Top Distilleries for an Exquisite Old Fashioned Experience

Old fashioneds are a timeless cocktail that has regained popularity over the years, with many brands offering their own unique twists on this classic drink. When searching for the best brands that complement the rich, bittersweet flavors of an old fashioned, it's essential to consider both the whiskey and the other premium ingredients used in the mix. From well-known distilleries that provide exceptional bourbons and ryes to artisanal companies offering premium bitters and syrups, each brand lends its distinctive flair to your cocktail experience. To explore some of the top contenders and find out which brands deserve a spot in your home bar for crafting the perfect old fashioned, see the list below.

Illustration of old fashioned

Best brands of old fashioned in 2025

Bulleit Bourbon

Bulleit Bourbon is renowned for its high-quality ingredients and unique blend, making it an ideal choice for crafting the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. With a bold, spicy character due to its high rye content, Bulleit Bourbon offers a smooth, satiny finish and flavors of maple, oak, and nutmeg. This Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, at 45% Alc/Vol, has garnered numerous awards, including Gold Medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 95 rating at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2012. The Bulleit Old Fashioned cocktail, available in 375mL and 750mL sizes at 37.5% Alc/Vol, combines Bulleit Bourbon with simple syrup, bitters, and orange peel for a complex yet refreshing taste. This recipe, refined by celebrated bartenders, ensures a bar-quality cocktail experience. Discover more about the Bulleit Old Fashioned cocktail.

Woodford Reserve

Woodford Reserve, produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation, is renowned for its exceptional quality in crafting the classic Old Fashioned cocktail. With its roots dating back to 1797 and the distillery refurbished in 1993, Woodford Reserve bourbon is made using the traditional sour mash fermentation process championed by Dr. James Crow. The bourbon's more than 200 subtle flavors make it a favorite among bartenders worldwide. Woodford Reserve Old Fashioned Week, initiated in 2015, has become a global event celebrating this iconic cocktail. U.S. rye and bourbon sales have seen significant growth, with rye whiskey sales increasing by 16.2% in 2016, reflecting the brand's influence in the mixology movement.

Maker's Mark

Maker's Mark is a renowned producer of high-quality bourbon, particularly well-suited for old fashioned cocktails, thanks to its unique recipe using soft red winter wheat instead of rye, which results in a smooth and full-flavored profile. The brand's commitment to quality is evident in its meticulous barrel rotation and aging process, where bourbon is aged to taste rather than time. With a production capacity of 34 million bottles annually, Maker's Mark has mastered efficient production while maintaining consistency. The brand saw significant growth in 2011, with a 14% increase in dollar sales and a 16% increase in volume sales, driven by a successful marketing campaign that expanded its audience beyond loyal consumers. Maker's Mark has also introduced limited-release expressions, such as the Cellar Aged 2024, blending 12- and 13-year-old bourbon, further enhancing its reputation.

Elijah Craig

Elijah Craig, often referred to as the 'Father of Bourbon,' is a leading producer of premium American whiskeys, particularly renowned for its role in the iconic Old Fashioned cocktail. Since its inception in 2020, Elijah Craig's Old Fashioned Week has raised over $400,000 for organizations supporting the hospitality industry, with the event expanding globally to include the US, Canada, and the UK. The brand's Elijah Craig Small Batch Kentucky Bourbon, with its signature warm spice and subtle smoke flavor, is a perfect complement to the Old Fashioned's ingredients. The fifth annual Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week, running from October 11 to 20, 2024, will see donations of $1 per Old Fashioned sold, up to $100,000, to support critical causes. This initiative underscores Elijah Craig's commitment to both the quality of its bourbon and the well-being of the hospitality community. For more details, visit the Elijah Craig Old Fashioned Week announcement.

Four Roses

Four Roses Bourbon is renowned for its unique production process, making it a standout in the world of old fashioned cocktails. The brand utilizes two distinct mash bills: Mash Bill B (60% corn, 35% rye, 5% barley) and Mash Bill E (75% corn, 20% rye, 5% barley), combined with five proprietary yeast strains to create 10 different recipes. Founded in 1888 by Paul Jones Jr., Four Roses was reintroduced to the US market in 2002 by Kirin after a 50-year absence. The bourbon is aged for a minimum of five years in single-story rackhouses, ensuring even aging and minimal temperature variation. With a production capacity of around 4 million proof gallons per year, Four Roses continues to be a favorite among bourbon enthusiasts. For more insights, visit the official Four Roses website.

Knob Creek

Knob Creek is renowned for its exceptional quality in crafting the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, earning it the title of "Best Bourbon" at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2015, where it outrated 95 other bourbons and received a Double Gold medal. This accolade underscores the brand's commitment to excellence, as evident in its robust oak flavor and hints of smooth vanilla. The Classic Old Fashioned recipe by Knob Creek involves muddling sugar and bitters, adding ice, and pouring 1.5 oz of their 9 Year Old Bourbon Whiskey, followed by a gentle stir and a cherry garnish. This meticulous process ensures a balanced and sophisticated cocktail experience. With its prestigious awards and careful craftsmanship, Knob Creek stands as a premier choice for bourbon enthusiasts.

Old Forester

Old Forester is renowned for its exceptional quality and historical significance, making it an ideal choice for crafting an Old Fashioned. Founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown, Old Forester is the only bourbon brand produced before, during, and after Prohibition. The brand's 86-proof expression, introduced in 1959, is particularly well-suited for mixology due to its rich, full flavor and smooth finish. Old Forester's characteristic dry finish and dimensional flavor profile enhance the complexity of an Old Fashioned. The Whiskey Row Series, including expressions like the 1924 10-year-old bourbon, further underscores the brand's commitment to quality and historical innovation.

Wild Turkey 101

Wild Turkey 101 is a renowned bourbon brand, particularly esteemed for its role in crafting exceptional Old Fashioned cocktails. With a high rye content of 13%, aged in deeply charred American White Oak barrels, and bottled at 101 proof (50.5% ABV), this bourbon offers a rich, bold flavor profile that includes hints of vanilla and orange peel. Master Distiller Jimmy Russell has been perfecting this recipe for over 60 years, making it a time-honored icon in the bourbon world. The 101 proof ensures a robust character that is ideal for those who enjoy a full-bodied bourbon. Whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a classic cocktail, Wild Turkey 101 is a staple for any bourbon enthusiast. For more information, visit the Wild Turkey 101 product page.

Buffalo Trace

Buffalo Trace Distillery is renowned as one of the best producers of bourbon whiskey, particularly suited for crafting exceptional Old Fashioneds. With over 200 years of history, the distillery has expanded its operations significantly, increasing whiskey production by 50% in the last five years and planning to double this capacity with the completion of a new still house by the end of 2022. The distillery's commitment to quality is evident in its use of a sour mash process and large fermenters, each capable of holding 92,000 gallons of mash. Buffalo Trace's bourbon, such as its signature Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon, is praised for its complex aroma and smooth finish, earning accolades from experts like Jim Murray's Whisky Bible. The distillery's expansion also includes a sophisticated wastewater treatment plant, highlighting its dedication to environmental responsibility.

Michter's

Michter's is renowned as one of the top producers of whiskey, particularly esteemed for its high-quality offerings that are ideal for crafting an old fashioned. Recently voted the World's Most Admired Whisky brand, Michter's has a rich history dating back to 1753 and is currently led by the Magliocco family, who acquired the trademark in the 1990s. The brand is known for its meticulous production process, including proprietary filtration, and its limited edition releases are highly sought after, with some bottles commanding prices significantly higher than their MSRP due to high demand and limited supply. Michter's whiskeys, such as the US*1 Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon and the Limited Release Barrel Strength Kentucky Straight Bourbon, are praised for their refined and complex flavor profiles. The brand's commitment to quality has contributed to the significant growth of the American whiskey category, which saw a 10.5% increase in sales last year. For a deeper dive into Michter's esteemed offerings, check out this ranking of Michter's whiskey bottles for 2024.