Old Grand-Dad Kentucky Straight Bourbon (1970s Edition)
75.7cl / 40%
£259.00
- Cask type: American oak
- Malt type: Bourbon
- Region: USA
- Coloring: No
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A highly coveted 'dusty' bourbon, distilled by National Distillers during its pre-Beam golden era.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | National Distillers (ND, Pre-Beam Era) / USA, Kentucky |
| Category | Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (High Rye Mashbill) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | Not stated by the producer (NAS) / Distilled c. 1970s / Bottled 1970s (e.g., 1979) |
| ABV & Size(s) | 43% ABV (86 US Proof) / 75.7cl or 75cl |
| Cask / Treatment | New Charred American Oak (Standard Straight Bourbon requirement) |
| Natural Colour | Assumed Natural Colour (Not stated by the producer) |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Not stated by the producer (Likely Chill-Filtered, standard practice for 86 Proof) |
| Cask Strength | No |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer (Standard commercial export batch) |
| Intended channel | Export Market (Europe/UK) |
| Packaging | Clear glass bottle, usually with ND-era labeling |
| Notes on discrepancies | Sizes vary (75cl vs 75.7cl) depending on the export market. The value is intrinsically linked to the National Distillers era (pre-1987). |
Historical Context
The significance of this bottling is fundamentally rooted in its National Distillers (ND) provenance. ND managed the Old Grand-Dad brand until 1987, after which the rights were acquired by Jim Beam. This pre-acquisition liquid represents what is commonly referred to by connoisseurs as the "Dusty Era," characterized by specific production methodologies and mash bills, typically higher in rye content, which are believed to yield a flavour profile superior to later iterations.
The liquid contained within bottles from the 1970s was matured from spirit distilled as far back as the 1960s. During this time, the practice of filling barrels at lower entry proofs was more common than it is today. This historical distilling practice is often correlated with the intense, sought-after character found in surviving ND-era stock.
The 43% ABV (86 US Proof) was specifically selected for the export market, including the UK and Europe. This strength was formulated to present the rich, full profile characteristic of Kentucky Straight Bourbon while remaining accessible for sipping and cocktail use abroad. The strategic importance of this export line is demonstrated by its prevalence in specialist vintage markets internationally.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
This bourbon is required by US law to be a Kentucky Straight Bourbon, mandating a mash bill of at least 51% corn and maturation in new charred oak barrels. The non-age-stated (NAS) status is typical of commercial releases, but the provenance guarantees a maturation profile dating from the 1970s bottling period. The variability in size between 75cl and 75.7cl is a common feature of export formats during the metric transition era in European markets.
Documented variants
The Old Grand-Dad brand under ND produced various strengths. While the 100 Proof Bottled-in-Bond (BiB) is widely regarded as the pinnacle of ND quality, the 86 Proof (43% ABV) export version profiled here is highly valued for its balanced drinkability. Collectors should be aware of a less desirable 40% (80 Proof) version that was also bottled in the later stages of this period.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
| 43% (86 Proof) | 75.7cl / 75cl | Export (UK/EU) | ND-era labeling, often 'Export' text | High (Sought-after pre-Beam stock at drinkable proof) |
| 50% (100 Proof) | 75cl / 1L | Domestic/Bonded | "Bottled in Bond" designation, US tax strip (pre-1985) | Very High (Benchmark ND quality) |
Packaging & authenticity checklist
Authentication relies heavily on dating conventions abandoned after the 1980s.
Closure and Tax Strip: For bottles produced up until 1985, a federal tax strip running over the closure confirms the integrity of the seal. These paper strips often contain encoded distillation and bottling dates, serving as precise historical markers. A clear tax stamp is highly valued.
National Distillers Code: A key indicator of authentic National Distillers provenance (pre-1987) is the UPC code, if present. The correct ND prefix is 86259, which must be distinguished from the later Jim Beam products bearing the 80686 prefix.
Fill Level/Ullage: The condition of the cork, often deteriorated in bottles over five decades old, dictates the fill level. High fills, designated as "Into Neck," are highly desirable as they indicate optimal long-term preservation and minimal liquid loss or oxidation.
Common Mixups: Verification of the 43% ABV is crucial to avoid confusion with the lower value 40% (80 Proof) versions distributed during the same timeline.
Regulatory/terminology notes
The specification of 86 Proof is equivalent to 43% ABV. The legal requirement for "Kentucky Straight Bourbon" guarantees the integrity of the classification.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
The 86 Proof ND expression is highly regarded for its robust flavour concentration, especially at a moderate strength.
Nose: The profile is often described as complex and rich, marked by the typical "dusty" ethanol associated with older stock, alongside clear notes of vanilla, caramel, and orange. The quintessential National Distillers signature of butterscotch is prominent. Further aromatic depth includes notes of dried fruit, tobacco, and pecans.
Palate: Offers a medium, pleasing mouthfeel. The flavour delivers a focused sweetness of cane sugar, balanced by assertive spice notes including nutmeg and cinnamon. The overall taste is characterized as "old school," providing robust flavour without excessive modern polish.
Finish: The conclusion is noted as lengthy, carrying persistent oak and spice notes despite the moderate 43% bottling strength.
With water: It is suggested that at 43% ABV, dilution should be avoided or minimized, as water can easily dissipate the medium body and complex flavour structure that makes this particular vintage appealing.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
Prices are highly sensitive to the confirmed provenance from the National Distillers era and the bottling strength.
Original RRP (GBP): Not stated by the producer. (Historical retail price estimate: equivalent of GBP 5-10 in the mid-1970s).
Current UK retail range (GBP, incl. VAT): GBP 395 - GBP 450. This range reflects the premium commanded by well-preserved 43% ABV ND stock in specialist vintage retail channels.
Recent UK/EU auction range (GBP, hammer): GBP 90 - GBP 260. The 43% ABV variants consistently achieve prices in the upper quadrant.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
| Retail (Specialist UK) | Current | 75.7cl, 43% ABV | GBP 450.00 | Specialist vintage price |
| Auction (UK Hammer) | Dec 2017 | 75cl, 40% ABV | GBP 90.50 | Lower proof/lower value reference |
Pricing stratification: Prices are rigidly tied to the National Distillers pedigree. The 86 Proof variant demands a high premium over the less concentrated 80 Proof (40% ABV) version.
Liquidity & sourcing note: Liquidity is specialized and low. Sourcing requires targeting existing collections in international markets, particularly in Europe, where this export bottling was originally distributed.
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
National Distillers (ND) was historically a powerhouse in American whiskey production, renowned for maintaining quality standards that many enthusiasts argue declined after the widespread industry consolidation of the 1980s. The value of this bottling lies in its embodiment of that pre-consolidation quality.
Sourcing
Target formats/eras
Target 43% ABV expressions (86 Proof) with clear 1970s bottling characteristics and verification of National Distillers provenance.
Red flags to avoid
Low fill levels indicating possible loss or contamination. Failure to confirm the 43% ABV should be treated as acquiring the lower-value 40% product.
Condition thresholds
High fill levels (Into Neck) are necessary for premium sales. Minor wear to the tax strip is acceptable due to age, but integrity should be maintained.
Margin/velocity expectations
Low velocity, high margin product, appealing to established collectors prioritizing historical distilling standards.
