Old Overheat 114 Proof

Old Overholt and Old GrandDad live in the same space in my mind. If you asked me to describe a hypothetical Old GrandDad Rye, it would be Old Overholt. They are both BeamSuntory brands that were purchased back when Beam swallowed National Distillers back in the 1980s. They were both pretty well ignored for a very long time with only sporadic marketing pushes. Both of the standard releases were 80 proof and bottom-shelf. Though Old GrandDad had a bonded release. Eventually, Old Overholt did as well. And for both of them, the Bonded was hands down better than the standard release.

Until very recently, one difference between the two was that Old GrandDad also had fan-favorite Old GrandDad 114. Something that until a couple of months ago, Old Overholt did not have. But now in addition to the new 114° proof release, Old Overholt Rye is getting a well-deserved push from owner BeamSuntory. The branding has been updated for the entire line. And even more exciting, the standard release got a proof bump from 80° proof to 86° proof.

Old Overholt used to be something that was easy to ignore. The 80 proof was a meh at best. After tasting all three over the weekend (114, Bonded, and the new 86° proof) I have to say I like where the brand is heading. With the falvours of Mint, savory herbs, vanilla, cherry.