Harry Truman's Go-To Bourbon Brands Are Still Beloved Today

Unlike some presidents associated with rare Madeiras or carefully cultivated luxury tastes, Harry Truman preferred straightforward all-American spirits. The 33rd President and Missouri native was known for imbibing his bourbon on the regular, with a special fondness for both Old Grand-Dad and Wild Turkey. According to his Pulitzer-prize-winning biographer David McCullough, Truman had a pretty killer morning routine when he stayed at his winter vacation retreat in Key West, Florida. He'd begin his days early with a shot of Old Grand-Dad, then go for his morning constitutional with staff and Secret Service. Once he was back and refreshed, breakfast with eggs, bacon, and toast would follow.

As a Missouri native, Truman wasn't too far from the bourbon capital of the world, Kentucky. The brown water was the regional spirit of choice throughout the Midwest and border states in the early 20th century. Truman's love for Old Grand-Dad ran so deep that his presidential library, the "Little White House," has enshrined the bottle in a display in the porch bar room. Happily, his two favorite brands are still fixtures on liquor shelves today. 

The Hayden family began bottling Old Grand-Dad back in 1882, and actually named the bourbon after their very own grandpa, a farmer-distiller himself. Though grand-dad's expression has changed throughout the years, his portrait is still featured on bottles today. Wild Turkey also has roots dating back to the 19th century.

Harry Truman definitely wasn't drinking alone in the White House. He and his wife, Bess, were fans of the Old-Fashioned, and even had their own twist on it. According to historians, Bess didn't like her drinks sweet, so the traditional maraschino cherry and orange slice were tossed. The Trumans liked their drink stiff and lightly seasoned: just a wee bit of sugar and a few shakes of bitters were all they added. Though it sounds simple, bitters actually have quite an impact on cocktails. Truman's penchant for Wild Turkey is a little less documented, but it makes sense he'd be drawn to another spicy, high-proof, and unapologetically American spirit. 

Both Old Grand-Dad and Wild Turkey went through some tough times to end up where they are today. Both brands endured Prohibition, WWII industrialization, and being tossed aside during the late 20th century when vodka and gin took over America's liquor cabinets. Old Grand-Dad has retained a loyal following among bartenders and bourbon traditionalists, beloved for its spicy rye flavor and always-affordable price point. Both often appear on lists for best brands for bourbon on a budget. 

In recent years, bourbon's revival brought renewed attention to both brands. If you're looking for an affordable, heritage brand without too much fussiness, Old Grand-Dad and Wild Turkey are certainly two bourbons with deep roots, consistent quality, and deeply American identities.