Vintage Bourbon

Old Grand Dad 86 proof from 1986 with original vintage presentation box.

The Legend of "National Distillers" High-Rye Spirit

For the "dusty" hunter, the phrase "National Distillers" is synonymous with excellence. This 1986 Old Grand-Dad (OGD) was bottled at the height of the brand’s glory at the Old Grand-Dad Distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky (DSP-KY-14).

Unlike modern iterations, the 1980s National Distillers era of OGD is world-renowned for its specific yeast strain and heavy rye mashbill that produced a flavor profile unlike anything else in Kentucky history. This 1986 vintage is one of the final expressions produced under the original ownership before the 1987 acquisition by Beam, making it a high-demand "transition era" bottle.

• The "Orange Foil" Era: This bottle comes from the era where OGD gained its reputation for a unique "butterscotch and citrus" funk. It is widely considered by historians to be a completely different spirit than the modern version.

• The Final Years of DSP-KY-14: By 1987, production moved, and the original stills were eventually silenced. This 1986 bottling captures the raw, unfiltered character of the Frankfort distillery in its final prime years.

• Investment Grade: National Distillers-era bottles have seen some of the highest appreciation in the vintage market. This particular example includes the original presentation box, adding significantly to its display and resale value.

Brand: Old Grand-Dad

Proof: 86 Proof

Jim Beam White Label Sour Mash bourbon from 1976. Comes with box. 

A Liquid Time Capsule of 1970s Americana

Step back into 1976—the year of the American Bicentennial and a pivotal moment in Kentucky distilling. This vintage Jim Beam White Label isn't just a bottle of whiskey; it is a survivor of the "Bourbon Glut," an era where high-quality, well-aged stocks were plentiful, and the "Beam Funk" was at its most traditional.

Unlike today’s mass-produced expressions, this 1976 bottling was produced using mid-century methods, featuring the classic Sour Mash process that defined the Beam family legacy for seven generations. Complete with its original period-correct box, this is a centerpiece for any "dusty" bourbon collection.

Tasting Notes (The 1970s Profile)

• Nose: A nostalgic bouquet of toasted peanuts, vanilla bean, and old cellar oak. There is a distinct "dusty" sweetness, like honeycomb and dried corn husks.

• Palate: Surprisingly creamy and oily. Notes of butterscotch and baking spices (cinnamon/clove) lead into the signature roasted nut character that modern Beam fans will find much deeper and richer here.

• Finish: Clean but warming, with a lingering hint of charred oak and caramel corn.

Vintage Brook Hill dated 1988 from glass mold stamp.  Likely source of distillation is Heaven Hill (pre-fire).

The Holy Grail of "Pre-Fire" Kentucky Spirit

For the serious bourbon historian, the year 1996 marks a tragic dividing line: the Great Heaven Hill Fire. This 1988 vintage Brook Hill was distilled and barreled nearly a decade before that historic blaze destroyed the original Seven Brothers distillery (DSP-KY-31) and its irreplaceable maturing stocks.

Identified by the 1988 glass mold stamp, this expression captures the heavy, oily, and complex character that made "Pre-Fire" Heaven Hill the stuff of legend. While the Brook Hill label has recently been revived by Rare Character, this original 1980s bottling is a true "dusty" relic—a preserved time capsule of 20th-century craftsmanship.

Historical Significance & Collector’s Notes

The Heaven Hill Connection: Brook Hill was a historic label often associated with the Keiler and Friedman families. By the 1980s, the brand was being bottled using premium stocks from Heaven Hill’s original Bardstown site.

The 1988 Glass Code: In the world of vintage spirits, the bottle tells the truth. The "88" embossed on the glass floor confirms this bottle was produced during the peak of Kentucky’s "Glut Era," when some of the finest barrels in history were being diverted into labels like Brook Hill.

Pre-Fire Profile: Unlike modern distillates, bourbon from this era is renowned for a "dusty" funk—a unique combination of butterscotch, old leather, and dense oak spice that resulted from older fermentation styles and different grain sources no longer in use.

Tasting Notes (Vintage Profile)
Nose: Deep, concentrated aromas of antique furniture polish, dark maple syrup, and sun-dried tobacco leaves.

Palate: A velvety, "chewy" mouthfeel characteristic of the era. Rich notes of burnt caramel, holiday spices, and a hint of dark cocoa.

Finish: Exceptionally long and drying, leaving a lingering trail of seasoned oak and sweet pipe tobacco.

Wild Turkey 8 Year 101 from 1984 (glass stamp)

This is a wonderful expression distilled at the famous Stitzel Weller distillery, at a time when higher proof whiskey was not popular, in fact most of the highest proof whiskey being released was either 100pf or 101pf. This was a release that came in at 107pf and some bottles came with a hang tag note that says "this is what distillers drink" because with the slightly higher proof you can generally get more flavorful and thick whiskey. Stitzel Weller brought the wheated bourbon recipe into the spotlight and now wheated bourbons are some of the most sought after style of whiskey being produced, however none are able to replicate the intricate flavors from Stitzel Weller.

IW Harper Bourbon. Box has tear at the top.

Maker's Mark from 1978

The eighth batch of the famous Jefferson's Presidential Select bourbon.  This is 100% Stitzel-Weller distillate and one of the top rated expressions by both collectors and consumers.  Batch 8 was hand selected from the best tasting barrels and is the most rare batch from all of the Jefferson's releases.  This is a MUST have for any fan of Stitzel-Weller.

The second batch of the famous Jefferson's Presidential Select bourbon.  This is 100% Stitzel-Weller distillate and one of the top rated expressions by both collectors and consumers.  Batch 1 was the first release in the 17 and 18 year bottlings, hand selected from the best tasting barrels and is the most rare batch from all of the Jefferson's releases.  This is a MUST have for any fan of Stitzel-Weller.

This bourbon whiskey is bottled at nearly barrel proof. Just a splash of Kentucky limestone water is added after a decade of aging. Rich, yet smooth, this bourbon takes a back seat to none. A sweet vanilla nose with caramel, pecan and oak wood. Smooth, mellow flavor consisting of robust wheat, cherries and oak. Features a long, smoky wheat finish with hints of fruit, spice and oak tannins.

*Must be 21 to consume alcohol

A fantastic old bottling of Weller's Antique Reserve, aged 10 years and bottled at a barrel proof of 110. Distilled and then bottled at the legendary Stizel-Weller distillery, and given the age statement, likely from stock produced by Julian Van Winkle I before his death in the mid-1960's.  The fill level shown is fairly standard for these bottlings and as we have a few available some might have a slightly better fill than what is shown.   Old bottles can unfortunately have some leakage due to old corks and seals.   We will do our best to prevent any leaking in transit however minor leaks can happen.  

One of the last years that Pappy Van Winkle 23 was bottled using Stitzel-Weller juice before Buffalo Trace began using its own barrels for producing Pappy Van Winkle.

One of the most legendary bourbons ever bottled, this 1974 A.H. Hirsch 16 Year Gold Foil is a masterpiece of rich caramel, antique oak, and elegant spice—an icon for collectors.

The first batch of the famous Jefferson's Presidential Select bourbon.  This is 100% Stitzel-Weller distillate and one of the top rated expressions by both collectors and consumers.  Batch 1 was the first release in the 17 and 18 year bottlings, hand selected from the best tasting barrels and is the most rare batch from all of the Jefferson's releases.  This is a MUST have for any fan of Stitzel-Weller.

Back in the 1960s through the 80s, distilleries were having trouble selling their whiskey in bottles so they started creating unique bottlings through the use of Decanters. Old Crow, which was owned and produced by National Distillers created a full chess set of decanter bottles, complete with all pieces and the ability to send them postage to receive a carpeted chessboard as well. The whiskey inside is 86pf and age stated 10 years, but is among some of the highest rated whiskey by vintage enthusiasts that has ever been produced.  

Note: Old decanters could possibly have some minor leakage during transit.  We will do everything to prevent leakage but some is frequently expected and we cannot be held liable for minor leakage.  Major issues - please contact us (such as decanter breakage, significant leakage) and please have pictures/video available.  

Back in the 1960s through the 80s, distilleries were having trouble selling their whiskey in bottles so they started creating unique bottlings through the use of Decanters. Old Crow, which was owned and produced by National Distillers created a full chess set of decanter bottles, complete with all pieces and the ability to send them postage to receive a carpeted chessboard as well. The whiskey inside is 86pf and age stated 10 years, but is among some of the highest rated whiskey by vintage enthusiasts that has ever been produced.  

Note: Old decanters could possibly have some minor leakage during transit.  We will do everything to prevent leakage but some is frequently expected and we cannot be held liable for minor leakage.  Major issues - please contact us (such as decanter breakage, significant leakage) and please have pictures/video available.