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Woodford Reserve vs Old Grand-Dad 114
Comparing Woodford Reserve 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 | Woodford Reserve | Old Grand-Dad 114 |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | High-Rye Bourbon | High-Rye Bourbon |
| Mash Bill 1 | 72% corn, 18% rye, 10% malted barley | 63% corn, 27% rye, 10% malted barley |
| Age | No age statement | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 114 proof (57% ABV) +24 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$35 – $42 | ~$28 – $35 ~$7 less |
- 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
Woodford Reserve
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Old Grand-Dad 114
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Woodford Reserve Old Grand-Dad 114
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 4/8 heat: Woodford Reserve 4 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 8 out of 10
spice 6/9 spice: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 9 out of 10
fruit 6/4 fruit: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 4 out of 10
nuttiness 3/5 nuttiness: Woodford Reserve 3 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 5 out of 10
sweetness 6/6 sweetness: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10
oak 6/6 oak: Woodford Reserve 6 out of 10, Old Grand-Dad 114 6 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Woodford Reserve: The most widely poured premium bourbon in America, and a genuinely well-made one. Dried fruit and cocoa over a balanced 18% rye mash, finished smooth enough to please almost anyone.
- 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 Woodford Reserve if you want a polished, widely available crowd-pleaser that never puts a foot wrong.
- Go with Old Grand-Dad 114 if you want maximum rye spice and proof for under thirty dollars.
Best enjoyed neat, rocks, old-fashioned, cocktails (Woodford Reserve); neat, old-fashioned, cocktails (Old Grand-Dad 114).