Best Bourbons for your Old-Fashioned

The Old Fashioned, a timeless classic and delightfully delicious cocktail that deserves more than just any bourbon.  The best Old Fashioned cocktails demand a spirit with depth, character and the ability to weave a nuanced symphony of flavors.  Today we are going to consider the bourbon as the bass drum that sets the tone and keeps the rhythm for the glorious tune of the cocktail set to unfold. We will take a deep and easy dive into the best bourbons of 2023 – celebrate the mass market favorites and highlight a few hidden gems that elevate this cocktail from mixology to masterpiece.  We will explore the intricacies of age, proof, and flavor profiles and discuss how each element contributes to the perfect Old Fashioned.

The Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that elegantly combines bourbon, bitters, sugar and citrus served over a block of ice and garnished with an orange twist and a deep crimson fancy maraschino cherry.  Some bourbons will bring rich caramel notes to the party, others will whisper hints of spice and oak, and some that ignite the palate with a touch of fire.  Join us as we explore some of the best bourbons of 2023.

BEST OF TEXAS: Garrison Brothers Small Batch

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Elevate your Old Fashioned by infusing it with the delightfully complex flavors of Garrison Brothers Small Batch Bourbon.  Meticulously crafted, aged, and bottled by hand in Hye, Texas, this rich and complex bourbon is the color of a fiery sunset bursting with a symphony of flavors. 

You will first recognize subtle whispers of apple and honey on the nose, then dive into a meadow of sweet verbena and freshly cut grass. Hints of saddle leather, cinnamon, and honey add depth, while springtime honeysuckle and orange candy dance on the palate. Each sip is a celebration, a buttery yellow pound cake studded with baking spices, lemon gumdrops, and sugar cookies complete with a smoky finish of caramel apples, sprinkled with walnuts and cinnamon.  

Delightful on its own, Garrison Brothers Small batch is a journey through the heart of Texas, bottled and poured into your glass, and will take your Old Fashioned to a whole new level.

Treaty Oak Day Drinker Bourbon

Looking for a light and smooth Old Fashioned?  Ditch the heavy hitters, and bring on the Treaty Oak Day Drinker Texas Bourbon for a sun-kissed Texas twist on your Old Fashioned.  This liquid gold is a smooth, silky, easy to drink bourbon – and gets its sweet taste from Texas corn and wheat rather than relying on a heavily charred wood barrel.  Day Drinker offers an inviting aroma of vanilla sugar cookies and maple syrup, and flavors of kettle corn, wheat, cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg. 

And you can feel good about drinking this bourbon – 90% of the grains used by Treaty Oak are grown by Texas farmers, using sustainable practices.  Day Drinker lets the Texas grain sing, crafting a spirit light enough for midday yet brimming with enough personality to dance with bitters and citrus in a perfect Old Fashioned harmony. This bright, breezy cocktail companion, ready to paint your afternoon with golden Texas sunshine, smooth as silk and bursting with delicious charm.

TX Straight Bourbon

Hailing from the heart of Texas, TX Straight Bourbon is a love letter to the Lone Star State, crafted with local ingredients grown under the hot Texas sun and aged to perfection in the shadow of oak trees.   This bourbon is a delightful mix of  #2 yellow dent Texas Corn, Texas soft red winter wheat, and Brazos yeast – a strain of wild yeast captured from the Texas pecan.  This distinctive yeast strain, the brainchild of the University of Texas doctorate biochemist Rob Arnold partnership with distillery owners Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson, gives this wheated bourbon its distinctive Texas pecan flavor. TX Straight Bourbon is aged for 4 years in a brick warehouse that tempers the Texas summer heat and maintains a perfect temperature through the winters.

This bourbon has some serious depth. This copper-colored bourbon had a flavor as deep as its hue.   Oaky notes of vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon first hit your nose, followed by fruity and floral essences.  Upon first sip, you will enjoy a smooth mix of fig, allspice, and brown sugar and then you will enjoy a smooth warm finish.  TX straight Bourbon is the perfect base for a decadent and complex Old Fashioned – angostura bitters will play perfectly with its rich flavor to create a cocktail that takes you on a journey through the heart of Texas, one sip at a time.

Still Austin the Musician Bourbon

Have you heard the sweet melody of Still Austin’s “The Musician” bourbon? It’s not just a smooth sipper, it’s a rockstar in the Old Fashioned arena. A delightful mix of 70% white corn, 25% rye, 5% malted barley and 100% Texas spirit, this bourbon captures the rich and playful essence of the live music capital of the world.  Still Austin is a true Texas grain to glass distillery, sourcing grains from local farmers, distilling them ecologically in-house, and aging their products in Texas Hill Country.

You will first enjoy intoxicating notes of pineapple, toasted coconut and nostalgic s’mores, then taste a symphony of cinnamon, brown sugar and almonds finished by tropical fruit, toffee and warm spices.  The first sip brings a wave of warm caramel and spice, a gentle interplay between rye’s boldness and toasted oak’s depth. It’s a sophisticated spirit, yet approachable, like a well-worn jazz record – familiar, yet always revealing new nuances.  

This Texas-born bourbon isn’t shy about its personality, and in an Old Fashioned, it explodes like a guitar solo on the taste buds.  A touch of orange zest and sugar harmonize beautifully with the bourbon’s rich flavor.  This is an Old Fashioned not for the faint of heart, but for those who appreciate depth and character. It’s a drink to savor, to contemplate, to lose yourself in. “The Musician” doesn’t need gimmicks or theatrics – its inherent quality speaks for itself. 

Devils River Bourbon

Looking for a sinfully smooth Old Fashioned?  Devil’s River Bourbon is the spirit for you.  The bourbon gets its name and distinct flavor from the pure, limestone-filtered spring water of it’s namesake Devils River.  The water is combined with select grains and a proprietary yeast to create the bold flavor, then distilled in copper pots and aged in dark #4 charred oak barrels.  The beautiful result is a deep amber bourbon, kissed by smoke from Texas oak barrels and laced with whispers of caramel, and wildflower honey.

Devils River Bourbon is exceptionally smooth and an absolute delight when mixed with muddled sugar Angostura bitters. The rich, earthy notes mingle to create a sinfully smooth cocktail.  The first sip hits like a desert sunrise, warm and bright, with a finish as smooth as a rattlesnake’s belly. 

SMOOTH CRIMINAL: Larceny Bourbon

It’s no crime to love Larceny Bourbon.  The legendary lineup of Larceny Bourbon was inspired by US Treasury Agent John E. Fitzgerald, who had access to bourbon rickhouses, and the means and opportunities to steal tastes of the very best bourbons. Larceny Bourbons are exceptionally smooth due to their higher concentration of wheat in the recipe – 25% more than most other bourbons.  This bourbon is one part smooth charm, one part whispered secrets.  This wheated wonder won’t  knock you flat, it will to seduce you with its honeyed whispers of vanilla and spice.The initial notes of baked bread, sweet toffee and butterscotch will draw you in, and then sweet fruity flavors of carmel and bread pudding will delight your tastebuds.  The long, savory finish will make you eager to enjoy more.

Once you swirl Larceny Bourbon in an Old Fashioned, it plays perfectly with the tang of bitters and the sweetness of sugar. It’s a cocktail that’s all grown-up sophistication, no rough edges, just pure, layered perfection.  In the world of cocktails, Larceny’s the heist worth pulling off.

The OG: Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon

The divine creation of Elijah Craig, a real-life Baptist preacher, who is often referred to as the Father or Bourbon.  Elijah was the first distiller to age his whiskey in charred oak barrels, and then further refined the barrel charring process to impart the smooth rich flavor we associate with bourbon hundreds of years later.  Elijah Craig bourbon is crafted from Grain, water, fire and time.  The bourbon is 51% corn mash mixed with Kentucky limestone water, aged 4-6 years in new oak barrels with a level 3 char creating a smooth, smoky and delightful Amber-hued bourbon. 

Elijah Craig is is exclusively bottled from a collection of 70 barrels or less, making it the OG small batch bourbon created before the name was ever invented.  It’s flavors are smooth, smokand nuanced. Thanks to the charred oak barrels, it picks up hints of vanilla and spice, a touch of caramel that plays beautifully with the orange and bitters in your Old Fashioned. It’s not about overpowering, it’s about harmonizing, weaving a melody of flavors that lingers on the tongue.  There’s a reason Elijah Craig is a crowd favorite and the cocktails it creates are a little slice of heaven.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon

Follow the mighty buffalo to create a smooth and delightful Old Fashioned.  Distilling over 200 years, Buffalo Trace is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in America – it even remained operational throughout prohibition to produce its bourbon for “medical purposes.”  The distillery sprawls over 130 acres in Kentucky along a pathway carved by buffalo migration and then the pioneers that followed them.  Buffalo trace is not only a multiple award winning distillery, it’s also a little piece of American history.  The bourbon itself, a classic mix of yellow dent grade #1 corn, rye, and rich malted barley strikes the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors that have made it a favorite of bourbon enthusiasts and mixologists for years.  The distillers are serious about the consistency.  They take extra care throughout the aging process, taste testing all the barrels aging in the 100 year old warehouses, and comparing the bourbon to the first batch ever created.  Only when it is aged to smooth perfection is it taken to the bottle.

The deep amber bourbon is complex and delicious.  It first hits you with notes of vanilla, mint and molasses, and the flavors of brown sugar and spice.  These tastes evolve into toffee, anise and dark fruit flavors that round out a smooth and complex finish.  Buffalo Trace Bourbon is a mixologist’s secret weapon, the smooth operator you reach for when crafting that perfect Old Fashioned.  It’s a bourbon with depth, a complex harmony that plays beautifully with the sweetness, bitters and fruit flavors to translate into an Old Fashioned like no other.

Four Roses Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

As the name indicates, Four Roses had a romantic beginning – it all started back 1888 along with a marriage proposal and a corsage of four roses.  The successful distillery opened its doors in Louisville Kentucky’s “Whiskey Row,” setting off a whirlwind adventure for the brand, that would keep the distillery operational in the US throughout prohibition, but then take it abroad in the 1950’s and finally brought back to the US in 2002.  Crowds rejoiced, and Four Roses once again rose to new heights of popularity.  Four Roses Small Batch Bourbon is a perfectly balanced everyday bourbon that is tasty on its own, and a perfect base for your Old Fashioned.

Aged in barrels for 6-7 years, Four Roses small batch has a delightful aroma of rich fruits, caramel and sweet oak, flavors of ripe red berries and baking spices, and a smooth long finish.  When poured into your cocktail glass, the smooth subtle flavors of Four Roses play well with the sweetness of the sugar, the zest of orange and the smoky anise kiss of the bitters.  The ripe berry notes of Four Roses harmonize perfectly with Old Fashioned luxurious Luxardo Cherry garnish, making this the perfect cocktail for casual evenings or upscale affairs.

Spicy and Sustainable: Bulleit Bourbon

Since 1987, Bulleit Bourbon has carved its own path in the American whiskey landscape. Built on a foundation of tradition and a distinctive high-rye family recipe that dates back 150 years, Bulleit delivers a bold, spicy character balanced by a smooth finish.  This amber-colored Bourbon starts off with notes of sweet oak and gentle spices, then smooth flavors of oak, maple and nutmeg, and then finally a long-dry finish with just a touch of a toffee flavor.

This commitment to quality has earned them numerous accolades, including Double Gold and Gold medals at the 2021 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.  Beyond the exceptional taste, Bulleit is kind to our planet. Their state-of-the-art distillery in Shelbyville, KY, reflects a dedication to both innovation and sustainability, utilizing green practices and local sourcing.  This high-rye bourbon brings a little extra spice to punch up the flavor of your Old Fashioned.

Small Batch and High Rye: Basil Hayden

Basil Hayden is a special small batch bourbon that is delicious sipped on its own, but elevates any cocktail.  This high-rye bourbon will bring a lightness and a kick of spice to your old fashioned – making it as delightful on a sunny afternoon as it is sipping next to a roaring fire.

Basil Hayden, born in 1992 from the mind of Booker Noe, stands out as a bourbon of elegance and refinement. Its high-rye mash bill, a nod to Kentucky distiller Meredith Basil Hayden, Sr., delivers a unique and approachable taste profile: that is rich and sweet, a little spicy yet still super smooth.  This golden-brown small batch bourbon will lure you in with notes of caramel, vanilla and dried fruit.  The first taste a a delightful mix of charred oak, dried fruit, and brown sugar punctuated with a kick of black pepper, and the clean finish showcases a light, lingering flavors of  charred oak and dried fruit.  

Best Family Business: Makers Mark

Maker’s Mark is the sweet success story of the Samuels’ family business.  Bill Samuels Senior sought to create an elevated bourbon that he would enjoy drinking and sharing with friends.  His wife Margie created the iconic bottle, label, and signature dripping red wax seal that would honor Bill’s bourbon recipe and forever showcase Makers Mark on any Liquor Shelf.  Other family members helped bring the band to the forefront of the market and uphold the distilleries sustainability goals.

Maker’s Mark is a smooth, easy to drink bourbon, made with corn, barley and red winter wheat instead of rye, so it is never sharp or bitter.  This mash is mixed with calcium and magnesium-rich water from the limestone shelf surrounding the distillery property.  Each and every barrel is hand-rotated and aged to taste.  Cooler temperatures for barrel  prevent the wood from expanding and releasing bitter tannins.  Drinking Maker’s Mark is smooth and easy – you are greeted by the aroma of sweet oak, vanilla, wheat and ripe fruit, the first taste will deliver perfectly balanced oak, vanilla and fruit flavors, and the soft smooth creamy finish will have just a whisper of soft spice.    Maker’s Mark is a sweet smooth base for your Old Fashioned – one to share with family and friends.

Elevating your Old Fashioned

For those seeking a balance between affordability and premium quality, these mid-range bourbons will elevate your old fashioned experience:

• Woodford Reserve: A classic bourbon that exudes elegance and craftsmanship. With its smooth and rich flavors of toasted oak, dark chocolate, and a 
• Knob Creek: A robust and full-bodied bourbon that packs a punch of flavor. Its rich, smoky notes, along with hints of caramel and spice, bring depth and complexity to your cocktail.
• or those special occasions or when you want to indulge in a premium experience, consider these luxury bourbons:

When you want to indulge in a premium experience

• Pappy Van Winkle: Revered by bourbon enthusiasts, Pappy Van Winkle is a highly sought-after and limited-release bourbon. With its exceptionally smooth and complex flavor profile, it offers layers of caramel, vanilla, and oak, creating an unforgettable old fashioned.
• Blanton’s Single Barrel: An iconic single barrel bourbon known for its distinctive bottle and outstanding quality. Blanton’s delights the senses with flavors of caramel, honey, and spices, providing a luxurious touch to your cocktail.
• Booker’s: A cask-strength bourbon that captures the essence of small-batch craftsmanship. It offers bold flavors of vanilla, toasted nuts, and robust spices, delivering a powerful and memorable old fashioned experience.

Now that you have the Bourbon, mix your perfect Old Fashioned!!

This Old Fashioned is not a sugary afterthought, but a slow-burning journey, evolving delicately with each sip, leaving you wanting to chase the ghost of its perfection at the bottom of the glass. In short, the best Old Fashioned is a conversation, not a cliché, a bespoke expression of your inner mixologist, poured neat and savored like a cherished story.

The Ingredients

• Bourbon: 2 oz. of your Bourbon of choice.  Think caramel, oak, spice, or fruit. My current preferences lean towards Knob Creek Single Barrel for its rich depth or Michter’s Rye for a spicier kick.
• Angostura Bitters: 3 dashes. The foundation, offering earthy, aromatic complexity.
• Orange Bitters: 2 dashes. Adds a touch of citrus brightness and complements the bourbon’s oakiness. 
• One Sugar Cube or ½ Sugar or 2 tsp. Simple Syrup: 
• Ice: One large, crystal-clear ice cube. Cloudy ice dilutes too quickly and disrupts the balance. Use a mold or carve a block yourself for the ultimate presentation.
• Orange Twist: Expressed over the drink to release fragrant oils. Use a peeler to remove a thin strip of rind, avoiding the white pith.
• Fancy Maraschino Cherry: A classic touch, choose high-quality ones soaked in bourbon or syrup, not the neon red variety.

The Mixology

1. If using a sugar cube, start by muddling the cube at the bottom of a mixing glass.
2. Add bitters and water, then muddle until the sugar dissolves. 
3. Add ice. Stir for 10 seconds before adding your whiskey, then stir for another 10 seconds to chill and incorporate everything.
4. Place a large cube of ice into a tumbler whiskey glass. Use the clearest ice you can make.
5. Using a strainer, pour the mixture over the cube. 
6. Express an orange peel over the glass, then add to the cocktail to garnish.
7. Finish a decadent luxardo cherry.