Imagine this: a cozy evening, the gentle clinking of ice, and that first sip of a perfectly crafted Old Fashioned. It’s a classic for a reason, a drink that whispers sophistication and comfort. But before you can enjoy that sublime experience, there’s a crucial first step: choosing the right bourbon.
We’ve all been there, staring at a wall of bourbon bottles, feeling a little lost. What makes one bourbon better than another for this iconic cocktail? Does it need to be expensive? What flavor notes should you look for? It can feel overwhelming, and the wrong choice can leave your Old Fashioned tasting a little… meh.
But fear not! This guide is here to cut through the confusion. We’ll dive deep into what makes a bourbon shine in an Old Fashioned, exploring different styles and why they work. You’ll learn how to pick a bourbon that elevates your drink from good to truly unforgettable. Get ready to transform your home bar and impress your friends with your newfound Old Fashioned expertise.
Our Top 5 Bourbon For An Old Fashioned Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bourbon For An Old Fashioned Detailed Reviews
1. Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix – All Natural Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer – Old Fashioned Syrup – More Complex than Bitters & Simple Syrup
Rating: 9.0/10
Elevate your home bar with Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix. This isn’t your average syrup; it’s a handcrafted cocktail mixer made by bartenders, bringing bar-quality complexity to your Old Fashioned with ease. It’s designed to be more flavorful than a simple mix of bitters and sugar, offering a truly sophisticated drink.
What We Like:
- Handcrafted by experienced bartenders using real, natural ingredients.
- Award-winning quality, recognized by prestigious publications like Garden & Gun and the Specialty Food Association.
- Aged in Willett bourbon barrels, which adds deep, complex flavors and notes of oak.
- Incredibly simple to use: just mix one part Bittermilk with four parts spirit and ice.
- Versatile for various aged spirits like bourbon, rye, rum, and scotch.
- Makes 17+ cocktails per bottle, offering great value.
- No artificial ingredients – just natural bittering agents, spices, sugar, and orange peel.
- Can also be used to create delicious non-alcoholic mocktails.
What Could Be Improved:
- The price point might be higher than standard simple syrups or basic bitters.
- Availability could be limited in some regions.
Bittermilk No.1 delivers an exceptional Old Fashioned experience with minimal effort. It’s the perfect shortcut to a complex, delicious cocktail at home.
2. Woodford Reserve Old-Fashioned Cocktail Syrup
Rating: 8.7/10
Making a perfect Old Fashioned cocktail at home just got incredibly simple with the Woodford Reserve Old-Fashioned Cocktail Syrup. This special syrup captures the classic taste of this beloved drink. It combines the sweet notes of natural cherry and orange with the complex flavor of bitters, all sweetened with raw demerara sugar. You no longer need to hunt for individual ingredients to mix a delicious Old Fashioned. Just grab your favorite bourbon, and you’re ready to go!
What We Like:
- It makes creating an Old Fashioned super easy.
- The flavors of cherry, orange, and bitters are well-balanced.
- Using demerara sugar gives it a nice, rich sweetness.
- The instructions are clear and simple for anyone to follow.
- It’s a convenient way to enjoy a bar-quality drink at home.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some might prefer to control the sweetness level themselves.
- The bottle size could be larger for frequent cocktail makers.
This Woodford Reserve syrup truly simplifies the art of the Old Fashioned. It’s a fantastic shortcut for anyone who loves this classic cocktail but wants a quick and easy way to make it.
3. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 32 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 9.0/10
The Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix is a game-changer for anyone who loves a classic Old Fashioned cocktail. This handcrafted syrup simplifies the process, letting you create a perfectly balanced and smooth drink every time. It’s a fantastic addition to any home bar, making cocktail creation a breeze.
What We Like:
- It makes crafting the perfect Old Fashioned incredibly easy.
- The mix is a Good Foods Award Finalist, showing its high quality.
- It uses delicious organic cherries and fresh orange zest for amazing flavor.
- The blend of spices like cinnamon, clove, and cardamom adds wonderful depth.
- It’s non-GMO and gluten-free, fitting many dietary needs.
- It yields 32 cocktails, offering great value.
What Could Be Improved:
- The product needs to be used within 3-4 months after opening, so it’s best for regular cocktail makers.
- It contains no alcohol, meaning you must provide your own whiskey or bourbon.
This Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix truly elevates your cocktail game. It’s a simple way to enjoy a sophisticated drink at home.
4. Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries – Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts
Rating: 8.9/10
Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries are a fantastic way to elevate your drinks and desserts. These aren’t your average maraschino cherries. They are infused with award-winning Heritage Distilling Brown Sugar Bourbon, giving them a rich, sweet flavor with hints of cinnamon and toasty brown sugar. They’re perfect for classic cocktails like Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, but their unique juice also adds a delightful twist to drinks like a Tequila Sunrise. Plus, they are great for adding a special touch to your favorite sweet treats.
What We Like:
- Delicious bourbon infusion that goes beyond typical cherry flavor.
- Complements whiskey cocktails perfectly with its sweet and spicy notes.
- Versatile enough for both cocktails and desserts like milkshakes and ice cream.
- Made with real juice and real sugar, formulated with professional bartenders.
- Conveniently packaged in an 11 oz glass jar, perfect for your home bar.
What Could Be Improved:
- Once opened, the jar needs to be refrigerated, which might be a minor inconvenience for some.
These Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries are a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of craft quality to their drinks and desserts without the extra effort. They truly offer a superior cherry experience.
5. The Old-Fashioned: The Story of the World’s First Classic Cocktail
Rating: 8.9/10
Dive into the rich history of cocktails with “The Old-Fashioned: The Story of the World’s First Classic Cocktail, with Recipes and Lore.” This book takes you on a journey to discover the origins of a drink that started it all. You’ll learn fascinating stories and get to try out authentic recipes. It’s a perfect read for anyone who loves a good drink and a good story.
What We Like:
- Engaging storytelling that brings the history to life.
- Clear and easy-to-follow recipes for making the perfect Old-Fashioned.
- Interesting lore and facts about cocktail culture.
- Beautifully designed, making it a nice addition to any bookshelf.
- It teaches you more than just how to make a drink; it educates you.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some readers might find the historical sections a bit dense.
- More visual aids or historical photos could enhance the reading experience.
This book is a treasure for cocktail enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It truly captures the spirit of the world’s first classic cocktail.
Choosing the Right Bourbon for Your Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail. It’s simple, elegant, and lets the spirit shine. But what makes a great Old Fashioned? It all starts with the bourbon. Choosing the right bourbon is key to unlocking the full potential of this iconic drink. Let’s dive into what you need to know.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re picking a bourbon for your Old Fashioned, think about a few important things.
- **Flavor Profile:** You want a bourbon with a good balance of sweet and spicy notes. Look for hints of caramel, vanilla, oak, and maybe a touch of rye spice.
- **Proof (Alcohol Content):** A higher proof bourbon (100 proof or more) often gives your Old Fashioned a richer, more robust flavor. It can stand up to the sugar and bitters without getting lost.
- **Age Statement:** While not always necessary, a bourbon with an age statement (like 8, 10, or 12 years) can indicate a more complex and smoother taste.
- **Mash Bill:** This tells you the grains used to make the bourbon. A higher rye content (often called a “spicy” mash bill) will add a peppery kick, while a higher corn content (a “sweeter” mash bill) will bring out more caramel and vanilla notes.
Important Materials (Bourbon Ingredients)
Bourbon has specific rules about what goes into it. These rules help create its unique character.
- **Corn:** Bourbon must be made with at least 51% corn. This gives it its signature sweetness.
- **Grains:** Other grains like rye and barley are added. Rye brings spice, and barley helps with fermentation.
- **Water:** Pure water is essential for a smooth, clean taste.
- **Oak Barrels:** Bourbon must be aged in new, charred oak barrels. This is where it gets its color, oak flavor, and much of its complexity.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a bourbon better or worse for your Old Fashioned.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- **Careful Distillation:** How the bourbon is distilled impacts its smoothness.
- **Longer Aging:** Time in the barrel develops deeper flavors.
- **Quality Ingredients:** Good corn, grains, and water make a difference.
- **Higher Proof:** As mentioned, this can give a bolder taste.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- **Young Bourbon:** Very young bourbons can taste harsh or unfinished.
- **Artificial Flavors:** True bourbon doesn’t have added flavors.
- **Poor Filtration:** Over-filtering can strip away desirable flavors.
User Experience and Use Cases
The bourbon you choose directly affects how your Old Fashioned tastes and how you enjoy it.
User Experience:
A good bourbon makes for a smooth, enjoyable sipping experience. You’ll notice the different layers of flavor. A great Old Fashioned should be balanced, with the bourbon’s character leading the way. It’s a drink that encourages you to slow down and savor the moment.
Use Cases:
The Old Fashioned is perfect for:
- **Relaxing evenings:** Unwind after a long day.
- **Special occasions:** Celebrate milestones with a sophisticated drink.
- **After dinner:** A digestif that complements rich desserts.
- **Sharing with friends:** Impress your guests with your cocktail-making skills.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What kind of bourbon is best for an Old Fashioned?
A: A bourbon with a good balance of sweet and spicy notes, a decent proof (100+ is great), and a flavor profile that includes caramel, vanilla, and oak works best. Rye spice can also be a nice addition.
Q: Does the mash bill matter for an Old Fashioned?
A: Yes, the mash bill matters. A higher rye content will make your Old Fashioned spicier, while a higher corn content will make it sweeter.
Q: Should I use a high-proof bourbon?
A: High-proof bourbons (100 proof or higher) often improve an Old Fashioned. They have a bolder flavor that can stand up to the sugar and bitters.
Q: What if I prefer a sweeter Old Fashioned?
A: Choose a bourbon with a higher corn percentage in its mash bill, as this generally leads to a sweeter flavor profile.
Q: What if I prefer a spicier Old Fashioned?
A: Look for bourbons with a higher rye percentage in their mash bill. This will add a pleasant peppery note to your drink.
Q: How does aging affect bourbon for an Old Fashioned?
A: Older bourbons are usually smoother and have more complex flavors from their time in the barrel, which can enhance an Old Fashioned.
Q: Can I use a budget bourbon for an Old Fashioned?
A: You can, but a good quality bourbon will always make a better Old Fashioned. Even mid-range bourbons can be excellent choices.
Q: Should I look for a specific brand?
A: While specific brands are popular, focusing on the flavor profile and characteristics we discussed is more important than just brand name.
Q: Does the bottle design matter?
A: The bottle design doesn’t affect the taste, but some people enjoy the aesthetic of certain bottles.
Q: How do I know if a bourbon is good quality?
A: Look for bourbons with good reviews, an age statement, and a clear description of their mash bill and flavor notes. Taste is the ultimate judge!
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Tom Scalisi, and welcome to The Saw Blog! I started this blog to share my hands-on experience and insights about woodworking tools—especially saws and saw blades. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to work with a wide range of tools, and I’m here to help both professionals and hobbyists make informed decisions when it comes to selecting and using their equipment. Whether you’re looking for in-depth reviews, tips, or just advice on how to get the best performance out of your tools, you’ll find it here. I’m excited to be part of your woodworking journey!