Is Old Grand-Dad 114 Being Discontinued?
Rumors Swirl: Is Old Grand-Dad 114 Being Discontinued?
Rumors have circulated for years that Old Grand-Dad 114, a beloved high-rye bourbon, might be discontinued. The latest flare-up came from a VinePair article by Robert Simonson on June 20, 2024. So, is it true? Why would Jim Beam make such a decision? And what should you do? Let's delve into the details.
A Persistent Rumor
This rumor isn't new. Major flare-ups occurred in 2017 and 2022. It resurfaced when a viewer, Chris, pointed out the VinePair article. Simonson's piece on dusty whiskey—a term for discontinued and valuable spirits—mentioned that Beam Suntory, the parent company of Jim Beam, had ceased production of Old Grand-Dad 114. However, there was no formal announcement from Beam.
Simonson didn't reveal his source or provide concrete evidence. In my research, I found no reputable sources confirming this discontinuation. Despite this, I suspect that even if it isn’t happening now, the end of Old Grand-Dad 114 is imminent.
What is Old Grand-Dad 114?
Old Grand-Dad 114 is a high-rye bourbon from Jim Beam. The label features Basil Hayden, the father of high-rye bourbon. The mash bill is 63% corn and 27% rye—double the average rye content in bourbon, typically around 13%. This bourbon is rumored to be aged 4 to 5 years, though it's a non-age-stated product. U.S. regulations ensure it’s at least 4 years old.
Economics of Discontinuation
Old Grand-Dad 114 sells for about $23 in my market. Using my calculators from my involvement with Prideful Goat, I estimate that Jim Beam values these barrels at around $925 each. However, the market rate for 4 to 5-year-old Kentucky straight bourbon is between $2,000 and $3,000 per barrel, reaching up to $5,500 recently.
Jim Beam faces a dilemma: they’re effectively selling barrels to their brand for $925, but they could fetch much more on the open market. Raising prices would harm their brand, as consumers expect value. This situation resembles Heaven Hill's strategy with their six-year bottled-in-bond bourbon. Discontinued in favor of a pricier seven-year version, they successfully managed the transition.
Potential Motives
Jim Beam might follow Heaven Hill’s example. They have other products, like Old Grand-Dad Bottled in Bond, that could capture the market share. By discontinuing Old Grand-Dad 114, they could reallocate resources and avoid brand damage from price hikes.
What Should You Do?
The rumor might be false, but there’s a chance it’s true. When rumors spread, people rush to stockpile bottles. If the rumor is false, they’re left with excess inventory. If true, they’ve secured a valuable product.
My recommendation? Balance is key. Buy enough to enjoy and hold onto for the future, but not so much that you’re disappointed if the rumor is untrue. Personally, I bought six bottles to store and one to enjoy now. At $23 a bottle, it’s a worthwhile investment either way.
In conclusion, the fate of Old Grand-Dad 114 remains uncertain. The economic pressures on Jim Beam suggest a discontinuation might be imminent, even if not confirmed. Stock up wisely, and enjoy this high-rye bourbon while it’s still available.
***UPDATE: Rob Simonson, the author of the vinepair OGD114 article, posted this update on July 11 2024 his IG : "UPDATE: so the people at Beam reached out to me to let me know that Old-Grand Dad 114 is indeed still in production and will continue to be. This despite the fact that two other people from Beam told me the opposite last March. It would be great if there was more clarity and transparency in the communications from large liquor corporations but the situation is what it is and we booze reporters do the best that we can. Sorry for the confusion. And hooray that old granddad 114 is still around!"***