Old Grand-Dad is a Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey with a history stretching back to 1882, when it was first bottled in honor of Meredith Basil Hayden Sr., a pioneering distiller from whom the brand takes its name and inspiration. Over the decades the brand changed hands several times — passing through the Wathen family and the American Medicinal Spirits Co. in the early 20th century, before eventually being acquired by Beam in 1985 as part of a larger portfolio deal. As part of the Beam portfolio alongside iconic names such as Jim Beam and Old Overholt, Old Grand-Dad is known for its high-rye mash bill, which gives it a spicier, bolder character than many of its Kentucky peers. The lineup includes expressions at 86 proof and the more robust 114 proof bottling, offering accessible price points that have long made it a favorite among value-conscious bourbon drinkers. For most of the 20th century it was regarded as a serious bourbon for serious drinkers. Old Grand-Dad stands as one of the oldest continuously recognized bourbon brands in America, with a heritage of well over 100 years. Its connection to Basil Hayden Sr. also ties it historically to another celebrated Beam brand, Basil Hayden's, making it a fascinating chapter in the story of American whiskey.