Whiskey, Old Fashioned and Bourbon – What’s the Difference?
Before we dive into our guide on the best bourbons for old fashioned, it’s essential to understand a little bit about bourbon and the cocktail itself. Bourbon is a type of whiskey distilled from at least 51% corn and aged in charred oak barrels.
Bourbon originated in Kentucky but can be made anywhere in the United States. One of the most popular cocktails made with bourbon is the old fashioned, a classic cocktail that has been enjoyed for over a century.
It’s made by muddling sugar with bitters, adding ice and bourbon, and garnishing with an orange twist or cherry. The combination of sweet, bitter, and savory flavors makes it a beloved drink worldwide.
Why Choosing the Right Bourbon Matters
When making an old fashioned, choosing the right bourbon is crucial. The perfect balance between sweetness and strength can only be achieved using a high-quality bourbon that complements its other ingredients. You should always avoid using bottom-shelf bourbons or overly flavored ones because they will not yield good results in your cocktails.
Instead, look for bourbons with an ideal mash bill (the percentage of corn, rye, and barley used) and proof level (alcohol content). These factors are essential since they affect how well your bourbon plays with other ingredients.
Choosing the right bourbon will make all the difference when creating a fantastic old fashioned cocktail. So let’s look at some of our top picks for bourbons that make an outstanding old fashioned!
Best Bourbons for Old Fashioned
When making an old fashioned, choosing the right bourbon is critical. The perfect bourbon for an old fashioned should offer a balance of sweetness and spice, with enough boldness to stand up to the other ingredients in the cocktail. Here are three of the best bourbons for making an old fashioned:
Bulleit Bourbon
Bulleit Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon that offers a spicy kick that goes perfectly in an old fashioned cocktail. It has a smooth and balanced flavor profile, with notes of vanilla and caramel that add sweetness without being overwhelming. The rye content helps amplify the flavors of other ingredients in the cocktail, making it perfect for those who love bold, spicy drinks.
One of the reasons Bulleit stands out as one of the best bourbons for old fashioned is because it holds up well to other ingredients like bitters and sugar. It’s not too overpowering or sweet, allowing you to highlight other flavors you want in your drink without drowning them out.
Maker’s Mark Bourbon
If you prefer your cocktails on the sweeter side, then Maker’s Mark Bourbon might be more up your alley as one of the best bourbons for an old fashioned. This wheated bourbon has rich notes of caramel that complement the sweetness of an old fashioned perfectly.
The low alcohol content makes Maker’s Mark easy to drink and allows you to enjoy more than one glass without getting too buzzed. The smoothness also ensures that your drink won’t taste too harsh or burn going down.
Woodford Reserve Bourbon
Suppose you’re looking for complexity in your drink. In that case, Woodford Reserve is one of the best bourbons for old fashions. It has a complex flavor profile that includes hints of vanilla, spice, and oak.
This makes it an ideal choice for those who enjoy sipping on their cocktails slowly and taking in all the flavors as they emerge. Woodford Reserve is also bold enough to stand up to other ingredients in an old fashioned cocktail, making it a great option if you want your bourbon to shine through.
Its high alcohol content provides a little more kick than other bourbons on this list, so measure it accordingly when crafting your drink. No matter which bourbon you choose for your old fashioned, it is important to experiment with different bourbons and find the perfect recipe that suits your taste buds!
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bourbon for Old Fashioned
Proof level: How much kick do you want in your cocktail?
The proof level of a bourbon refers to its alcohol content, which can range from around 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume) to well over 100 proof (50%+ ABV). When making an old fashioned, the proof level is an essential factor to consider.
A higher-proof bourbon will give your cocktail more of a kick and can stand up well against other ingredients like sugar and bitters. However, you may opt for a lower-proof bourbon if you prefer a smoother, sweeter drink.
Mash bill: Which grains are used in the bourbon?
The bourbon mash bill refers to the percentage of grains used in its production process. By law, bourbons must be made with at least 51% corn, but the remaining percentage can vary between rye, wheat, or barley.
The mash bill dramatically affects the flavor profile of the bourbon and, as such, plays a vital role in choosing which one works best for an old fashioned. If you like your drinks on the spicier side, look for bourbons with a higher percentage of rye in their mash bill.
Rye adds a peppery flavor that complements the sweetness of an old fashioned perfectly. Conversely, if you prefer a smoother drink with more caramel notes and less spice, look for bourbons with more wheat in their mash bill instead.
Age statement: Does older always mean better?
The age statement on a bottle of bourbon indicates how long it has been aged in oak barrels before being bottled. While some people believe that older is always better regarding whiskey and bourbon, this is only sometimes true. Older bourbons tend to have richer, more complex flavors, but this also comes with a higher price tag.
If you’re on a budget, opt for a younger bourbon. You may find that a well-made, young bourbon is just as tasty in your old fashioned as an older, more expensive one.
When choosing a bourbon for your old fashioned cocktail, it’s essential to consider each option’s proof level, mash bill, and age statement. A higher-proof bourbon can kick your cocktail and stand up against other ingredients like sugar and bitters.
The mash bill plays an essential role in the flavor profile of the bourbon – choose rye for spiciness or wheat for smoothness. While older bourbons tend to have richer flavors, feel free to opt for a younger option if you’re on a budget – it may surprise you!
How to Make the Perfect Old Fashioned with Your Chosen Bourbon
Ingredients Needed
Before jumping into the recipe, gathering all the necessary ingredients is important. For a classic old fashioned, you’ll need:
2 oz bourbon
1 sugar cube or 1 tsp of simple syrup
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish. Some people also like to add a cherry, but that’s completely optional.
You can also experiment with different bitters, like orange or chocolate. Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to start making your old fashioned!
Step-by-step Instructions on How to Make the Cocktail
Place your sugar cube or simple syrup in an old fashioned glass.
Add two dashes of Angostura bitters.
Muddle the sugar and bitters together until the sugar is dissolved.
Add ice cubes to your glass.
Pour in 2 oz of bourbon over the ice.
Stir gently for about 30 seconds, ensuring everything is well combined and chilled.
Twist an orange peel over your drink so some oils fall onto the surface.
Rub the rim of your glass with the orange peel before dropping it into your drink as garnish.
Congratulations! You’ve made yourself a delicious old fashioned cocktail using your chosen bourbon.
Finding Your Own Perfect Recipe
While this recipe is a classic one for good reason, everyone’s tastes differ, so feel free to experiment with different bourbons and ratios. You might prefer more or less sweetness depending on how sweet you like your cocktails – adjust accordingly by adding more/fewer sugar cubes or adjusting simple syrup ratios (however, note that too much simple syrup will make for a very cloying drink).
You can also try other types of bitters to give your cocktail an added flavor twist. Remember, the key is to enjoy the process and find what works best for you.
Feel free to try different combinations until you find your perfect recipe. Enjoy!
A Little History of this Iconic Drink
The old fashioned cocktail is a classic bar drink that has been around for over 100 years. It is believed to have originated in the late 19th century, and it was first known as the “whiskey cocktail.” The old fashioned is one of the original cocktails, and it is often considered the “grandfather” of all cocktails.
The old fashioned has a rich cultural significance and has been featured in literature, film, and television. It is often associated with the American South and the prohibition era, where it became a popular drink among men who enjoyed its bold and complex flavor. The drink is served in a lowball glass with a large ice cube and a twist of orange peel.
It continues to be a popular drink among bourbon enthusiasts and cocktail lovers. I hope this information gives you a deeper appreciation for the old fashioned cocktail and its origins. Cheers!
Conclusion
Now that we’ve explored some of the best bourbons for old fashioned cocktails, it’s time to choose your favorite and start experimenting. Consider factors such as proof level, mash bill, and age statement when choosing a bourbon. The Bulleit Bourbon is an excellent choice if you enjoy a spicy kick in your cocktail. At the same time, Maker’s Mark Bourbon is perfect for those who prefer a sweeter taste.
For those seeking complexity and depth in their drink, Woodford Reserve Bourbon will not disappoint. But don’t just take our word for it – try different bourbons and find your perfect recipe!
Experiment with different bitters or sweeteners to customize your cocktail to your liking. You may even discover a new favorite bourbon that we haven’t mentioned here.
Remember, the key is having fun and discovering new flavors and combinations. So gather some friends, mix up some cocktails, and toast to good company and great bourbon!
Peter Amaral (aka Mauricio Boston), the editor and curator of this site, has done "over 40" nearly twice. He's picked up a few tips over the years on what men must do to thrive and flourish in health, wealth, and their relationships with family and friends. For a backgrounder, Maurcio is an 82nd Airborne alumus, served as a combat engineer platoon leader in Vietnam, and practiced law for 20+ years. Before earning his professional degree, he worked in film production, sales and marketing, and did stints as bar tender and iron worker. He's been married to the same exceptional woman for longer than maybe most of you have been alive, has three exceptional daughters and a parcel of grandchildren. Mauricio does some of the research for the site. He's not a medical doctor, and never got closer to shooting par than that damn one stroke, but he is an ersatz woodworker, does have personal experience with prostate cancer and can speak intelligently with his cardiologist, with whom he disagrees on the supposed bad effects of red meat. In other words, we write about lots of things we've learned and experienced. Expert professional writers do the rest, always under the careful eye of our chief editor.
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