The Old Crow distillery officially closed its doors in 1987 when it was purchased by the Jim Beam Distilling company. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I have always been fascinated by the history and evolution of different spirits, and the closure of the Old Crow distillery is a significant event in the bourbon industry.
It is interesting to note that when Jim Beam acquired the distillery and Old Crow label, they made the decision to immediately shut down distilling operations at that location. This move was likely driven by various factors such as efficiency, consolidation, and cost-saving measures. By centralizing production at the Jim Beam distillery, they could streamline operations and utilize their existing facilities and resources more effectively.
As a result of this decision, the production of the Old Crow brand was moved to the Jim Beam distillery. This meant that the bourbon being produced under the Old Crow label was now made using the same mash bill as Jim Beam's white label bourbon. The mash bill refers to the combination of grains used in the production process, which typically includes corn, barley, and rye or wheat. This change in production location and mash bill composition may have had an impact on the flavor profile of Old Crow.
Another notable difference between Old Crow and Jim Beam is the age of the bourbon. Old Crow is generally younger compared to Jim Beam, which means it spends less time aging in oak barrels before being bottled. Aging is a crucial step in the bourbon-making process as it allows the spirit to develop more complex flavors and smooth out any harsh edges. The younger age of Old Crow may result in a slightly different taste compared to Jim Beam, with potential variations in richness and depth of flavor.
Furthermore, the bottling strength of Old Crow is consistently at 80 proof, while Jim Beam offers a range of proof variations across its different expressions. Proof refers to the alcohol content of a spirit, with 80 proof indicating that the bourbon is 40% alcohol by volume. The decision to bottle Old Crow at a specific proof may have been a deliberate choice by Jim Beam to maintain consistency and ensure a certain level of smoothness and drinkability.
The Old Crow distillery closed its doors in 1987 when it was acquired by the Jim Beam Distilling company. The production of Old Crow was subsequently moved to the Jim Beam distillery, where it is now made using the same mash bill as Jim Beam white label bourbon. Old Crow is younger, spends less time aging, and is consistently bottled at 80 proof. These factors may contribute to slight variations in flavor compared to Jim Beam, offering bourbon enthusiasts a unique tasting experience.