Introduction: best bourbon for old fashioned
In the world of classic cocktails, few drinks stand taller than the Old Fashioned, both in flavor and in simplicity and elegance. But the thing that makes it unforgettable isn’t surprising at all: bourbon. The best bourbon for old, crowded bars.
Old-fashioned values mean more than just price or popularity. It’s about balance, personality, and how each bottle marries with sugar, bitters, and citrus.
In this guide, we will be looking at the bourbons that stand out in an Old Fashioned. You’ll also discover how to mix them right, what flavor profiles marry best, and even a few insider tips for the perfect pour.
What Makes a Bourbon Good for an Old Fashioned
Picking the right bourbon for an old-fashioned is as much about flavor, proof, and texture. Your cocktail contains only three things outside of bourbon, so the whiskey isn’t hiding anywhere in its personality.
Proof and Flavor Balance: best bourbon for old-fashioned
Most bartenders will tell you the best bourbons are somewhere in the 90- to 110-proof range. Anything under that seems to get buried once you combine it with ice and sugar. The good bourbon will have enough backbone to maintain its flavor even when diluted. You’re going to want something bold, but not too overpowering.
Smoothness vs Strength
For a softer, sweeter Old Fashioned, choose a wheated bourbon such as Maker’s Mark. For thicker, spicier kicks, we’d go with a high-rye bourbon like Bulleit or Four Roses Small Batch.
7 Top Bourbons for Old Fashioneds
They are a favorite of both mixologists and home bartenders. Each amount contributes something unique to the glass, from sweetness and spice to bold oak and caramel depth.
1. Buffalo Trace
A smooth, easy-drinking bourbon that happens to make a fantastic Old Fashioned. Its caramel and vanilla flavors naturally mingle with bitters and sugar.
Why It Stands Out
This is a bourbon that provides the same quality in each pour without breaking your bank account, and it is easily one of the best bourbons for old-fashioned cocktails as you begin to experiment with whiskey-based drinks.
2. Elijah Craig Small Batch
Elijah Craig is known for its warm, nutty taste, and that nuance of baking spice adds lots of rich complexity to an Old Fashioned without coming on too strong.
Mixing Tip
Add a big cube of ice, and do any swift rotation thing for 20–25 seconds. This is part of what helps retain the brand’s distinct caramel and oak flavors, for a good blend of sweet and bite.
3. Four Roses Small Batch
Four Roses is a happy medium: somewhat fruity, a little spicy, the best bourbon for old-fashioned, and very tame. It’s got a great recipe for fans of an even, balanced Old Fashioned with ease of sipping.
The Right Pour best bourbon for old fashioned
It’s that simple: two ounces of Four Roses, half a teaspoon of sugar, three dashes of bitters, and a twist of orange peel are all it needs to make a perfectly mellow cocktail.
4. Bulleit Bourbon best bourbon for old fashioned
Bulleit’s high-rye mash bill lends it a spicy punch that holds its own marvelously in all kinds of cocktails. It is bold but not harsh, peppery with warmth that plays well with citrus and sugar.
Flavor Advantage
If you want some bite and personality in your drink, Bulleit is definitely one of the best bourbons for old old-fashioned cocktail.
5. Wild Turkey 101
Wild Turkey 101 offers heavy wood, vanilla, the best bourbon for old-fashioned and spice. With a high proof, you can keep the flavor in your drink as long as the ice melts.
When to Use It best bourbon for old fashioned
And this bourbon glows when your Old Fashioned, like you now know it should be made, is bigger and bolder than its sugar cousins, yet also a touch less sweet and more whiskey-forward.
6. Woodford Reserve
Woodford Reserve is complex, with flavors of warm spice and smoke. You’ll taste notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak, a flavor profile that seems refined and classic.
Perfect Match best bourbon for old fashioned
The silky, full-bodied flavor is an impeccable pair with bitters and the prime choice for golden cocktails.
7. Knob Creek Small Batch
Drink another glass of Knob Creek for depth and power. It’s 100 proof, so it’s strong but smooth. You’ll find some maple sweetness, oak, and a long, warm finish, all things an Old Fashioned requires to stand out.
Best Time to Enjoy
Serve Knob Creek on a chilly night, neat over one large setting of ice cubes. Its robust nature is best appreciated on a slow sipping drink.
How to Make a Perfect Old Fashioned
Pick your favorite bourbon, and making the cocktail is all about care and precision. The best bourbon for old old-fashioned can even taste bad if you go too fast with some things.
Step-by-Step best bourbon for old fashioned
- Combine half a teaspoon of sugar (or 1 sugar cube) into a chilled glass.
- Top with 2 or 3 dashes of bitters and a splash of water.
- Gently muddle to dissolve the sugar.
- Stir and add ice (one large cube).
- Pour in two ounces of bourbon.
- Stir gently for 25 seconds or so.
- Express the oils from an orange peel over the drink and add it as well.
The Key to Balance
Don’t over-sweeten. The aim is not syrup but harmony. The bourbon should always lead.
How to Amp Your Old Fashioned
Experiment with Bitters
Angostura is the classic, but orange, chocolate, or smoked bitters would be interesting alternatives.
Layering Flavors best bourbon for old fashioned
Orange bitters brighten the cocktail, while smoked bitters darken it. A small modification that makes all the difference.
Play with Sweeteners
Nothing wrong with plain old white sugar, but rich-tasting brown or demerara sugar brings molasses depth that’s especially nice with a richer bourbon such as Knob Creek or Elijah Craig.
Simple Syrup Shortcut
If you like your mixology a little smoother, whip up some 1:1 sugar to water syrup and keep it in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
The Old Fashioned is a simple drink, but one that rewards thought and attention. The best bourbon for old old-fashioned will depend on whether you’re interested in a mellow sweetness, spicy depth, or bold oakiness. Each of the bottles included here comes with its own personality in a glass.
Buffalo Trace and Four Roses are terrific for enthusiasts just starting, while Wild Turkey 101 and Knob Creek appeal to those who enjoy a bit more punch. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that good bourbon, good ice, and the patience to let things meld always lead to better drinks.
FAQs best bourbon for old fashioned
- Which is the best bourbon for newbies who are making an Old Fashioned?
- Buffalo Trace or Four Roses Small Batch are both smooth and mix easily.
- Can I replace bourbon with rye whiskey?
- Yes, but it will be a spicier and drier yield than one based on bourbon.
- Is expensive bourbon the key to a better Old Fashioned?
- Not necessarily. Execution, however, is another matter: Some of the best are not only inexpensive but balanced.
- : What is the perfect bourbon proof for this cocktail?
- Normally, somewhere between 90 and 110 proof is the magic number.
Q: Do I stir or shake an Old Fashioned?
Always stir. Overdilution can occur with shaking, clouding the drink.