The 7 Best Bourbons for Old Fashioneds, According to Bartenders

The 7 Best Bourbons for Old Fashioneds, According to Bartenders

Few cocktails rival the iconic status of the Old Fashioned. Its timeless blend of whiskey, sugar, bitters, and ice, garnished with a twist of orange, has captivated drinkers since the 19th Century. As cocktails gained popularity, variations emerged, but the Old Fashioned remained a classic choice, its name becoming synonymous with this specific mix. Today, it remains a staple, cherished for its simplicity yet appreciated for the nuances it offers, especially when crafted by skilled bartenders. Originally versatile in spirit choice, the addition of fruit during Prohibition enhanced its appeal. With its enduring popularity, the Old Fashioned continues to hold its place as a beloved cocktail.

Elijah Craig Bourbon Small Batch

The Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon stands out as a remarkable value, offering an exceptional experience for bourbon enthusiasts. The inviting bouquet opens with delightful aromas of honey, sweet corn, vanilla, and brown sugar, setting the stage for what unfolds on the equally luscious palate. This bourbon strikes a perfect balance, combining boldness with smoothness, as flavors of honey, vanilla, and molasses take center stage, complemented by a subtle dry oakiness. Whether savored neat or with a touch of water, Elijah Craig Small Batch Bourbon delivers a memorable and satisfying drinking experience. Buy it now for $22.99.

Old Grand-Dad Bottled In Bond Bourbon

Old Grand-Dad Bonded is aged for a minimum of four years before being bottled at 100 proof. Made from Jim Beam’s higher rye Bourbon mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley, it is the product of one distillery and one distiller in a single season. Old Grand-Dad Bonded ranks sixth in our List of the Most Underrated Bourbons in 2024. Buy it now!

Few Bourbon Whiskey

The Few bourbon whiskey is challenging the conventional wisdom that exceptional bourbon is exclusive to Kentucky, this bourbon blend proudly asserts its unique character. Crafted with a distinctive blend of 70% corn, 20% rye, and 10% malt, the spirit takes an unconventional approach by fermenting with a peppery yeast traditionally reserved for Saison beer. The nose introduces a symphony of cinnamon and clove, accompanied by the inviting sweetness of corn and the subtle influence of oak. The palate is bold and indulgent, expertly balancing the interplay of sweetness and spice. A departure from the ordinary, this bourbon offers an assertive spice profile and a subtle hint of drying astringency, making it a delightful choice for sipping neat or as a refreshing twist in a 'Bold Fashioned.' Buy it now for $43.99.

Russell’s Reserve 10 Year Old

Handcrafted by Master Distiller Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie, this small batch bourbon captivates with a woody, piney aromatic surface layered over dry scents of grain and resin. Initial notes of corny sweetness give way to a subtle hint of butterscotch, culminating in a full-bodied, sweet, and clean flavor profile. Recognized with a Gold Medal at the 2007 San Francisco Spirits Competition, this bourbon exemplifies excellence and craftsmanship. Buy it now!

Widow Jane 10 Year Old Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Widow Jane, a hyper-small-batch Brooklyn-based distillery, is dedicated to reviving the art of blending by marrying the finest and rarest bourbons from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana in exclusive five-barrel batches. Utilizing non-chill filtered bourbons, they proof their spirits with mineral water from New York's legendary Rosendale Mines, the same place that inspired their name. The Widow Jane 10 Year Bourbon is an uncompromising and bold expression with deep cherry notes and a charred oak finish, embodying the distinctive New York style. Noteworthy accolades include being named World's Best Small Batch Bourbon at the 2022 World Whiskies Awards and receiving a Double Gold Medal at the 2023 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Buy it now!

Maker's Mark

Crafted by Bill Samuels, Sr. with the intent of making a bourbon that he would personally savor, Maker's Mark stands out for its smooth and approachable nature, offering an easy finish that was revolutionary compared to the prevalent hot and harsh whiskies of its time. Produced gradually in small batches within our National Historic Landmark distillery in Loretto, Kentucky, Maker's Mark has become a staple in enhancing various cocktails. Nevertheless, many enthusiasts still prefer to enjoy it neat or over ice with a splash of water, highlighting its versatility and appeal as a standalone whiskey. Buy now for $33.49.

Eagle Rare

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey undergoes a minimum ten-year maturation in new, American oak casks, developing a golden honey hue and enticing aromas of gentle toast, fresh tobacco, and bananas. On the palate, flavors of chocolate, almonds, melons, raisins, and dried fruits are accented by subtle vanilla undertones. The finish is enduring and robust, with lingering hints of roasted nuts and corn. Buy it now!