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Jim Beam Black vs Old Grand-Dad Bonded
On paper Jim Beam Black and Old Grand-Dad Bonded are near neighbours — both high-rye bourbons — so proof (86 vs. 100) is what actually decides it.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Jim Beam Black | Old Grand-Dad Bonded |
|---|---|---|
| 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 +3 yr | 4 years |
| Proof | 86 proof (43% ABV) | 100 proof (50% ABV) +14 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$22 – $28 | ~$24 – $30 |
- Jim Beam Black and Old Grand-Dad Bonded do not publish an official mash bill.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 Bonded
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Jim Beam Black Old Grand-Dad Bonded
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 4/8 spice: Jim Beam Black 4 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad Bonded 8 out of 10
heat 3/6 heat: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad Bonded 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/5 sweetness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad Bonded 5 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad Bonded 5 out of 10
fruit 3/4 fruit: Jim Beam Black 3 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad Bonded 4 out of 10
nuttiness 6/5 nuttiness: Jim Beam Black 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad Bonded 5 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 Bonded: A bonded 100-proof high-rye bourbon for the price of a mixer, and one of the great bargains on the shelf. Cleaner and less overwhelming than the 114 while keeping the peppery rye backbone.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Jim Beam Black if you want the Beam house character at its most affordable and easy-going with an older age statement.
- Go with Old Grand-Dad Bonded if you want a bonded, high-rye workhorse at mixer money with more proof behind it.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, cocktails (Jim Beam Black); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Grand-Dad Bonded).