Alright, let’s talk about this fancy drink, the Old Fashioned. Folks keep askin’ what’s the best bourbon for it, so I’m gonna tell ya what I know, ya hear?
What is this Old Fashioned Thing Anyway?
Now, from what I gather, this Old Fashioned ain’t nothin’ too complicated. It’s got some whiskey in it, either that rye stuff or this bourbon stuff. Then they go and mash up some sugar, some bitters – that Angostura stuff, I think they call it – and a little water. Toss in some ice and the whiskey, and there ya go. Sounds simple enough, even for an old gal like me.
Bourbon, Bourbon, Which One to Choose?
So, this bourbon, that’s what we’re here to talk about. Seems like there’s a whole bunch of ’em out there. But for an Old Fashioned, you don’t wanna just grab any ol’ bottle. You want somethin’ that’ll taste good with all that other stuff they put in it.
- High-Rye Bourbon: A Bit of a Kick
Some folks like their Old Fashioned with a bit of a bite. That’s where this high-rye bourbon comes in. Rye gives it a kind of spicy taste, you know? Makes it a little more…lively, I guess you could say. But some folks find it too strong, too much like medicine. Not for me, I say! I like a drink with some backbone.
- Wheated Bourbon: Smooth and Sweet
Then there’s this other kind, the wheated bourbon. Now, this one’s smoother, they say. Not as spicy, more sweet. And that sweetness, well, that goes real nice with the sugar and bitters in the Old Fashioned. It kinda mellows everything out, makes it easy to drink. This is probably what them city folks would like, somethin’ that goes down easy.
So, What’s the BEST?
Well, that’s the million-dollar question, ain’t it? Truth is, there ain’t no single “best” bourbon. It all depends on what you like. You want somethin’ with a kick? Go for the high-rye. You want somethin’ smooth and sweet? Go for the wheated.
Don’t Get Too Fancy Now
Now, some folks get all worked up about the price, the brand, all that fancy stuff. But let me tell you somethin’, a good Old Fashioned ain’t about how much money you spend. It’s about finding a bourbon you like, one that tastes good to you. Don’t let them city slickers fool you into thinkin’ you need to spend a fortune. A good, honest bourbon is all you need.
My Advice? Try a Few!
That’s the only way you’re gonna figure out what you like. Go buy a few different bottles, small ones if you ain’t sure. Try ’em out, see which one makes the best Old Fashioned for you. And don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Maybe you like a little more bitters, maybe a little less sugar. It’s your drink, make it how you want it.
And for goodness sake, don’t forget the ice!
I swear some people try to get fancy and forget the basics. An Old Fashioned needs ice, plain and simple. Don’t want no warm drink, that’s for sure. So load it up with ice, let it get nice and cold. That’s how you make a proper drink.
In Conclusion…
So there you have it. That’s my two cents on the best bourbon for an Old Fashioned. High-rye for a kick, wheated for somethin’ smooth. Try a few different ones, see what you like. And don’t forget the ice! Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go make myself one right now. All this talk about bourbon’s made me thirsty!
One last thing, don’t drink too much now, ya hear? A little is good, too much ain’t never good for nobody. That’s the gospel truth. And remember, the best bourbon for an old fashioned is the one you enjoy the most. No need to get all caught up in what everyone else thinks.
