Ever wondered what makes the perfect Old Fashioned? It’s more than just whiskey, sugar, bitters, and an orange peel. The bourbon you pick makes a huge difference! Choosing the right one can be tricky. There are so many bourbons out there. Picking one can feel like a guessing game. You might end up with a drink that’s too sweet, too harsh, or just plain boring.
This is a common problem. Finding the ideal bourbon for this classic cocktail can be confusing. We’ll help you understand how to choose. You’ll learn how to avoid those disappointing drinks. You’ll also learn how to pick a bourbon that will make your Old Fashioned amazing.
By reading this, you’ll become a bourbon expert. You’ll learn about different bourbon styles. You’ll discover what to look for in a good Old Fashioned bourbon. You’ll also get specific bourbon recommendations. Get ready to shake up your cocktail game. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of bourbon and Old Fashioneds!
Our Top 5 Bourbon For Old Fashioned Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Bourbon For Old Fashioned Detailed Reviews
1. Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix – Makes 32 Cocktails – Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters
Rating: 9.1/10
Want an easy and delicious Old Fashioned? Strongwater’s Old Fashioned Mix is the answer. This handcrafted cocktail syrup makes the perfect drink every time. It’s a simple way to enjoy a classic cocktail at home. Just mix it with your favorite bourbon or whiskey. This mix is also a Good Food Award Finalist!
What We Like:
- It makes a great Old Fashioned.
- The mix is well-balanced and smooth.
- It uses organic cherries and orange zest.
- It’s easy to use – just pour and mix.
- It’s non-GMO and gluten-free.
What Could Be Improved:
- You need to use it within a few months after opening.
Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix is a great way to make tasty cocktails. It is easy and convenient. You can enjoy a perfect Old Fashioned with little effort.
2. Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix – All Natural Handcrafted Cocktail Mixer – Old Fashioned Syrup – More Complex than Bitters & Simple Syrup
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of making basic Old Fashioneds? The Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix is here to change that! This handcrafted cocktail mixer makes amazing drinks. It’s more than just bitters and simple syrup. Bartenders made this mix with real ingredients. It’s aged in bourbon barrels for extra flavor. Now, you can make professional-quality cocktails at home. Just add your favorite spirit and enjoy!
What We Like:
- HANDCRAFTED BY BARTENDERS: Real bartenders make this mix with real ingredients.
- AWARD WINNER: This mix has won awards, so you know it’s good. It won the “Made in the South” Award.
- BOURBON BARREL AGED: The mix ages in bourbon barrels. This gives it a unique flavor.
- SIMPLE TO USE: You only need two things: the mix and your favorite liquor.
- NO ARTIFICIAL INGREDIENTS: It uses natural ingredients like gentian root and orange peel.
- MOCKTAIL MIXERS: You can also use it to make tasty non-alcoholic drinks.
What Could Be Improved:
- None noted.
This Old Fashioned mix is a winner! It is a great way to make delicious and complex cocktails at home. You will love it!
3. Woodford Reserve Old-Fashioned Cocktail Syrup
Rating: 9.4/10
Want a delicious Old Fashioned cocktail? Woodford Reserve makes it easy! Their Old-Fashioned Cocktail Syrup has cherry, orange, bitters, and raw demerara sugar. This syrup makes a fantastic cocktail. You only need to add bourbon! It’s a simple way to enjoy a classic drink at home.
What We Like:
- It’s a quick way to make an Old Fashioned.
- The flavors are well-balanced. You taste the cherry, orange, and bitters.
- The syrup uses real ingredients.
- It’s very simple to use.
- You only need a few ingredients.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might prefer to make their own syrup from scratch.
- It might be a little too sweet for some.
This Woodford Reserve syrup is a great product for cocktail lovers. It is easy to use and tastes great.
4. Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries – Drinks Garnish for Manhattan or Old Fashioned Cocktails and Desserts
Rating: 9.2/10
Elevate your cocktail game with Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries! These cherries are the perfect garnish for your favorite whiskey drinks. Think Manhattans and Old Fashioneds, or even a Tequila Sunrise. Collins uses award-winning whiskey to make these cherries extra special. The cherries are infused with rich bourbon, brown sugar, and a hint of spice. They are made for both drinks and desserts!
What We Like:
- These cherries are delicious in cocktails. They add a burst of flavor.
- The bourbon flavor is rich and complements whiskey well.
- You can use these cherries in many ways. They are great in desserts too!
- Collins uses real ingredients. You get a quality product.
- The glass jar is a good size for home use.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some people might prefer a different level of sweetness.
Collins Bourbon Cocktail Cherries are a tasty way to upgrade your drinks and desserts. If you love bourbon, you will love these cherries. They are a great addition to any home bar!
5. Woodford Old Fashioned Bundle of Orange Bitters
Rating: 9.2/10
Want to make delicious Old Fashioneds at home? The Woodford Old Fashioned Bundle has everything you need! This kit includes Woodford Reserve Bourbon Cherries, Orange Bitters, and Old Fashioned Syrup. It’s the perfect way to enjoy a classic cocktail. You can easily make professional-quality drinks for yourself and your friends.
What We Like:
- The bundle includes everything needed.
- The bourbon cherries add a great flavor.
- The syrup is easy to use and tastes great.
- The orange bitters provide a nice citrus taste.
- It is a great gift for cocktail lovers.
What Could Be Improved:
- The size of the bitters bottle could be bigger.
- The price might be a little high for some.
This Woodford Old Fashioned Bundle is a fantastic way to make great cocktails. It’s a simple way to enjoy a classic drink at home.
Bourbon For Old Fashioneds: Your Guide to a Perfect Drink
Want to make the best Old Fashioned? You need the right bourbon. This guide will help you pick the perfect one. We will cover what to look for and what to avoid.
Key Features to Look For
Picking the right bourbon is important. Here’s what you should think about:
Proof: The proof tells you how strong the bourbon is. For Old Fashioneds, look for bourbon that’s at least 80 proof. Some people like stronger drinks, so they use 90-100 proof.
Flavor Profile: Bourbon has different tastes. Some have sweet notes like vanilla or caramel. Others have spicy flavors. Some have notes of oak. Think about what tastes you like. Do you want sweet, spicy, or a mix?
Age: Older bourbons often have more complex flavors. They might cost more, too. But age isn’t everything. A younger bourbon can still be great in an Old Fashioned.
Mash Bill: This is what makes up the bourbon. It’s the mix of grains. Most bourbon has corn, rye, and barley. The mix affects the taste. Bourbons with more rye are spicier. Those with more corn are sweeter.
Important Materials
Bourbon is made with specific ingredients. These materials affect the taste:
Corn: This is the main grain in bourbon. It gives it sweetness.
Rye: Rye adds spice and complexity.
Barley: Barley helps the fermentation process.
Water: Clean water is important. It helps make a smooth bourbon.
Oak Barrels: Bourbon ages in new, charred oak barrels. This gives it color and flavor. The longer it ages, the more oak flavor it gets.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make bourbon better. Others make it worse:
Good:
- Aging: Bourbon aged for a long time in the right barrels usually tastes better.
- Quality Ingredients: Using good grains and water matters.
- Distillation: How the bourbon is made affects the taste. Good distillers make better bourbon.
Bad:
- Poor Ingredients: Using bad grains or water will make bad bourbon.
- Rushing the Process: Cutting corners during distillation makes bad bourbon.
- Adding Flavors: Some bourbons add extra flavors. These can be good or bad. It depends on what you like.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using bourbon in an Old Fashioned is easy. Here’s how:
The Goal: You want a drink that tastes balanced. The bourbon flavor should shine. But the other ingredients matter too.
What You Need: You need bourbon, sugar, bitters, water or ice, and an orange peel.
How to Make It:
- Put a sugar cube in a glass. Add a few dashes of bitters and a splash of water.
- Muddle the sugar until it dissolves.
- Add ice.
- Pour in your bourbon.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Who Can Use It: Anyone who enjoys a nice cocktail. It is a great drink for evenings. It’s also good for parties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best proof for bourbon in an Old Fashioned?
A: Most people like bourbon that’s 80-100 proof. This lets the bourbon’s flavor come through.
Q: Does age always mean better bourbon?
A: Not always. Older bourbon can be good. But younger bourbons can also be delicious.
Q: What is “mash bill?”
A: It’s the mix of grains used to make the bourbon. It affects the taste.
Q: What kind of flavors work best in an Old Fashioned?
A: Bourbons with vanilla, caramel, or oak flavors work well. Spicy bourbons are also good.
Q: Can I use any kind of sugar?
A: Yes, you can use a sugar cube or simple syrup. Some people even use maple syrup.
Q: What kind of bitters should I use?
A: Angostura bitters are most common. You can try other types too.
Q: Is there a “best” bourbon for an Old Fashioned?
A: No. The best bourbon is the one you like the most.
Q: What if I don’t like rye?
A: Choose a bourbon with less rye in its mash bill. It will be less spicy.
Q: Can I use ice cubes or crushed ice?
A: Both work. Ice cubes melt slower.
Q: Where can I buy good bourbon?
A: You can find good bourbon at liquor stores. You can also buy it online.
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.