20 Best Whiskeys For Old Fashioned (2023 Updated)

Me and my husband took our annual, anniversary bourbon trail trip and Bulleit was on the list. Had the orange label bourbon in mixed drinks but never drank it neat. Drove up on a nice, country road with a large Bulleit sign next to an old barn (loved this).

Pulled up the drive to the facility and noticed a few corn hole boards to welcome the guests and friendly employees welcoming you as you walk in. Tastefully decorated modern/frontier sitting room with tattoo artists displayed for Bulleit art.

Ashley was our tour guide. She was energetic, knowledgeable and efficient. the grounds were well-maintained and eco friendly (loved this as well). They are earth conscious in all that they do from ensuring they don’t overuse water to solar powered gates/lights and propane fueled shuttles that are decorated by local tattoo artists (nice touch).

The distillery was very clean. They re-purpose the left-over mash and barrels (many distilleries do this but always appreciated). Only down-side was wearing a mask. I don’t think it should be a requirement and was less than pleased about this.

After the tour, we had time to sit in the beautiful sitting room (tastefully decorated with good quality, high end furnishings) and shop in the gift shop. Literally the best distillery gift shop I’ve ever been in.

Many made in the USA products and items from local artisans. There were locally made coffee mugs, bags from WA, dog collars and key chains made from locals, Faribault blankets (WHAT?? love this), and beautiful ladies southern hats (didn’t have my size 🙁 ).

Wish I had more time here but will definitely be back next year.

I used to drink so much that nothing really had much to the taste. I recently stopped drinking for about two years just to see if I could. Since I could, I came back. I ordered the same alcohol that I used to think was decent.

I was wrong, about all of it, except this. It is so smooth, with such depth to flavor. It’s warm, but not burning. It doesn’t give that same horrible whiskey ***** that some beverages do, lookin at you Jack, and the mouth feel of the stuff is just beautiful.

Buy it, drink if, and enjoy it.

Sorry – the reviews show 4+ stars and none of that makes any sense. I’m not trusting these reviews, they look like they were all written by a handful of marketing people and not Rye whiskey drinkers.

This rye is has no complexity whatsoever. It’s whiskey. It’s not bad whiskey but it might as well have been well whiskey in a dive bar. I love Rye – and two of my faves are at a lower price point than this.

they are complex with specific taste notes. THIS. is one dimensional and very disappointing. Many of the reviews addressed mixed drinks, and I don’t do mixed drinks. again. my bad. I should have read the reviews instead of viewing the overall rating.

93 points from Wine Enthusiast ??? In my opinion that rating is not a blind tasting. that’s a business deal. Wine Enthusiast is not (in my opinion) reliable at all – it always seems that it’s connected to the advertising.

These reviews indicate they came from another source. not Total Wine customers. I do not believe the reviews here are genuine. Just my opinion based on the fact that this whiskey has no complexity whatsoever.

I’ve recently become interested in bourbons and began reading as much as I could about the various brands. The Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfort, KY produces some of the worlds best bourbons. Expressions like Pappy Van Winkle, W.

L. Weller, Blanton’s. Eagle Rare, to name just a few. Their are different types of drinkers to speak value to. For people using it as a mixing bourbon, its full flavor mixes well without losing many of the bourbon’s characteristics, and it’s probably priced right around the max of what they want to spend.

As a sipper, no matter what experience you may have drinking whiskey straight, anyone can enjoy drinking this one. The quality and flavor of Buffalo Trace is always far better than you’d expect from a $25 bottle of bourbon.

I’ve recently become interested in bourbons and began reading as much as I could about the various brands. The Buffalo Trace distillery in Frankfort, KY produces some of the worlds best bourbons. Expressions like Pappy Van Winkle, W.

L. Weller, Blanton’s. Eagle Rare, to name just a few. Buffalo Trace is their flagship expression and had gotten very good reviews. As the other reviewer pointed out, Buffalo Trace had become hard to get here in PA.

Our State Liquor Stores( yes we still have State control of liquor here in PA) were completely sold out and I knew I wanted to try some. So I placed an order with Caskers. The bottle arrived well packed and in short order.

After trying several other brands and then the Buffalo Trace, I can tell you that this bourbon is currently my favorite to sip neat or on the rocks. It is an exceptionally smooth bourbon. If you haven’t yet, give this a try.

You won’t be disappointed.

In terms of flavor, it’s fantastic! On the rocks, this is a great drink. However, you performed admirably in terms of shipping! It was a race against time, with less than a week till Christmas. I wanted two bottles of Buffalo Trace for stockings for my son-in-laws, but no one in town had any! So I though, what the heck, I’ll give it a shot.

I’ve ordered from Liquor Mates before and they’ve always been fantastic. The order was placed on the Saturday before Christmas, and the box arrived two days later! AMAZING!!! I’ll be a loyal customer for life!.

With over 100 bottles in my bar, I have to be selective about replacing inventory that I like with something new and untried. Had heard from a friend that this bottle was worth a go so I picked it up before a New Years vacation with 4 serious whiskey lovers.

This bottle was very good and I would say a good value at its price point. The mid-palate was all candy corn and toffee for me with a hint of buttered bread, and a mild finish of spice that was not overpowering gives it a warm tail.

Open it up with a drop of water and serve in a Glencairn glass and you will find the bottom of this bottle before you expected.

I’m a single malts from Islay girl, but trying to give some love to bourbon & rye. There are a few I like so far. I tried to like this one. Really I did, But I find it only ok. I’ll use it for cocktails, but straight? It just doesn’t have the oomph I’ve come to expect in the flavor department.

Someone described the Islay whisky I love as tasting like old bandaids, merchurachrome (??), and burned house. I’m wondering how they knew what that tasted like. This just tastes…bleh. With some eggnog, or fresh apple cider, maybe real Jamaican spicy ginger beer…it’ll do.

Whisk(e)y that really does it for me, I drink straight, with a wee bit of water. This is not that for me.

My goto bourbon. Makes the best Whiskey Sour. Tried many many bourbons and whiskeys but always come back to FR small batch. The caramel and vanilla flavor pairs so well with the sour mix it’s crazy. If using a premixed sour mix, use Mr and Mrs T’s whiskey sour mix (your welcome in advance).

Also it’s not bad neat, pretty smooth.

It’s my first ever bourbon. My son is educating me on bourbon. I loved it. I’d like to try other bourbons but four roses may always be my first love. Smooth, gently bringing the flavors alive with the vanilla.

My first thoughts were a roasted marshmallow over a campfire.

This the least expensive Old Forrester bottle I’ve purchased and I gotta say I prefer the more expensive versions. 1910 is my favorite for its smooth finish and great taste. Compared to that one, this 100proof version is a bit harsh on the finish.

The nose is pure maple syrup and light vanilla, taste on the tongue is a bit astringent, and the finish is pure cherry cough syrup. Considering the 1910 & 1920 bottles are double the price, I would rather pay more knowing I’m getting a much better tasting whisky.

Old Forrester: the original bartenders handshake, or the Kentucky handshake, which ever you prefer to call it. This is the best, and original bourbon of the United States. The old is Brandon existence.

You cannot find a better bottle of bourbon to keep on your back bar, that you don’t have to cringe when people mix with Coke. Their higher tears are even better, especially if you can magically get your hands on a bottle of birthday bourbon.

Makes a great old-fashioned, Manhattan, just about anything you can throw at it, it will stand up to. If you’re looking for a nice spicy cake they also make a Rye that’s around the same price point.

Anything is subjective to specific tastes. film, desserts, and bourbon also gets added to the list. Old Forester 100 (OF100) has been a consistent top pick in my bourbon journey. The flavor profile is just right.

just the right amount of sweetness and spice for my palate and when you add in price and availability, it’s perfect. Palates differ and some people don’t like it but OF has been knocking it out of the park lately with this and their 1920 and it’s a definite ‘must try’ for anyone getting into bourbon.

You don’t need to buy the liter or 750 but instead try an airline bottle or a pint. even a pour at a bar. and pour it over some ice. If you don’t like it, you haven’t lost much.

I’m new to bourbon. About 1 year, and I have been very successful finding bourbons that I enjoy. I drink bourbon with water (not ready for neat). Larceny seemed like it was worth trying since it is significantly less expensive that what I have been buying.

Nose extremely sweet neat. More muted and smoother with water, but not as sweet or pleasant. Honey/toffee ? The taste really surprised me, I expected something special or at least good. Bitter, astringent, tart, acidic.

Very unpleasant aftertaste with a strong alcohol burn (mouth & throat). Basically I find it undrinkable, and will try to pass it on to a neighbor. The bourbons I have most enjoyed (so far) include: Old Forester 1910 Old Fine Whisky, 93 Proof Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey.

Four Roses Single Barrel Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Contradiction Bourbon, Smooth Ambler, 92 proof (if I’m liking the spicey/peppery finish).

It’s clear from the price you’re not looking for something to change your outlook. I personally don’t ascribe to price = better, as Eagle Rare is one of my favorites, but as it’s name denotes it can be hard to find.

I find Larceny to be a deep step down but, it’s not bad, it’s not a “cheap bourbon” it is still enjoyable and not a hangover enducing rail whiskey. It has a quality to it for the price. It’s my go to $25 bottle.

The One stars reviews all have a problem with people saying it’s a great find for the price, which means they immediately want to rate it poorly. For $25, give it a try for yourself, cause honestly, that’s who’s opinion matters.

I remember buying this maybe as recently as 2 years ago. I probably started buying it in 2015 or 2016. I bought it again a month ago after about 2 years and it tasted horrible. I’m not sure if they drastically altered the formula or if some sort of cleaning solvent wasn’t distilled out of the product.

I took a sip and poured the rest out. Not an issue of taste it just smelled and tasted like cleaning products smell. Not saying this out of bitterness against the brand (I miss the old taste) but mostly confusion.

I used to like Larceny.

Big fan of this bourbon. Spent the night making old fashions for a group and they were fantastic. It’s smooth, and delicious. This is a prime example of “you get what you pay for”. Definitely a premium bourbon and made for sipping on its own, or in a cocktail like an old fashioned.

If you’re making an elaborate cocktail, you can afford to get something less premium. But if you want something good, this is a great choice 👌🏼.

I would say this one fit the mold of average for this price range. I’ve had a lot at this price point and there is nothing wrong with it. It’s rather flat on the nose. There is a light earthy scent but also a hint of cherry.

There’s a smokey palate that is smooth but it moved into a surprisingly strong burn in the finish. It’s not long, though, so it doesn’t linger. In the end, there’s nothing that makes this stand out from other bourbons at this price range for me.

There’s nothing wrong with drinking it and I’ll drink more, I have no doubt. But if I’m buying at this price range, I still like Woodford Reserve Double Batch. but that’s because I like butterscotch.

Wow. Just WOW. At first, I didn’t know what to think. Somewhat new to the bourbon world, I love spicy intakes and oak finishes. And this at first, just seemed like, ew, bitter and then herbal aftertaste.

But my body wasn’t rejecting it, I kept on wanting to know what I was tasting. About half a bottle down. I think I have a pretty good idea now. And now, oh my, and now this is definitely the most complex and wonderful bourbon I’ve gotten so far.

This has been a wonderful learning experience because it’s opened up my palate to really disguising the vast amount of flavors that come from bourbon. And this is what this bourbon made me realize, a lot of the other bourbons I’ve had were just, simple, or maybe I’m just becoming more experienced with my taste buds, but either way, I think this is an amazing bourbon and it makes me eager to try more and see what other experiences there are out there.

And finally to the review. With this, it wasn’t just taste in, taste done. The nose hit me with this kind of sweet apple/peach smell, which was complimented by the intake, but then turned to dark bitter fruits, possibly plum, and then for a second cherry.

And then the bitter notes start to come, and this one took me a while to get. First it hits you with the tobacco, then I get a strong herbal/green tea kind of taste with a long leathery finish. The great thing is when you think it’s all over the cherry comes back and hits you in the mouth.

I mean, this bourbon really has a long of great complexities, and even if it doesn’t agree with your palate (and you’re crazy if you don’t like it), then you can at least say, wow that was some great quality bourbon and I just need to find out what that taste was, because I can’t quite put my finger on it.

On another note, there are 10 different recipes, so every barrel number could be different. Can’t wait to buy another!.

I really thought I’d enjoy this, the standard Double Oaked is one of my favorite bourbons, and easily the best for the price. I prefer it to the select. Possibly it’s the fact I had it immediately following a fish fry, and the lemon caused the unpleasant taste on my palette, I prefer my bourbon neat.

I’ll give it another go tomorrow. On the front was a vinegar (not burn) tang. It killed any other flavors. Nothing complex. I’ll take the pancakes and maple syrup from the standard Double Oaked. That being said, there is zero burn to this and if you give it a minute on the back end was one of the best Kentucky hugs I’ve had recently.

I’ll give it a shot when my palette is more ready, if I still taste the vinegar, I’ll try it with a cigar.

I love this bourbon – as expected. I had read blogs about it for months and decided to try it. Just don’t order it through Liqour Bar. The Bourbon was $38. That’s a fairly competetive price. But the shipping was as much as the bourbon.

I didn’t notice that until I had already clicked “Purchase”. I tried to cancel the order within one minute but they instantly wanted a 15% re-stocking fee. Apparently somone had sprinted to the shelf, pulled the product and started the shipping process within 45 seconds? C’mon.

So, HIGH marks for the bourbon and LOW marks for this company. The bottle was packed appropriately and arrived unharmed within a couple of weeks. But it’s WAY cheaper to just find it in your area and go pick up a bottle.

Go for it! Worth the price.

Okay. I make no claim to be any more than a novice bourbon drinker. While I have tried both more expensive varieties and others at a comparable price point, I will say…. When co side ring cost as a reflection of taste, this is a fantastic bourbon.

Tbh it is my preferred bourbon and probably top 3 bourbon of the 20-40 different ones I have tried. It is smooth with very little bite. It falls into a category of caramel, Smokey, and Oakey in flavors.

It is not a fruit heavy bourbon which I will say I leaned towards prior to tasting this. I highly recommend trying it IF you can find it.

I actually received this as a birthday present, courtesy of friends who know nothing about whiskey buying a gift for a guy who knows a little about whiskey. And man was it a nice surprise! Woodford’s Double Oaked is a step above its cheaper base, presenting a nice oaky bourbon with accents of vanilla and caramel—perfect for sipping.

It’s softly woody on the nose, with its vanilla and sugary accents coming through the oak (courtesy of its aging advantage over the standard Woodford). It tastes just like how it smells: oaky and sweet, but balanced by rich leathery undertones.

It’ll finish you off on the smokier side, but still retaining its sweet woodiness; think: burnt caramel and toasted vanilla. Overall, it’s a great sipper, far above its standard cousin. The price might put you off, especially since this range has a lot of contenders (I’m looking at you Sagamore Spirit), but if you’re deciding between this and something ten bucks cheaper? Go with this.

Opened Eagle Rare with great expectations since Buffalo Trace was so wonderful. Eagle Rare is wildly different than Buffalo Trace. Eagle Rare, Smells(aroma) of deeply charred wood almost like charcoal and tastes like it smells.

It has a long and lingering flavor which lasts an hour or more. It may work well in cocktails but not for sipping. My opinion…and I am not an expert. I will stay with Buffalo Trace.

This is the best whiskey I have tasted. Much better than Buffalo Trace which is my favorite because of taste and price. Eagle Rare occasionally comes to the liquor stores in Pennsylvania but it’s immediately sold out.

The price is around $50 which I believe should be the price for this whiskey. I purchased it just to try it since I couldn’t get it from my liquor store. I normally don’t spend more than $60 for a bottle.

This Bourbon is truly “Rare. ” The Kentucky River reveals itself with plentiful pure limestone water and rich river bottom loam for growing exceptional grains that create that “Eagle Rare” experience with every sip.

Experience “Eagle Rare” 10 year old Bourbon and taste this legendary spirit!!! Only then you will truly understand what makes this blend so wonderful, enjoy!!!.

Tasted neat. On the nose, honeyed cornbread and a hint of dark cherry. On the palate, more honey/caramel sweetness, distinct oak wood, even more dark cherry and a hint of cinnamon. The finish is long and warm with more pronounced cinnamon and the sweetness gradually fading.

I do believe I’ve found my favorite bourbon! I’ve also tried it in an old fashioned – yummy – but a shame to use this in a mixed drink when it’s so good all by itself.

I am always trying new bourbons in search of the magic elixir. However, whenever I need to get back to a ‘traditional’ bourbon flavor profile l always revert to Four Roses SB. When I do wonder why do I bother to try and find anything better.

It is simply great tasting and great value.

Going by reviews from expert tasters I had high expectations. I really wanted to like it, but for me it didn’t work. I’m still a noob at bourbon so my palette might be missing something, but I never felt a distinct flavor come through.

As if the flavor was there, but bunched up at the gate unable to get to the starting line. The body seemed thin and the finish bitter and short. At the same time there wasn’t anything especially bad about it either.

It did have a nice clean and balanced taste overall.