The Old Fashioned cocktail is one of the most enduring drinks in the world of classic cocktails. Its simplicity—comprised mainly of whiskey, bitters, sugar, and a garnish—lets the quality of the whiskey shine through. As a result, choosing the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned is crucial. The right bourbon can elevate the drink, enhancing its smoothness, flavor, and overall enjoyment. But with so many bourbons available, how do you choose the one that’s perfect for this timeless cocktail?
Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
This guide will cover the essential factors to consider when selecting a bourbon for an Old Fashioned, list some of the best bourbons in various price ranges, and provide frequently asked questions. By the end, you’ll be equipped to choose the best bourbon for your Old Fashioned, whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a casual cocktail enthusiast.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bourbon for Old Fashioned
Before diving into specific bourbon recommendations, it’s important to understand the key characteristics that make a bourbon ideal for an Old Fashioned.
1. Flavor Profile Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
Bourbon, with its rich caramel, vanilla, and oak flavors, is the foundation of the Old Fashioned. A good bourbon for the cocktail should have a balanced flavor profile that isn’t too sweet or overpowering. The drink should complement the bitters and sugar rather than compete with them.
2. Proof Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
The proof (alcohol content) of bourbon plays an important role in the balance of flavors. Old Fashioned recipes often call for a 2:1 ratio of bourbon to sugar and bitters, so a higher-proof bourbon can stand up to the sweetness and bring more depth to the drink. Generally, a bourbon with a proof between 90 and 100 is a good choice.
3. Age Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
The age of the bourbon can influence its smoothness and complexity. A younger bourbon might be brighter and spicier, while an older one will offer deeper, more nuanced flavors. For an Old Fashioned, many bartenders prefer bourbons with a middle-range age, typically around 4-8 years old, which provides a good balance of smoothness and character.
4. Price of Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
While premium bourbons are fantastic, you don’t necessarily need to break the bank for a great Old Fashioned. Mid-tier bourbons often provide a good mix of quality and affordability. However, for a top-tier Old Fashioned, it’s worth considering splurging on a higher-end bottle.
5. Mixability of Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
Bourbon for an Old Fashioned should be easy to mix and interact well with the bitters and sugar. A bourbon with too much complexity might overshadow the cocktail’s other components, while one that’s too simple might lack the richness that an Old Fashioned demands.
Below is a curated list of the best bourbons for an Old Fashioned, broken down by price categories to suit various budgets and preferences.
Budget-Friendly Bourbons ($20-$40)
- Buffalo Trace Bourbon
- Price: ~$25
- Flavor Profile: Rich vanilla, caramel, and a hint of spice.
- Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: Buffalo Trace is a well-balanced, affordable bourbon that delivers smoothness and depth without overpowering the other ingredients. Its slightly sweet character blends perfectly with sugar and bitters, making it an excellent choice for a classic Old Fashioned.
- Evan Williams Black Label of Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
- Price: ~$20
- Flavor Profile: Light caramel, oak, and mild spice.
- Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: A very affordable option, Evan Williams Black Label offers solid bourbon character at a budget price. Its smoothness and light body allow the bitters and sugar to shine through without being too overwhelming, making it a great base for an Old Fashioned.
- Old Forester 86 Proof of Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
- Price: ~$23
- Flavor Profile: Rich oak, caramel, and soft spice.
- Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: Old Forester’s 86-proof offering is a versatile and smooth bourbon with enough flavor to create a memorable Old Fashioned. Its slightly spiced finish and vanilla notes make it an ideal choice for mixing.
Mid-Range Bourbons ($40-$60)
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon of Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
- Price: ~$45
- Flavor Profile: Vanilla, caramel, dried fruit, and toasted oak.
- Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: Woodford Reserve is a premium choice that provides a rich and rounded flavor profile. It’s smooth with a bit of spice, making it an excellent choice for Old Fashioneds, particularly when you want a more refined taste.
- Four Roses Yellow Label of Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
- Price: ~$30
- Flavor Profile: Floral, fruity, and hints of honey and spice.
- Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: Four Roses Yellow Label is a great option if you prefer a slightly sweeter Old Fashioned. Its floral and fruity notes bring complexity and a touch of sweetness that complement the sugar and bitters perfectly.
- Bulleit Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
- Price: ~$40
- Flavor Profile: Spicy rye, oak, vanilla, and a bit of citrus.
- Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: Bulleit Bourbon’s higher rye content gives it a distinct spicy kick, making it ideal for those who prefer a more robust and flavorful Old Fashioned. The boldness of Bulleit balances nicely with the drink’s other ingredients.
Premium Bourbons ($60 and Above)
- Blanton’s Single Barrel Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
- Price: ~$65
- Flavor Profile: Rich caramel, honey, and a touch of spice.
- Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: Blanton’s Single Barrel offers a refined flavor profile with depth and complexity. It’s smooth, with a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it an excellent choice for a high-end Old Fashioned.
- Evan Williams Single Barrel Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
- Price: ~$45
- Flavor Profile: Vanilla, oak, honey, and dark fruit.
- Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: This single-barrel bourbon offers great depth of flavor without being overly expensive. Its richness adds an extra layer of sophistication to an Old Fashioned.
- Maker’s Mark 46
- Price: ~$50
- Flavor Profile: Vanilla, caramel, oak, and a hint of spice.
- Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: Maker’s Mark 46 has a deeper flavor profile compared to regular Maker’s Mark, due to additional aging with oak staves. The result is a bourbon with rich caramel and vanilla notes that complement the bitters and sugar perfectly in an Old Fashioned.
- Pappy Van Winkle’s Family Reserve (15 Year)
- Price: ~$200+
- Flavor Profile: Oak, vanilla, caramel, dark chocolate, and a complex finish.
- Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: For the ultimate luxury Old Fashioned, Pappy Van Winkle is hard to beat. Its complex, nuanced flavors bring unmatched richness to the cocktail, but due to its rarity and high price, it’s more of an occasional splurge for bourbon connoisseurs.
How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned
While choosing the right bourbon is crucial, mastering the craft of making an Old Fashioned is equally important. Here’s a simple and classic recipe for an Old Fashioned:
Ingredients of best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube (or 1/2 tsp simple syrup)
- 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange peel (for garnish)
- Ice (preferably a large cube)
Instructions of Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
- Muddle the Sugar and Bitters: In an old-fashioned glass, place the sugar cube and bitters. Muddle them together until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Add Bourbon: Pour the bourbon over the muddled sugar and bitters mixture.
- Stir and Add Ice: Stir gently to combine the ingredients. Add one large ice cube or several smaller cubes.
- Garnish: Express the oil from an orange peel over the drink by twisting it over the glass. Drop the peel into the glass as a garnish.
- Serve: Serve and enjoy!
The Old-Fashioned is a cocktail that has stood the test of time, rooted in simplicity yet filled with complex flavors. At the heart of an Old-Fashioned lies the bourbon, the key ingredient that sets the tone for the drink’s profile. Finding the best bourbon for an Old-Fashioned can elevate this cocktail to a new level, balancing notes of sweetness, spice, and richness. From affordable options to top-shelf choices, there’s a bourbon for every taste, making the selection process both exciting and essential.
What Makes a Great Bourbon for an Old-Fashioned?
To craft the perfect Old-Fashioned, it’s essential to choose a bourbon that complements the cocktail’s classic components: sugar, bitters, and a citrus twist. Great bourbons for this cocktail typically offer:
- Balanced Flavor Profile: Notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak blend smoothly with the cocktail ingredients.
- Body and Texture: A good bourbon has enough body to stand up to the bitters and sugar without being overpowered.
- Finish: Bourbons with a lingering finish provide a richer drinking experience, especially with the slow dilution from ice.
How to Choose the Right Bourbon for Your Old-Fashioned
Finding the right bourbon means understanding your preferences in flavor, strength, and even spice levels. Here are a few pointers:
- Proof Level: Many prefer higher-proof bourbons (around 100 proof), as the flavors hold up better against dilution from ice.
- Smoothness vs. Spice: For a smoother drink, opt for a bourbon with a higher corn content. For added spice, a high-rye bourbon is ideal.
- Budget Considerations: There are quality bourbons at every price point. Affordable options can still deliver a great experience, especially when mixed.
Top Bourbon Brands for an Old-Fashioned
From big names to artisanal distillers, these bourbon brands are loved for their unique qualities:
Classic Choices of Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
- Buffalo Trace: Smooth with caramel and vanilla, offering consistency and depth.
- Woodford Reserve: Known for its full-bodied, complex flavors with notes of chocolate and spice.
Contemporary Favorites of Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
- Elijah Craig Small Batch: A balance of sweetness and oak, versatile for cocktails.
- Four Roses Single Barrel: Offers bold, fruity notes with a hint of spice, ideal for an enhanced Old-Fashioned.
Best Affordable Bourbons for Old-Fashioned
Sometimes, you don’t need to break the bank to create a delicious Old-Fashioned. These options offer quality without the high price:
- Evan Williams Black Label: A budget-friendly choice with a balanced profile of honey, oak, and caramel.
- Wild Turkey 101: Affordable with high proof, it holds up well in cocktails without losing its character.
Best Premium Bourbons for an Elevated Old-Fashioned
For a special occasion, these high-quality bourbons bring luxurious depth:
- Blanton’s Single Barrel: Known for its complexity, with notes of nutmeg, vanilla, and a smooth finish.
- Angel’s Envy: Finished in port barrels, adding unique depth with hints of dark fruit.
Smoothest Bourbons for an Old-Fashioned
Smooth bourbons can make the cocktail more accessible, especially for those new to whiskey-based cocktails.
- Basil Hayden’s: Offers a gentle, slightly sweet taste with hints of light spice, making for an easy-drinking Old-Fashioned.
- Maker’s Mark: Its wheat-based recipe creates a smooth, round flavor profile that is approachable yet flavorful.
Best Rye Bourbons for a Spicy Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
If you enjoy a bit of spice, rye-forward bourbons can transform the Old-Fashioned:
- Bulleit Bourbon: With a high rye content, it brings bold spice and a bit of a kick to the drink.
- Old Forester Rye: Combines spicy rye notes with bourbon sweetness, giving a layered complexity.
Best High-Proof Bourbons for the Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
High-proof bourbons offer robustness that holds up well in a cocktail like the Old-Fashioned:
- Knob Creek 120 Proof: Rich and full-bodied with intense flavors, perfect for those who like a bold drink.
- Wild Turkey Rare Breed: A barrel-proof option that offers intense oak, caramel, and spice, delivering a powerful Old-Fashioned.
Best Craft Distiller Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
For those who appreciate unique, small-batch selections, craft distillers provide interesting alternatives:
- New Riff Bottled in Bond: Aged four years and offers notes of vanilla and spice, balancing well with bitters and sugar.
- Rabbit Hole Kentucky Straight Bourbon: Adds floral and citrus notes that add brightness to the cocktail.
Old-Fashioned Cocktail Recipe Using Bourbon
To create the classic bourbon Old-Fashioned:
Popular Old-Fashioned Variants Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
For those wanting to experiment, consider these twists:
- Smoked Old-Fashioned: Smoke the glass for an added layer of flavor.
- Maple Old-Fashioned: Replace sugar with maple syrup for a sweet, rich twist.
Frequently Asked Questions on Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
What type of bourbon is best for an Old-Fashioned?
A balanced bourbon with a mix of sweet, oak, and spicy notes works well. Brands like Woodford Reserve and Buffalo Trace are popular choices.
Can I use rye whiskey instead of bourbon in an Old-Fashioned?
Yes, rye whiskey offers a spicier, bolder flavor compared to bourbon. Bulleit Rye is a common rye option for this cocktail.
Is high-proof bourbon better than an Old-Fashioned one?
Higher-proof bourbons hold their flavor better against ice dilution, adding intensity. However, they may not suit everyone’s taste preference.
What garnish goes best with a bourbon Old-Fashioned?
Classic garnishes include an orange twist or a cherry. For a modern twist, try a smoked garnish.
Can I use flavored bourbon in an Old-Fashioned?
Yes, but it changes the drink’s profile. Flavored bourbons can add depth but may overpower the classic taste.
What glass should I use for an Old-Fashioned?
Serve it in a heavy, short glass, often called an Old-Fashioned or rocks glass, to highlight the drink’s flavors and presentation.
Conclusion on Best Bourbon for Old-Fashioned
Choosing the best bourbon for an Old-Fashioned is a journey of personal taste, exploration, and enjoyment. From affordable options to luxurious bottles, there is a bourbon that suits every style and preference. Whether you prefer smooth and sweet, high-proof and bold, or a rye-forward spice, the right bourbon will enhance this classic cocktail. For a true Old-Fashioned experience, try experimenting with different bourbons to find the one that perfectly balances with bitters, sugar, and a hint of citrus, bringing the cocktail to life.