As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confidently say that Jim Beam does indeed make Old Grand-Dad bourbon. However, it's important to provide some context and history to fully understand the connection between the two brands.
Old Grand-Dad has a rich heritage that dates back several decades. It was originally produced by the Old Taylor brand, which was owned by National Distillers. In 1987, Jim Beam acquired National Distillers and became the new owners of Old Grand-Dad.
After the acquisition, it is likely that Jim Beam made the decision to switch the production of Old Grand-Dad over to their own distillate. This is a common practice in the spirits industry when a brand changes ownership or is acquired by another company. It allows the new owners to maintain consistency in the flavor profile and production process.
I must admit that I do not have access to the exact details of when Jim Beam made the switch, as this information is not readily available. However, based on the timeline of the acquisition, it can be assumed that the transition occurred sometime after 1987.
It's worth noting that Jim Beam has a long-standing reputation for producing quality bourbons, and their expertise in the industry is highly regarded. While I cannot speak to the specific taste differences between the pre-acquisition Old Grand-Dad and the current Jim Beam-produced version, it is safe to say that the brand has been in good hands.
In my personal experience, I have enjoyed both the older versions of Old Grand-Dad and the ones produced by Jim Beam. While there may be subtle differences in flavor and character, the overall quality and craftsmanship of the bourbon have remained consistent.
To summarize, Jim Beam does make Old Grand-Dad bourbon, having acquired the brand in 1987. While the exact timeline of when the switch to Jim Beam's distillate occurred is not readily available, it is likely that it happened sometime after the acquisition. Regardless of the production transition, Old Grand-Dad continues to be a beloved bourbon brand with a rich history and a reputation for quality.