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Owner → Beam Suntory ◊ Chicago, Illinois

Distillery → Jim Beam American Stillhouse ◊ Clermont, Kentucky

80 Proof ⇔ Aged 3 years

$9.99/ 750 mL

—From Beam Suntory—

 Old Crow Bourbon is named for the inventor of the sour mash process, Dr. James C. Crow. In fact, in 1835 Old Crow bourbon was the first bourbon to begin using this process that today, has become a standard in the bourbon industry. Old Crow is the original sour mash bourbon.

Old Crow is one of the most historic bourbons. It was served in the presidential homes of Andrew Jackson, William Henry Harrison, and Ulysses S. Grant. Old Crow was enjoyed and praised by the likes of Walt Whitman, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, Jack London, and Mark Twain.

During the Civil War, regiments from both the North and the South frequently received rations of bourbon. Some historians like to argue that General U.S. Grant received more than his fair share, although his drinking has always been exaggerated. Legend has it that after the battle of Shiloh, in which the Union suffered staggering losses, Grant’s critics came out in legion and went to President Lincoln and demanded Grant’s head, charging that he lacked leadership and drank too much. Lincoln, always a Grant supporter, was reported to have said, “Find out what kind of whiskey he drinks, and send a barrel to my other generals.”

Grant, of course, drank Old Crow.

*Research Notes*

  • The Old Crow recipe today is same mash bill as Jim Beam, only aged less–albeit still in new oak barrels!
  • The sour mash technique really is credited to its namesake the Scottish chemist, James Crow.
  • During the last half of the 20th century, the original recipe (presumably the one that was imbibed by the famous 19th century figureheads) was lost.  The one we drink today isn’t the same.
  • Beam Suntory  also owns and distills our #4 seed Jim Beam and our #3 seed Old Grand-Dad.

*Tasting Notes*

via Modern Thirst

  • Appearance: Pale yellow.
  • Nose: Leather, some faint vanilla, and Earthiness.
  • Taste: A sharp bite on the tip of the tongue, corn, leather, very little oak or age.
  • Finish: Short finish, with some acrid hints on the middle of the tongue and a quick, sharp bite.

©LilLeePhotography