The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail, revered for its simplicity and elegance. With its rich history and timeless appeal, the Old Fashioned remains a staple in cocktail bars and home bars alike. At its heart, the Old Fashioned is built on three key ingredients: bourbon, sugar, and bitters. While each of these components plays a crucial role, the choice of bourbon can make or break the drink. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best bourbons for making a perfect Old Fashioned, discussing their flavor profiles, characteristics, and what makes them stand out.
Understanding the Old Fashioned
Before diving into the selection of bourbons, it’s important to understand what makes an Old Fashioned special. The Old Fashioned is a cocktail that dates back to the early 19th century. Its simplicity is its strength: it consists of bourbon (or another whiskey), a sugar cube, a few dashes of bitters, and a twist of citrus peel. The key to a great Old Fashioned lies in balancing these ingredients to create a harmonious blend of sweetness, bitterness, and the distinctive flavor of bourbon.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bourbon
When selecting a bourbon for an Old Fashioned, several factors come into play:
- Flavor Profile: The flavor of the bourbon will be the primary component of the cocktail. Look for bourbons with rich, complex flavors that can stand up to the sweetness of the sugar and the bitterness of the bitters.
- Proof: The alcohol content of the bourbon can affect the overall strength and flavor of the cocktail. Higher-proof bourbons can add more character but might also overpower the other ingredients. Generally, a proof between 90 and 100 is ideal.
- Age: The aging process contributes to the bourbon’s complexity and depth. Older bourbons often have richer flavors, but younger bourbons can also be excellent if they are well-balanced.
- Price: While high-end bourbons can offer exceptional quality, there are many affordable options that perform exceptionally well in an Old Fashioned.
Top Bourbons for Old Fashioned
1. Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Flavor Profile: Buffalo Trace is a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts for its smooth and well-balanced flavor profile. It features notes of vanilla, caramel, and a hint of spice, making it an excellent choice for an Old Fashioned.
Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: Its moderate proof (around 90) and rich flavor make it versatile for mixing. The sweetness and spice elements complement the sugar and bitters, creating a well-rounded cocktail.
2. Evan Williams Black Label
Flavor Profile: Evan Williams Black Label offers a straightforward, robust flavor with notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel. It is known for its smoothness and affordability.
Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: Its price point and quality make it a great value choice. The flavor profile works well with the Old Fashioned’s traditional ingredients, providing a solid, reliable base for the cocktail.
3. Woodford Reserve
Flavor Profile: Woodford Reserve is celebrated for its complex and rich flavor. It has notes of dried fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak, with a smooth finish.
Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: The depth and complexity of Woodford Reserve enhance the Old Fashioned, adding layers of flavor that stand out in the cocktail. Its higher proof (around 90.4) also helps maintain the strength of the bourbon flavor.
4. Four Roses Single Barrel
Flavor Profile: Four Roses Single Barrel is known for its rich, spicy character. It offers flavors of fruit, vanilla, and spice, with a robust finish.
Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: The single-barrel expression provides a higher proof (around 100) and a distinct flavor profile that adds depth to the Old Fashioned. Its spiciness complements the bitters and sugar, creating a well-balanced drink.
5. Maker’s Mark
Flavor Profile: Maker’s Mark is known for its smooth, sweet flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of spice. It has a slightly lower proof (around 90), which makes it a good choice for a more subdued Old Fashioned.
Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: The sweetness of Maker’s Mark works well with the sugar and bitters in an Old Fashioned. Its smoothness and balanced flavor make it a favorite for those who prefer a more mellow cocktail.
6. Bulleit Bourbon
Flavor Profile: Bulleit Bourbon is recognized for its high rye content, giving it a bold, spicy flavor. It features notes of oak, vanilla, and a hint of pepper.
Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: The spiciness of Bulleit Bourbon provides an interesting contrast to the sweetness of the sugar. Its robust flavor profile ensures that the bourbon shines through in the Old Fashioned.
7. Knob Creek Bourbon
Flavor Profile: Knob Creek is known for its strong, full-bodied flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and a touch of oak. It has a higher proof (around 100), which adds intensity to the cocktail.
Why It’s Great for Old Fashioned: The higher proof and rich flavor of Knob Creek make it an excellent choice for a bold Old Fashioned. It holds up well against the bitters and sugar, creating a powerful and satisfying drink.
How to Craft the Perfect Old Fashioned
Selecting the right bourbon is just one step in creating an exceptional Old Fashioned. Here’s a simple recipe to guide you through the process:
Ingredients
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel (for garnish)
Instructions
- Muddle the Sugar and Bitters: In an Old Fashioned glass, place the sugar cube and douse it with bitters. Muddle them together until the sugar is dissolved.
- Add Bourbon: Pour the bourbon over the muddled sugar and bitters.
- Add Ice: Fill the glass with a large ice cube or several smaller ones.
- Stir: Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
- Garnish: Express the orange peel over the drink to release its oils, then drop it into the glass.
Conclusion
Choosing the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned can elevate the cocktail from good to exceptional. Each bourbon brings its unique characteristics to the table, from the smoothness of Buffalo Trace to the bold spiciness of Bulleit. Whether you prefer a classic choice like Maker’s Mark or a more robust option like Knob Creek, the key is to select a bourbon that complements the sweetness of the sugar and the bitterness of the bitters, while standing out in its own right. By understanding the flavor profiles and characteristics of various bourbons, you can craft an Old Fashioned that perfectly suits your taste. Cheers to a timeless cocktail experience!
