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Old Grand-Dad 114 vs Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Comparing Old Grand-Dad 114 and Old Forester 1870 Original Batch reveals a matchup between a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple and a traditional, spice-driven Kentucky staple.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Old Grand-Dad 114 | Old Forester 1870 Original Batch |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 114 proof (57% ABV) +24 proof | 90 proof (45% ABV) |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$28 – $35 ~$19 less | ~$45 – $55 |
- Old Grand-Dad 114 does 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
Old Grand-Dad 114
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Old Grand-Dad 114 Old Forester 1870 Original Batch
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
spice 9/4 spice: Old Grand-Dad 114 9 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 4 out of 10
heat 8/3 heat: Old Grand-Dad 114 8 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 3 out of 10
nuttiness 5/2 nuttiness: Old Grand-Dad 114 5 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 2 out of 10
fruit 4/6 fruit: Old Grand-Dad 114 4 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 6 out of 10
sweetness 6/7 sweetness: Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 7 out of 10
oak 6/5 oak: Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10, Old Forester 1870 Original Batch 5 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
Rye spice is the dividing line here.
- 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.
- Old Forester 1870 Original Batch: The first bottle in Old Forester's Whiskey Row Series, recreating the founder's habit of blending barrels from three warehouses. It is the lightest of the series, caramel sweet and easy.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Old Grand-Dad 114 if you want maximum rye spice and proof for under thirty dollars.
- Go with Old Forester 1870 Original Batch if you want the gentlest, most easygoing pour in the Whiskey Row Series.
Best enjoyed neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Grand-Dad 114); neat, rocks, highball (Old Forester 1870 Original Batch).