 7 Year
The Good
- Solid complexity
- Value
- Age stated
The Bad
- Finish isn't super long
- Big jump in price from standard OGD 114
