The Ultimate Guide to the 14 Best Bourbons for Your Old Fashioned
Are you looking to elevate your Old Fashioned game? Well, you’ve hit the jackpot. Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the Bourbon Highway, because we’re about to reveal the 14 bourbons that’ll turn your Old Fashioned from mundane to absolutely legendary.
Brief Intro: The Old Fashioned and Bourbon – A Match Made in Heaven
A cocktail so classic it’s almost primal. If a cocktail could wear a leather jacket and drive a vintage Mustang, it would be the Old Fashioned. The smoothness of bourbon, the zest of orange peel, a cherry on top, and a touch of sugar and bitters—it’s like your tongue is taking a joy ride through Flavortown! But what makes an Old Fashioned truly kick is the bourbon, the soulmate it found in an American oak barrel.
A Splash of History: How Bourbon Stole the Spotlight
Bourbon’s story starts in the rolling hills of Kentucky, a state that claims 95% of the world’s bourbon production. Coincidence? I think not. Though bourbon can technically be produced anywhere in the U.S., it’s Kentucky’s limestone-filtered water that lends bourbon its distinct, robust flavor. It’s like the Universe conspired to say, “Hey, let’s make this spirit absolutely rock!”
Bourbon vs. Whiskey: The Nitty-Gritty
Before you go thinking all whiskies can create a killer Old Fashioned, know this: not all whiskies are bourbons, but all bourbons are whiskies. Bourbon has to be made from at least 51% corn and aged in new charred oak barrels. So it’s got a special je ne sais quoi that sets it apart from its whiskey cousins.
The Magic Behind the Barrel: Bourbon Making 101
Here’s how it all comes together: you start with a mix called the “mash bill,” which is like the recipe of grains that will be fermented. After fermentation, distillation kicks in. It’s like a VIP party for alcohol! Once the distillation is wrapped up, the liquid is clear and basically moonshine. But the real magic? Aging it in charred oak barrels. That’s where bourbon gets its signature caramel and vanilla notes.
1. Buffalo Trace – $40
Flavor Note: Vanilla and caramel dance in harmony. A classic that sets the gold standard for bourbons.
2. Maker’s Mark – £25/$33
Flavor Note: Silky smooth with a hint of cinnamon. The go-to choice for those who like it smooth.
3. Knob Creek – £35/$47
Flavor Note: Robust oak and nuts, like a hug from a tree. If complexity could be bottled, it’d be Knob Creek.
4. Woodford Reserve – £40/$54
Flavor Note: Chocolate and spice, a slice of bourbon paradise. Timeless and transcendent, this one has a global fan following.
5. Four Roses Single Barrel – £45/$60
Flavor Note: Fruity flair meets mellow oak. A connoisseur’s pick that’s high on subtlety.
6. Blanton’s Single Barrel – £80/$108
Flavor Note: Citrus and butterscotch play well together. Pricey but promises an unparalleled experience.
7. Angel’s Envy – £45/$60
Flavor Note: Port wine finish gives it a fruitcake charm. A renegade that marches to its own beat.
8. Elijah Craig – £30/$40
Flavor Note: Apple meets toasted almond. It’s George Clooney, but in bourbon form.
9. Russell’s Reserve – £40/$54
Flavor Note: Rich leather and a smack of pepper. Comfort food in a glass.
10. Booker’s – £70/$94
Flavor Note: Smokey and intense, like a bonfire night. Packs a punch but it’s worth it.
11. Willett Pot Still Reserve – £55/$74
Flavor Note: Soft vanilla laced with a touch of mint. A rising star that’s shattering bourbon clichés.
12. Bulleit – £30/$40
Flavor Note: Honey and spice make everything nice. Accessible and reliable, the friend we all need.
13. Jefferson’s Ocean – £80/$108
Flavor Note: Brine and toffee, the sea in a bottle. A daring choice for the adventurous souls.
14. Old Forester – £35/$47
Flavor Note: A medley of fruit and floral notes. The ever-reliable OG, as authentic as they come.
