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Jim Beam Black vs Old Grand-Dad 114
Comparing Jim Beam Black and Old Grand-Dad 114 reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Old Grand-Dad 114 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 75% corn, 13% rye, 12% malted barley | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | 7 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 114 proof (57% ABV) +28 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 ~$7 less | ~$28 – $35 |
- Jim Beam Black and Old Grand-Dad 114 do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-08; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Jim Beam Black
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Grand-Dad 114
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Old Grand-Dad 114
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/9 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 9 out of 10
heat 3/8 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 8 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 4 out of 10
nuttiness 6/5 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
The gap between these two is mostly about spice.
- Jim Beam Black: The extra-aged version of the white label and a considerable step up for a few dollars more. Softer and rounder than Knob Creek with the same family peanut note, at a proof that keeps everything gentle.
- Old Grand-Dad 114: The best proof-per-dollar in American whiskey and it is not especially close. The 27% rye mash at 114 proof is loud, peppery and completely unsubtle, which is exactly why it makes such a good old-fashioned.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going.
- Go with Old Grand-Dad 114 if you want maximum rye spice and proof for under thirty dollars.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Grand-Dad 114).