The Perfect Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is the drink that started it all — one of the earliest defined cocktails in American history. It's a showcase for good bourbon, and our Straight Bourbon brings the caramel, oak, and rye spice that this cocktail demands.
Why It Works with Our Bourbon
Our Straight Bourbon's flavor profile — rich corn sweetness, refined rye spice, and toasted oak — is exactly what the Old Fashioned was designed to highlight. The sugar and bitters enhance these flavors rather than masking them, and the orange peel adds a citrus brightness that ties everything together.
Variations
Wheated Old Fashioned: Substitute Bud & Dewey's for a softer, sweeter take. Use honey syrup instead of sugar to complement the wheat character.
Smoked Old Fashioned: Use our Smoked Straight Bourbon and flame the orange peel for a dramatic, smoky experience.
Rye Old Fashioned: Swap in our Rye Whiskey for a spicier, more assertive version. Add a cinnamon stick for extra warmth.
Tips for the Best Old Fashioned
- Use a large ice cube — it melts slower and doesn't over-dilute your drink
- Don't skip the orange peel — the expressed oils are essential
- Stir, don't shake — this is a spirit-forward drink that should stay clear
- Quality bitters matter — Angostura is classic, but experiment with orange or walnut bitters