Overview: The Old Fashioned is one of the world’s most popular cocktails, and its success can be attributed to the quality of the bourbon used in it. With so many great bourbons on the market, choosing the right one for your next Old Fashioned cocktail can be a daunting task. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best bourbons for making classic Old Fashioneds.
The Full Story
From port wine-finished expressions inspired by Scotch whisky to 101-proof bottlings beloved by bartenders, there’s no shortage of great bourbon options when it comes to making an Old Fashioned. But what makes a good bourbon for this classic cocktail? The answer lies in the balance of flavors and the ability to hold up over ice.
Wild Turkey 101 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is one such example. Bottled at 50.5% ABV, this bourbon has become many bartenders’ preferred choice for cocktails due to its complex flavor profile that includes notes of sourdough and delicate spice.
Another great option is Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, which boasts a well-rounded and rich profile thanks to its low-rye Mash Bill #1. Bottled at 45% ABV, this bourbon offers fruity and floral aromas before a palate bursting with baking spice, dried fruit, oak, and black pepper takes over.
For those looking for something more complex, Elijah Craig Small Batch is an excellent choice. This Heaven Hill-distilled bourbon delivers layered complexity not often found in whiskeys at this price point. The 47% ABV bourbon offers notes of herbs, spices, vanilla bean, and a slightly spicy finish.
The Best Bourbons for Old Fashioneds
So which bourbons make the cut? Here are our top picks:
- Wild Turkey 101 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Bottled at 50.5% ABV, this bourbon has become many bartenders’ preferred choice for cocktails due to its complex flavor profile.
- Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon: This well-rounded and rich bourbon boasts a low-rye Mash Bill #1 that offers fruity and floral aromas before a palate bursting with baking spice, dried fruit, oak, and black pepper takes over.
- Elijah Craig Small Batch: This Heaven Hill-distilled bourbon delivers layered complexity not often found in whiskeys at this price point. The 47% ABV bourbon offers notes of herbs, spices, vanilla bean, and a slightly spicy finish.
- Four Roses Small Batch: Founded in 1888, Four Roses is one of the world’s most beloved legacy bourbon brands. Its Small Batch offering should be a mainstay in your Old Fashioned repertoire due to its medium-bodied and very lively flavor profile that imbues Old Fashioneds with robust caramel and butterscotch sweetness.
- Knob Creek Small Batch 9 Year Old: While some of Knob Creek’s older expressions are perfectly tailored for sipping neat, this 9-year-old bottling is a knockout in cocktails – especially Old Fashioneds. The edition offers the category’s characteristic vanilla, oak, and caramel notes with an undercurrent of bright red fruit and baking spice.
- Russell’s Reserve 10-Year-Old Bourbon: Distilled by the same father-and-son team behind Wild Turkey, Russell’s Reserve was launched by Jimmy and Eddie Russell in 2001. Its flagship bourbon drinks as though it was created specifically for Old Fashioneds, with notes of dried orange peel, vanilla bean, and cinnamon leading the charge.
- Maker’s Mark 46: This solid whiskey is a great choice to stir into Old Fashioneds, but if you’re looking to take things up a notch, reach for Maker’s Mark 46. Released in 2010 just before Bill Samuels Jr. stepped down from his longtime position as president and CEO of the historic brand, Makers Mark 46 has famously been described as “Maker’s on steroids.”
- Pinhook Kentucky Straight Bourbon (2024 Vintage): This 3-year-old bourbon hails from Kentucky where it was distilled at the famous Castle & Key distillery. While Pinhook is perhaps best known for its Vertical Series, this bourbon from the 2024 vintage is worth checking out for its impressive ability to hold up in cocktails.
- Angel’s Envy Port Wine Finished: This port wine-finished bourbon demonstrates how well a finished spirit can taste in an Old Fashioned. The port wine barrels imbue the 43.3% ABV whiskey with deep red fruit notes, which serve as an ideal complement for its hints of punchy black pepper and charred oak.
- Smooth Ambler Old Scout 7 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey: While based in Maxwelton, W. Va., Smooth Ambler is transparent about its sourcing practices, with the whiskey used to craft this bourbon hailing from Indiana (MGP). Distilled from a mash bill featuring 36 percent rye, the bourbon delivers punchy, cigar-box and rye spice notes balanced by an almost cereal-milk-like quality.
So there you have it – our top picks for bourbons that will elevate your Old Fashioned game. Whether you’re looking for something complex or straightforward, we’ve got a recommendation to suit every taste bud.
The Verdict
In conclusion, the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned cocktail is one that offers balance and complexity in its flavor profile. From port wine-finished expressions to 101-proof bottlings, there’s no shortage of great options on the market.
Whether you choose Wild Turkey 101 Proof Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey or Angel’s Envy Port Wine Finished, rest assured that your Old Fashioned will be a hit with friends and family alike.
So go ahead and experiment with different bourbons to find the perfect fit for your taste buds. With these top picks in mind, you’ll be well on your way to crafting classic Old Fashioneds that are sure to impress!
Source: Read the original article
