Free local delivery at $49.99+ within 3 miles Delivery available to eligible addresses within 10 miles Call us: (716) 770-1230 Mix & match 12 wines for 15% off

Buffalo House journal

Best Bourbon for Old Fashioned: 12 Bottles Tested by Buffalo Bartenders (2026)

We made the same Old Fashioned 12 times — once with each bottle on our shelf — and ranked the bourbons by how the actual drink came out. Buffalo Trace takes the top spot, but the surprises are...

Classic Old Fashioned cocktail with orange peel garnish on marble surface

An Old Fashioned is mostly whiskey, so proof, spice, oak, and balance matter more than label prestige.

Local delivery is available within 10 miles. Minimums and fees vary by distance and order total and are shown at checkout.

What Works Best

  • Proof: Roughly 90–110 proof usually stands up well to sugar, bitters, ice, and dilution.
  • Spice or softness: High-rye bourbon adds spice; wheated bourbon makes a rounder drink.
  • Finish: Caramel, vanilla, oak, and baking spice should remain noticeable after stirring.

Recommended Bottles

  1. Buffalo Trace
  2. Old Forester 100
  3. Maker's Mark Cask Strength
  4. Knob Creek 9 Year
  5. Eagle Rare 10 Year
  6. Four Roses Single Barrel
  7. Bulleit Bourbon
  8. Wild Turkey 101
  9. Woodford Reserve Double Oaked
  10. Russell's Reserve 10 Year
  11. Elijah Craig Small Batch
  12. Weller Special Reserve, when available

Prices and inventory change. Check current availability before visiting for a specific bottle.

Basic Old Fashioned

  • 2 oz bourbon or rye
  • ¼ oz simple syrup or one sugar cube
  • 2–3 dashes aromatic bitters
  • Orange peel

Stir with ice until chilled and properly diluted, then strain over a large cube.

Frequently Asked Questions

What proof is best?

Approximately 90–110 proof is a practical range, though personal preference matters.

Can I use rye?

Yes. Rye usually creates a drier, spicier Old Fashioned.

Do you deliver bourbon locally?

Local delivery is available to eligible addresses within 10 miles. Minimums and fees are shown at checkout.

Browse bourbon.