Okay, so I’ve always been a fan of a good Old Fashioned. There’s just something about that classic mix of bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus that hits the spot. But here’s the thing – the bourbon you use makes all the difference. I’ve tried a bunch, and let me tell you, not all bourbons are created equal when it comes to this cocktail.
So, I started my little experiment. First, I went to the liquor store and grabbed a few different bottles that looked promising. I decided to start with Woodford Reserve. I remembered seeing it recommended somewhere, and it seemed like a solid choice. Plus, it’s got that fancy bottle that makes you feel like you know what you’re doing, right?
- First Try: Woodford Reserve
I mixed up an Old Fashioned using the standard recipe – sugar cube, a few dashes of Angostura bitters, a splash of water, muddled that all up, then added a good pour of Woodford Reserve and a big ice cube. Garnished it with an orange peel. Took a sip, and… it was pretty good. Smooth, kinda caramel-y, and the flavors all worked together. I could see why people like this one. But I wasn’t totally blown away.
- Next Up: Four Roses and Bulleit
These two were also on my list because I saw them mentioned a lot for Old Fashioneds. Four Roses, especially the Small Batch, had a nice balance of sweetness and spice. It made a decent Old Fashioned, but I felt like it got a little lost in the mix. Bulleit, on the other hand, had a bolder flavor that stood up to the other ingredients. It was spicier, which I liked. I’d say Bulleit was a bit better than Four Roses in this case, but still not my favorite.
Then came the 1792 12-Year-Old
Now, this one was a game-changer. I saw it described as the “World’s Best Bourbon,” so obviously, I had to try it. This stuff is aged for 12 years, which is a good chunk of time in the bourbon world. I made my Old Fashioned the same way as before, and holy moly, it was delicious.
- 1792 12-Year-Old: The Winner
This bourbon had a depth of flavor that the others were missing. It was rich, complex, with notes of vanilla, oak, and a hint of spice. It held its own in the cocktail without overpowering the other flavors. It was smooth but still had that nice bourbon kick. Honestly, it made the best Old Fashioned I’ve ever had. I gave it a shot to Double Oak, too. The bartender told me it’s like caramel sauce, and man, he was right. So sweet, but not my cup of tea for an Old Fashioned.
So, after all this “research” (and let’s be honest, it was a lot of fun), I’d say the 1792 12-Year-Old is my top pick for an Old Fashioned. It’s a bit pricier than some of the other options, but in my opinion, it’s totally worth it. If you’re looking for a bourbon that’ll really elevate your Old Fashioned game, give this one a try. You won’t regret it!
Of course, everyone’s taste is different. Maybe you like a spicier bourbon, or maybe you prefer something a little sweeter. But for me, the 1792 12-Year-Old is the clear winner. It’s the bourbon I’ll be reaching for whenever I’m in the mood for a truly exceptional Old Fashioned. Cheers!
