Who Owns Old Grand Dad bourbon?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

Old Grand-Dad bourbon is currently owned by Beam Suntory, a global spirits company that is known for its extensive portfolio of iconic brands. Despite being one of the oldest and most storied bourbon brands, Old Grand-Dad seems to receive little attention from bourbon enthusiasts and minimal marketing effort from its current owner.

Beam Suntory, formed in 2014 through the merger of Beam Inc. and Suntory Holdings Limited, is a leading player in the spirits industry. The company boasts a diverse range of well-known brands, including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, and Yamazaki, among others. While these brands receive significant marketing focus and attention, Old Grand-Dad seems to be somewhat overlooked.

It is not uncommon for large spirits companies to prioritize certain brands over others in their portfolio. This can be due to various factors, such as brand strategy, market demand, or profitability. In the case of Old Grand-Dad, it could be that Beam Suntory has chosen to allocate its marketing resources to other brands that are more popular or have a higher growth potential in the current market.

Old Grand-Dad has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. It was originally founded by Raymond Hayden in 1840 and was named after his grandfather, Basil Hayden. The brand has since changed hands multiple times, with ownership passing through various distilleries and companies over the years. In 1987, Old Grand-Dad became part of the Jim Beam portfolio when the Beam family acquired National Distillers, the previous owner of the brand.

Despite its ownership changes, Old Grand-Dad has maintained its unique character and reputation for producing high-quality bourbon. It is known for its bold and robust flavor profile, with a higher rye content compared to other bourbons. Old Grand-Dad offers a range of expressions, including Old Grand-Dad Bonded, Old Grand-Dad 114, and Old Grand-Dad 80 proof.

While Old Grand-Dad may not receive as much attention as some of Beam Suntory’s other brands, it still has a loyal following among bourbon enthusiasts. Many people appreciate its classic and traditional bourbon characteristics, as well as its affordability. It is often considered a hidden gem in the bourbon world, with its understated marketing allowing the bourbon itself to speak for its quality.

Old Grand-Dad bourbon is owned by Beam Suntory, a prominent spirits company. Despite its rich history and reputation, the brand receives relatively little attention from bourbon enthusiasts and limited marketing effort from its current owner. However, Old Grand-Dad continues to be appreciated by those who seek out its distinct flavor profile and value for money.