9 Best Bourbons for an Old Fashioned (Judged by Experts)

March 14, 2023 | 5 min read

On a budget? Looking to splurge? These are the best bourbons to use in an old fashioned broken down by occasion - judged by bourbon experts!

The original cocktail, the old fashioned has stood the test of time as one of the most popular cocktails in the world. Opinions on the best recipes and bourbons for an old fashioned vary.

Professional whiskey bloggers and YouTubers commonly share their opinion on what bourbon makes the best old fashioned. I’ve read and watched nearly all of their opinions and summarized them for you here.

What makes a bourbon good for an old fashioned?

The right bourbon can completely transform the flavor of an old fashioned. No matter your preference, there’s a bourbon for you that makes exactly the cocktail you’re looking for at the right price.

What matters most is choosing a bourbon that you like. That’s the golden rule! Aside from that, there are widely agreed upon characteristics of bourbon that make for a great old fashioned.

The qualities that make a bourbon good for an old fashioned are:

  • A higher proof, around 95-110, which provides more flavor and aroma. Higher proof bourbons can stand up better to dilution from the mixer.
  • Notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice which complement the flavors of an old fashioned.
  • A bold, robust flavor that is not overwhelmed by the bitters and sugar in the cocktail.
  • An accessible price point. There's no need to use an expensive, premium bourbon in a mixed drink.

Remember, though, the most important thing is that you love the cocktail. In the end, choose whatever bourbon makes the old fashioned you like the most.

An old fashioned cocktail on a wooden table

The Best Bourbon for an Old Fashioned – Ranked by Occasion

There are many bourbons that make a fantastic old fashioned. Because of that, I’ve broken down the best bourbons for each occasion. Whether you’re making a cocktail for yourself or trying to impress your friends on a special occasion these bourbons are the best for an old fashioned.

1. Old Forester 100: Best Overall

You’d be hard pressed to find a “best bourbons for an old fashioned” list that doesn’t contain Old Forester 100. It has notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice which complement the flavors of an old fashioned. It has a bold, robust flavor that is not overwhelmed by the bitters and sugar in the cocktail.

Old Forester 100 is, well.. 100 proof which stands up well to dilution and the other flavors in the cocktail.

2. Wild Turkey 101: Best Budget

Widely available and one of the best go-to bourbons because of its flavor and price point, Wild Turkey 101 makes a fantastic old fashioned. It has notes of caramel, brown sugar, and baking spice with undertones of vanilla and oak. It has a well rounded flavor with hints of burnt orange that pairs well with the flavors of an old fashioned.

Wild Turkey 101 is 101 proof, so it stands up excellently to the dilution and other flavors in the cocktail without being overwhelmed.

3. Maker’s Mark: Best for a Party

Affordable and smooth, this entry-level bourbon is unoffensive and sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Maker's Mark bourbon has notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak with hints of spice. It has a smooth flavor with undertones of dried fruit that complements the flavors of an old fashioned.

Maker's Mark is 90 proof, so it stands up well to dilution from the mixer while still allowing the flavors of the bourbon to shine through. Its distinctive red wax seal also makes it an attractive bottle for a party or get-together.

4. Four Roses Single Barrel: Best for a Special Occasion

Four Roses Single Barrel has notes of ripe cherry, plum, and black tea with undertones of cocoa and spice. It has a robust flavor with hints of burnt orange that pairs well with the flavors of an old fashioned.

Four Roses Single Barrel is around 100 proof, so it stands up excellently to the dilution and other flavors in the cocktail without being overwhelmed.

Four Roses Single Barrel is one of the more expensive bourbons in this list making it great for a special occasion. Don’t fear, though, it’s not so expensive that you feel bad using it in cocktails.

5. Old Grand-Dad Bonded: Best for a Spicier Old Fashioned

Old Grand-Dad Bonded bourbon has notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted oak with undertones of caramel and vanilla. It has a bold, spicy flavor with hints of orange zest that pairs well with the flavors of an old fashioned.

Old Grand-Dad Bonded is 100 proof, so it stands up excellently to the dilution and other flavors in the cocktail without being overwhelmed.

The pronounced spiciness of this bourbon makes it ideal for those who prefer a spicier old fashioned.

6. Old Grand Dad 114: Best for a Stronger Old Fashioned

Old Grand Dad 114 has notes of toasted oak, caramel, vanilla, and spice. It has a bold, robust flavor with hints of burnt orange that pairs excellently with the flavors of an old fashioned.

Old Grand Dad 114 is 114 proof, so it stands up exceptionally to the dilution and other flavors in the cocktail without being overwhelmed.

The high proof of this bourbon makes it ideal for those who prefer a boozier old fashioned.

Honorable Mentions

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention these bourbons. They don’t win for a particular category but they certainly won’t disappoint. Any list of best bourbons for an old fashioned is likely going to contain at least one of these.

1. Old Forester 100 Rye: Honorable Mention

Old Forester 100 Rye has notes of toasted rye bread, spice, and dried fruit with undertones of vanilla and caramel. It has a bold, robust rye flavor with hints of citrus zest that pairs well with the flavors of an old fashioned.

A “relative” of the best overall winner Old Forester 100, this rye version makes a wonderful old fashioned.

2. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey: Honorable Mention

Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey has notes of caramel, vanilla, and baking spice with undertones of dried fruit and oak. It has a smooth, well-rounded flavor with hints of orange zest that pairs nicely with the flavors of an old fashioned.

Woodford Reserve is 90.4 proof, so it stands up well to dilution from the mixer while still allowing the flavors of the bourbon to shine through.

3. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Whiskey: Honorable Mention

Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Whiskey has notes of toasted oak, caramel, vanilla, and spice. The double oak aging process gives this bourbon a distinctive richness and depth of flavor that makes a wonderful old fashioned.

It has a bold, robust flavor with hints of burnt orange and dark chocolate that pairs excellently with the flavors of an old fashioned. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Whiskey is 90.4 proof, so it stands up well to dilution from the mixer while still allowing the flavors of the bourbon to shine through.

Full List of Best Bourbons for an Old Fashioned

  1. Old Forester 100: Best overall
  2. Wild Turkey 101: Best budget
  3. Maker’s Mark: Best for a party
  4. Four Roses Single Barrel: Best for a special occasion
  5. Old Grand-Dad Bonded: Best for a spicier old fashioned
  6. Old Grand Dad 114: Best for a stronger old fashioned

Honorable Mentions:

  1. Old Forester 100 Rye
  2. Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
  3. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked Whiskey