I’ve spent years perfecting my Old Fashioned technique, and I’ve learned that the right bourbon makes all the difference. After sampling countless varieties and mixing hundreds of these classic cocktails, I’m thrilled to share my hard-earned insights with fellow bourbon enthusiasts.
Where to Buy the Best Bourbons for Old Fashioned Cocktails
If you’re ready to elevate your Old Fashioned game, here are the top bourbons I recommend:
The Magic Behind the Perfect Old Fashioned
When I made my first Old Fashioned nearly a decade ago, I was amazed by how such a simple concoction could deliver such profound complexity. This iconic cocktail has stood the test of time for good reason—it perfectly showcases the character of quality bourbon while enhancing it through minimal, complementary ingredients.
My journey with the Old Fashioned began at a small Kentucky bar where I watched a veteran bartender craft one with such reverence that I became instantly intrigued. That night changed my relationship with bourbon forever.
The Old Fashioned traces its origins to the early 1800s, initially known simply as a “Whiskey Cocktail.” This early version followed the fundamental cocktail formula of the time: spirit, sugar, water, and bitters. Surprisingly, it was often consumed as a morning beverage—a hangover cure made with readily available ingredients.
The cocktail’s transformation began in the 1870s when bartenders started experimenting with new liqueurs, incorporating elements like absinthe and Maraschino to enhance the traditional Whiskey Cocktail. This experimentation led to significant variations, creating inconsistency among preparations. In response, patrons began specifically requesting drinks made in the “old-fashioned” way—and the name stuck.
The modern version gained renewed popularity in 1880 when bartender James E. Pepper introduced it to the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City after developing it at a private social club in Louisville, Kentucky.
What Makes a Bourbon Shine in an Old Fashioned?
Through years of mixing and tasting, I’ve identified key factors that make certain bourbons excel in this classic cocktail:
Quality Foundations
The most important consideration is quality—a bourbon that tastes excellent neat will generally perform well in this minimalist cocktail. There’s nowhere to hide inferior spirits in an Old Fashioned, which is why starting with a quality bourbon is essential.
The Proof Sweet Spot
After extensive testing, I’ve found that proof plays a crucial role in how a bourbon performs. Bourbons of at least 100 proof (50% ABV) maintain their distinctive character when mixed with other ingredients. The ideal range typically falls between 105-112 proof, providing enough intensity to stand up to dilution while maintaining balance.
In my experience, lower proof bourbons often become lost among the other flavors, creating a less satisfying cocktail.
Age and Character Development
Age significantly contributes to a bourbon’s complexity. Through side-by-side tastings, I’ve determined that bourbons aged six years or older work best, with the sweet spot falling in the 8-15 year range. This maturation period allows the whiskey to develop rich vanilla, caramel, and oak notes that complement the cocktail’s other elements.
Cask strength bourbons are particularly effective, as they retain more natural flavors and withstand dilution without losing their character.
Flavor Balance
The best bourbons for an Old Fashioned strike a perfect balance between sweetness, spice, and complexity. The ideal candidate offers enough sweetness to harmonize with the sugar component while providing sufficient spice and oak character to create a multi-dimensional experience.
I’ve found that wheated bourbons tend to be naturally smoother and sweeter, while high-rye bourbons contribute more spicy, peppery notes that add interesting complexity.
My Top 7 Bourbon Recommendations for an Unforgettable Old Fashioned
After years of experimentation and countless tastings, I’ve narrowed down my favorite bourbons for crafting the perfect Old Fashioned:
1. Four Roses Single Barrel – Best Overall
Price: £31.75
Four Roses Single Barrel has consistently impressed me with its versatility and depth. It presents fruity notes alongside mellow oak influences, creating a sophisticated high-rye option that works exceptionally well in cocktails requiring depth and complexity.
What makes this bourbon special is its unique production process—Four Roses uses ten different bourbon recipes, giving their Single Barrel expression remarkable complexity. The pronounced spice notes stand up beautifully to the sweetness in an Old Fashioned while maintaining perfect balance.
Personal experience: When I served Four Roses Old Fashioneds at my brother’s wedding, guests kept asking what made them so exceptional. The bourbon’s complexity created conversations all evening.
2. Buffalo Trace – Best Value
Price: £19.44
Buffalo Trace delivers vanilla and caramel notes that dance in harmony with the cocktail’s sweet and bitter elements. This bourbon has become my benchmark for quality in its price range. For a comprehensive overview of its flavor profile and production methods, check out my Buffalo Trace bourbon review.
What I appreciate most about Buffalo Trace is its consistent quality and accessibility. It offers exceptional value while delivering authentic bourbon character that shines in an Old Fashioned.
Personal experience: During a bourbon tasting party I hosted last summer, Buffalo Trace outperformed bourbons twice its price when mixed in an Old Fashioned. It’s now my go-to recommendation for friends new to bourbon cocktails.
3. Woodford Reserve – Best Balanced Profile
Price: £27.00
Woodford Reserve, with its chocolate and spice notes, has developed a global following for good reason. The balance of sweetness and complexity makes it versatile enough for various cocktail applications while maintaining enough character to shine in an Old Fashioned.
Its carefully maintained 90.4 proof provides just enough strength to stand up to dilution without overwhelming the palate.
Personal experience: I’ve found Woodford Reserve to be remarkably consistent across batches, making it a reliable choice when entertaining guests. Its balanced profile appeals to both bourbon newcomers and aficionados.
4. Maker’s Mark – Smoothest Option
Price: £26.00
Maker’s Mark stands out as particularly smooth and approachable, thanks to its wheated mash bill. This bourbon replaces the traditional rye component with wheat, resulting in a naturally sweeter and less spicy profile. I’ve written a detailed analysis of Maker’s Mark that examines its unique characteristics in depth.
This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for those new to bourbon or who prefer a gentler Old Fashioned. When using Maker’s Mark, I often reduce the amount of sugar slightly to maintain proper balance.
Personal experience: I keep Maker’s Mark on hand specifically for guests who find traditional bourbons too assertive. Its approachability makes it perfect for introducing friends to the world of bourbon cocktails.
5. Bulleit Bourbon – Best High-Rye Option
Price: £26.00
With its high rye content, Bulleit delivers honey and spice notes that create a more assertive cocktail. This distinctive character makes it popular among those who appreciate a cocktail with more pronounced spice elements.
The higher rye content (around 28% of the mash bill) provides a peppery backbone that creates a more complex and layered Old Fashioned.
Personal experience: During colder months, I often reach for Bulleit when making Old Fashioneds. The additional spice notes provide warmth and depth that’s particularly satisfying on chilly evenings.
6. Knob Creek – Best Higher Proof Option
Price: £35.00 – 40.00
Knob Creek offers robust oak and nut flavors with a spicy backbone that stands up well to the sweetness in an Old Fashioned. Its higher proof (typically 100 or above) ensures that it maintains its character even with dilution.
The nine-year age statement provides additional complexity and depth that elevates the cocktail experience.
Personal experience: I’ve found Knob Creek particularly effective when making Old Fashioneds with brown sugar syrup instead of traditional simple syrup. The caramel notes in the bourbon amplify beautifully with this substitution.
7. Blanton’s Single Barrel – Best Premium Experience
Price: £100.93-170.00
For special occasions or when seeking an extraordinary experience, Blanton’s Single Barrel delivers citrus and butterscotch notes in a remarkably balanced package. While expensive, it provides an unparalleled drinking experience with its complexity and refinement.
The distinctive bottle with its horse-topped stopper also makes an impression when displayed on your bar cart.
Personal experience: I reserve Blanton’s for truly special occasions. Last New Year’s Eve, I prepared Blanton’s Old Fashioneds for close friends, and the exceptional quality of the bourbon elevated what was already a memorable evening.
Crafting the Perfect Old Fashioned: My Proven Method
With the right bourbon selected, the process of creating an exceptional Old Fashioned remains refreshingly straightforward:
Classic Old Fashioned Recipe
Looking for something different? You might also enjoy my recipe for The New Fashioned, a contemporary twist on this classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz quality bourbon (select from recommendations above)
- 1 sugar cube or ¼ oz simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
- Optional: high-quality cocktail cherry
Directions:
- Place sugar cube in an Old Fashioned glass and saturate with bitters
- Add a small splash of water and muddle until dissolved
- Add bourbon and stir briefly to combine
- Add a large ice cube or sphere (crucial for proper dilution)
- Express orange peel oils over the surface and drop in glass
- Garnish with cocktail cherry if desired
The simplicity of this recipe highlights the importance of each ingredient’s quality. The bourbon forms the backbone of the cocktail, while the sugar balances its inherent bite, and the bitters add aromatic complexity. Proper dilution through stirring with ice integrates these flavors into a harmonious whole.
My Favorite Variation: Brown Sugar Old Fashioned
For a richer experience, I sometimes substitute demerara or brown sugar syrup for the standard simple syrup. This adds caramel-like notes that pair beautifully with the vanilla and oak characteristics of well-aged bourbon. Try this variation with Woodford Reserve or Knob Creek Small Batch for a truly remarkable experience.
Finding Your Perfect Bourbon Match
The ideal bourbon for your Old Fashioned ultimately depends on your personal taste preferences and the specific experience you’re seeking. Budget-friendly options like Buffalo Trace and Four Roses deliver exceptional quality at accessible price points, making them excellent everyday choices.
Premium selections offer additional complexity and refinement for special occasions. I encourage you to experiment with different bourbons from this list to discover your personal preference while developing a deeper appreciation for the nuances each brings to this classic cocktail.
The beauty of the Old Fashioned lies in its ability to showcase the character of quality bourbon while enhancing it through minimal, complementary ingredients. This classic cocktail continues to captivate enthusiasts with its timeless appeal, proving that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most enduring and satisfying experiences.
What’s your favorite bourbon for an Old Fashioned? Share your experiences in the comments below!
References and Further Reading:
- Old Fashioned Cocktail History & Ingredients Guide
- Classic Old Fashioned Recipe
- Which Bourbon Makes the Best Old Fashioned?
- Reddit Discussion: Maker’s Mark for Old Fashioned
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Bourbons for Old Fashioned
- Video: How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned
- Hot Honey Old Fashioned Variation
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