Friends, anonymous internet people, John from work, you have failed me. I was told that Old Grand-Dad 114 had great value-to-buck ratio. I was told this bottle was on its way to tater town. I was told that microwaving my cell phone would charge it.

Lies. All lies.

The most interesting thing about the bottle is that it’s near barrel proof (57% alcohol), and at $30, it’s one of the cheaper bottles for its strength. But if more alcohol content meant “better,” Uncle Dick wouldn’t be banned from Thanksgiving dinner.

Nose

Nothing distinctive. Classic high-rye bourbon smells.

Palate

The palate leads with notes of ouch. Then sweet, then there’s a rye spiciness, then there’s ouch again.

Finish

Short to medium and ouch.

Bottom Line

5/10. Old Grand-Dad 114 is not notable or distinctive tasting, but it is one of the cheaper whiskies out there for being near-barrel strength. I’ll give it that.

But query… should it be such high proof? The common sentiment seems to be that the higher the proof, the better. I’m not so sure I agree with that. A higher proof is good if it brings out more flavor in the whiskey relative to burn, but if it just amps up the burn without doing much to flavor then what’s the point? That’s the case here – this stuff drinks hot. I tried this stuff with a splash of water added and it was definitely better. Still nothing special, especially since $30 isn’t actually that cheap and there are a lot of options in that price range.