The Best Bourbon For Old Fashioned: Elevate Your Cocktail Game
Few cocktails embody the essence of bourbon quite like the Old Fashioned. A simple yet elegant mix of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and citrus, it's a timeless classic that has graced bar counters and home gatherings for generations. But within this basic template lies a world of opinions and flavor, particularly when it comes to selecting the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned. The choice of bourbon isn't just a preference; it's the very soul of the drink, dictating its character, depth, and overall enjoyment.
Whether you're a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just beginning your journey into the world of mixology, understanding which bourbon makes the best Old Fashioned is crucial. Ask any professional in the business to name the best spirit for a recipe, and you’ll be met with a master class in mixology. We've consulted with bartenders from across the country who have offered to guide us through a few of their favorite bourbons to use when mixing an Old Fashioned, ensuring you pick the bourbon that best matches your personal preference and elevates your cocktail experience. Cheers to crafting the perfect drink!
Table of Contents:
- Understanding the Old Fashioned: A Classic Reimagined
- What Makes a Bourbon "Best" for an Old Fashioned?
- Expert Picks: Bartenders' Top Bourbons for Old Fashioneds
- Other Top Contenders for Your Old Fashioned
- Beyond the Bottle: How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned
- Budget-Friendly Bourbons for Your Old Fashioned
- Rye vs. Bourbon in an Old Fashioned: A Quick Note
- Sipping vs. Mixing: Versatility of Your Chosen Bourbon
- Conclusion: Your Journey to the Perfect Old Fashioned
Understanding the Old Fashioned: A Classic Reimagined
The Old Fashioned isn’t just a cocktail; it’s a cultural cornerstone, a testament to simplicity and the power of well-chosen ingredients. Its enduring popularity stems from its straightforward elegance and its ability to truly highlight the spirit at its core. But what exactly is it, and why does the bourbon choice matter so profoundly?
The Simple Art of the Old Fashioned
Essentially just a slug of bourbon (or rye whiskey) that’s been lightly sweetened with sugar and modified with a couple dashes of bitters, it’s dead simple to make. The classic recipe involves muddling sugar, Angostura bitters, and a splash of water (or a sugar cube with bitters directly). Ice and whiskey are then added, and the drink is gently stirred to combine. A garnish of an orange peel or cherry completes this iconic drink. This minimalist approach means there's nowhere for subpar ingredients to hide. Every component, especially the main spirit, must pull its weight.
Why Bourbon Matters in Your Old Fashioned
The bourbon is the canvas upon which the other flavors paint. It provides the base notes, the backbone, and the primary aromatic profile. Therefore, selecting the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned is essential for crafting a perfect Old Fashioned. A weak or unbalanced bourbon will result in a flat, uninspired drink, while a robust, characterful bourbon will sing in harmony with the sugar and bitters, creating a symphony of flavors. It's about finding a bourbon that can stand up to the dilution of ice and the assertive nature of the bitters, yet still allow its inherent complexities to shine through. The best bourbon for Old Fashioned has to have a good balance of sweet and spicy that is strong enough to elevate the taste of the Old Fashioned cocktail.
What Makes a Bourbon "Best" for an Old Fashioned?
When we came up with the idea to find the perfect bourbon for an Old Fashioned, there was a lot of back and forth discussion. "Okay, it’s going to be X bourbons, and we need to include the really popular bottles," I said, as we started planning. But beyond popularity, what characteristics truly define the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned?
The Delicate Balance of Sweet and Spicy
The ideal bourbon for an Old Fashioned should offer a compelling interplay of sweetness and spice. Bourbon, by definition, is made from at least 51% corn, which imparts a natural sweetness, often with notes of caramel, vanilla, and honey. However, a good bourbon also has a spicy kick, derived from rye (if present in the mash bill) or from the oak barrels during aging, presenting notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, or black pepper. This balance is critical. Too sweet, and your Old Fashioned might become cloying. Too spicy, and it could overwhelm the delicate balance of the cocktail. The goal is a bourbon that contributes depth and complexity without dominating the other ingredients.
Proof and Flavor Impact in Your Cocktail
Proof plays a significant role. A higher proof bourbon (typically 100 proof or above) tends to hold its own better against dilution from ice. As the ice melts, it slowly releases water into the drink, softening the edges and opening up new flavors. A lower proof bourbon might become watery and lose its character too quickly. However, it's not just about raw alcohol content; it's about how that proof carries the flavor. A higher proof can deliver a more robust flavor punch, ensuring the bourbon's essence remains prominent throughout the drinking experience. Choose a bourbon with a strong, bold, and balanced flavor. You don't have to spring for a top-shelf bottle if you don't want to, but avoid using anything you wouldn't want to sip by itself.
Expert Picks: Bartenders' Top Bourbons for Old Fashioneds
Ask 10 bartenders and you’ll probably get 10 different answers when it comes to the single "best" bourbon. The jury is out, but here are the bourbons that some of the nation’s top bar pros recommend for Old Fashioneds, as well as what makes them so perfectly suited for this classic cocktail. In my list of the best bourbons for an Old Fashioned, I add some tasting note comments for you to help you pick the bourbon that best matches your personal preference.
Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve: A Sweet & Dynamic Pop
In my opinion, the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned is Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve. This bourbon makes a sweet and dynamic Old Fashioned. Knob Creek is usually on the sweeter side in terms of flavor profile, but this expression comes in at 120 proof, which gives your Old Fashioned a nice pop. But it’s not too much spiciness. Its sweet oak aromas work perfectly in the cocktail, adding layers of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of charred wood that complement the bitters beautifully. The higher proof ensures it stands up to dilution, maintaining its robust character from the first sip to the last. It's a favorite for its ability to deliver a full-bodied experience without overpowering the delicate balance of the drink.
Other Top Contenders for Your Old Fashioned
While Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve holds a special place, many other bourbons consistently earn high marks from bartenders and enthusiasts alike for their performance in an Old Fashioned. These are the most popular bourbons used by bartenders to make an Old Fashioned cocktail, selected for their flavor impact and mixability.
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon: This flagship bourbon from the Kentucky distillery of the same name is produced in batches of no more than 40 barrels. It's often cited as the "best overall bourbon for an Old Fashioned" by many. It offers a classic profile of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of spice, making it incredibly versatile and consistently reliable. Its approachable proof (90 proof) makes it smooth enough for sipping but robust enough to carry the cocktail.
- Four Roses Small Batch: Known for its delicate balance and floral notes, Four Roses Small Batch brings a unique elegance to the Old Fashioned. It's a blend of four distinct bourbon recipes, resulting in a complex yet harmonious flavor profile with hints of fruit, spice, and soft oak. It creates a refined and nuanced Old Fashioned that's perfect for those who appreciate subtlety.
- Old Forester 100 Proof: A fantastic workhorse bourbon, Old Forester 100 Proof offers a bolder, spicier profile that truly shines in an Old Fashioned. It delivers notes of rich caramel, deep vanilla, and a pronounced rye spice that cuts through the sweetness of the sugar and complements the bitters. It’s a favorite for those who like their Old Fashioned with a bit more punch and character.
- Wild Turkey 101: This high-rye bourbon offers a bold and spicy kick, along with classic notes of vanilla and caramel. Its higher proof (101 proof) ensures it doesn't get lost in the mix, providing a robust backbone for the cocktail. It’s a go-to for many bartenders due to its consistent quality and assertive flavor profile.
- Woodford Reserve Distiller's Select: Often praised for its smooth and complex character, Woodford Reserve brings a rich, fruit-forward profile with notes of dried fruit, mint, and tobacco. It creates a sophisticated Old Fashioned that is both approachable and deeply flavorful. Its balance makes it an excellent choice for those seeking a premium experience without overwhelming intensity.
- Elijah Craig Small Batch: This bourbon is celebrated for its deep, rich flavors of vanilla, caramel, and toasted oak, often with a hint of cinnamon. It’s a well-aged bourbon that provides a smooth yet robust foundation for an Old Fashioned, offering a warm and inviting character that makes for a truly comforting drink.
These are just a few of the 12 best bourbons to use in your next Old Fashioned. Each offers a slightly different take on the classic, allowing you to explore the fascinating world of bourbon, a crucial ingredient in creating an Old Fashioned with its various flavors ranging from smooth and sweet to bold and spicy.
Beyond the Bottle: How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned
Choosing the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned is key, but the technique also matters. This classic Old Fashioned recipe with many exciting variations will make you an Old Fashioned cocktail pro in no time.
Classic Bourbon Old Fashioned Recipe:
- Ingredients:
- 2 oz (60ml) of your chosen best bourbon for Old Fashioned
- 1 sugar cube or 1/4 oz (7.5ml) simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Large ice cube or sphere
- Orange peel for garnish
- Instructions:
- If using a sugar cube, place it in an Old Fashioned glass. Add 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters directly onto the sugar cube, then add a tiny splash of water (about 1/4 tsp) and muddle until the sugar is dissolved into a paste. If using simple syrup, add the syrup and bitters directly to a mixing glass.
- Add bourbon to the mixing glass (or directly into your Old Fashioned glass if you muddled there).
- Fill 3/4th of the mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until the mixing glass is chilled and the bourbon is sufficiently diluted (about 30-60 seconds, depending on the ice and desired dilution). This gentle stirring is crucial for proper integration and chilling without over-diluting.
- Strain the cocktail into a fresh Old Fashioned glass over a large, fresh ice cube or sphere. A large ice cube melts slower, ensuring your drink stays cold without becoming watery too quickly.
- Garnish with an expressed orange peel. Twist the peel over the drink to release its aromatic oils, then drop it into the glass.
Closeup glass with alcohol in cocktail bar – this is the moment of truth, where your careful selection of the best bourbon for Old Fashioned truly pays off.
Budget-Friendly Bourbons for Your Old Fashioned
You don't have to spring for a top-shelf bottle if you don't want to make an excellent Old Fashioned. There are many fantastic, affordable options that still deliver the necessary flavor impact. The best cheap bourbon for an Old Fashioned often punches above its weight, providing great value without compromising the integrity of the cocktail. Bourbons like Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond, Old Grand-Dad Bonded, or even standard Maker's Mark can produce a very satisfying Old Fashioned. The key is to find a bourbon that you genuinely enjoy sipping on its own, as this indicates it has enough character to stand up in a cocktail.
Rye vs. Bourbon in an Old Fashioned: A Quick Note
While this article focuses on the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned, it's worth noting that the Old Fashioned can also be made with rye whiskey. Consisting of rye or bourbon whiskey, the Old Fashioned is made by muddling sugar, Angostura bitters, and water. Rye whiskey typically offers a spicier, drier profile compared to bourbon's sweeter, corn-driven notes. The best rye whiskey for an Old Fashioned will bring a sharper, more peppery kick, which some prefer for a more assertive cocktail. Examples include Rittenhouse Rye or Old Overholt. Experimenting with both rye and bourbon can help you discover your ultimate preference for this versatile drink.
Sipping vs. Mixing: Versatility of Your Chosen Bourbon
A true mark of a great bourbon for an Old Fashioned is its versatility. The bourbons included in this list of best bourbon for Old Fashioned are also great for sipping. This means they possess enough complexity, balance, and smoothness to be enjoyed neat or with a single ice cube. If a bourbon tastes good on its own, its inherent qualities will translate beautifully into a cocktail. This also means you're investing in a bottle that serves multiple purposes in your home bar, offering value beyond just mixing. It's a win-win: a delightful sipping experience and the foundation for an exceptional Old Fashioned.
Conclusion: Your Journey to the Perfect Old Fashioned
The quest for the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned is a delightful journey of discovery. It’s a testament to the idea that simple ingredients, when chosen with care and combined with precision, can create something truly extraordinary. We’ve explored what makes a bourbon ideal for this classic cocktail, from the crucial balance of sweet and spicy to the impact of proof, and highlighted some of the top 10 bourbons for Old Fashioned cocktails recommended by industry professionals.
Ultimately, the "best" bourbon for an Old Fashioned is subjective and comes down to your personal palate. We encourage you to experiment with different bottles, compare their profiles, and discover which one truly sings for you. Remember, the goal is to choose a bourbon that elevates the taste of the Old Fashioned cocktail, making each sip a moment to savor. So, grab your mixing glass, pick a bourbon from our concise guide that lists the best bourbons for Old Fashioned, and embark on your own path to crafting the perfect Old Fashioned. Cheers to the end of the year and the beginning of another year of exquisite cocktails!
What’s your go-to bourbon for an Old Fashioned? Share your favorites and why you love them in the comments below!
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