Recs on making an “Old Fashioned” drink?

[Dr. Nole]

Specifically...which bourbon is good for making these?
They say since it’s technically a mixed drink that you don’t want to use something super good/expensive...I’m not a bourbon drinker so would like some recommendations please.

 

[Squirrel J.]

I usually use Old Rip Van Winkle 25 year old bourbon, but if I'm running low, the Pappy Reserve 20 year will do in a pinch.
And don't forget the spherical ice ball maker, they have a really good one at Sharper Image that will compress and melt the ice slab into a perfect 2.6" sphere which is optimal.

 

[Random_John]

I usually use Old Rip Van Winkle 25 year old bourbon, but if I'm running low, the Pappy Reserve 20 year will do in a pinch.

I want to hang out with this guy if this is true.

 

[DFSNOLE]

Use a high rye bourbon for most mixed bourbon drinks. The wheateds are made to be smoother when drinking over the rocks or neat. High ryes have a fuller, spicy taste that comes through better in mixed drinks. Of course, this is just one bourbon drinkers opinion.

https://www.epicurious.com/archive/drinking/spirits/bourbon?page=all

 

[jryan]

I like Four Roses- Small Batch. I like this one more than the slightly more expensive Single Barrel version.

 

[DFSNOLE]

Now if you want to make an Old Fashion with a kick, get some of this. I've been drinking it straight over a 1.5" ice cube lately. I like it.

 

[FSU_UCLA]

I like Booker's as a base for an old fashioned.

 

[GoNolesTX]

None of the above is Tribe approved, Will wait for his discretion.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Buncha dudes sitting around talking about old fashioneds

 

[DFSNOLE]

Buncha dudes sitting around talking about old fashioneds

It is a gentleman's drink. Would you prefer a conversation about Mich Ultra?

 

[cfbfan23]

Buncha dudes sitting around talking about old fashioneds

 

[NDallasRuss]

It is a gentleman's drink. Would you prefer a conversation about Mich Ultra?

Oh, you're talking about a drink....

 

[DFSNOLE]

Oh, you're talking about a drink....

Only in reference to the Old Fashion.

 

[TexaNole]

Add some Fernet-Branca and have yourself a Toronto.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Only in reference to the Old Fashion.

I'm clearly no gentleman. I tried to figure out scotch vs bourbon vs whiskey and get to what I might like, but it remained too confusing for me.

 

[cmanole]

Glass of bourbon and a Tide pod...

 

[DFSNOLE]

I'm clearly no gentleman. I tried to figure out scotch vs bourbon vs whiskey and get to what I might like, but it remained too confusing for me.

You obviously need to practice more.

 

[BelemNole]

Uh...I can give you a decent Mai Tai recipe....

 

[NDallasRuss]

You obviously need to practice more.

Maybe that's the problem - I tried to take too academic of an approach. Thing is, if I order a beer that I don't like, it's $5-7 that I lose. If I try one of these fancy brown liquids and it doesn't work out, that can be $15-30 that I'm down. That kind of field research can get a little pricey after a while. It should be simpler! Vodka - simple. Tequila - simple. Rum - simple. Scotch/Bourbon/Whiskey - complicated.

 

[GoNolesTX]

Uh...I can give you a decent Mai Tai recipe....

I asked for NO salt on my Mai Tai, NO salt.

 

[DFSNOLE]

Maybe that's the problem - I tried to take too academic of an approach. Thing is, if I order a beer that I don't like, it's $5-7 that I lose. If I try one of these fancy brown liquids and it doesn't work out, that can be $15-30 that I'm down. That kind of field research can get a little pricey after a while. It should be simpler! Vodka - simple. Tequila - simple. Rum - simple. Scotch/Bourbon/Whiskey - complicated.

Just remember all Scotches and Bourbons are whiskys but not all whiskys are Bourbons and Scotches. There! Made it simple for you! You're welcome.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Just remember all Scotches and Bourbons are whiskys but not all whiskys are Bourbons and Scotches. There! Made it simple for you! You're welcome.

And which ones are from Canada?

I need a bar like an old West saloon - where slam a large coin down on the bar and order a whiskey, and the bartender pulls out a shot glass, spits in it and wipes it out with an old rag, then fills it from a nondescript dusty brown jug.

 

[DFSNOLE]

And which ones are from Canada?

I need a bar like an old West saloon - where slam a large coin down on the bar and order a whiskey, and the bartender pulls out a shot glass, spits in it and wipes it out with an old rag, then fills it from a nondescript dusty brown jug.

Mostly blended whisky.

 

[LesClaypool]

It is a gentleman's drink. Would you prefer a conversation about Mich Ultra?

My grandma drank old fashioned's like they were water.

Just another data point for the "gentleman's drink" assertion.

 

[FSU_UCLA]

Just remember all Scotches and Bourbons are whiskys but not all whiskys are Bourbons and Scotches. There! Made it simple for you! You're welcome.

Point of order! Whiskey v. Whisky!

 

[FSUTribe76]

None of the above is Tribe approved, Will wait for his discretion.

I agree with DFS about using either a “real” rye whiskey or “at least” a high rye especially something like the Bulleit 95 which is 95% rye in the mashbill.

Then don’t just use boring angostura bitters, go with Amargo Chuncho, Bitterman’s Hopped Grapefruit, Dillon’s Wormwood etc... I finished my own blackberry, lime, mint, black pepper and coriander bitters about six months ago and it’s perfect for an Old Fashioned.

Finally, toss in one or two real Luxardo cherries that have been quickly drip drained of the liqueur.

 

[Funk#49]

 

[Dr. Nole]

Ok...I got some of this Knob creek.
I’m waiting on my new ice tray that makes 2” large ice cubes to freeze then I’ll give it try.

 

[Fijimn]

For you bourbon aficionados in the Tampa area


February 17, 2018
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa, FL
VIP Bacon & Whole Hog Session Noon - 6pm
Regular Session 2pm - 6pm

This is the original. This is the one that started it all…there are no substitutes. Join us at the festival for a great day of beer sippin', bourbon tastin', music listenin', cigar smokin', and barbeque eatin'. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE –TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon. Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry all while enjoying seminars in the tasting theater and LIVE music all day.

All guests receive a Souvenir Glass For Tastings.
All You Care To Taste Beer and Bourbon Tastings as you stroll from table to tab...le and tent to tent. There are over 40 Bourbons and 60 Beers on Tap. Enjoy, but please drink responsibly.
BIG VIP AREA… on The Mezzanine and stocked full of specialty tastes and lots of local restaurants showing off their BBQ and bacon dishes.
The first 200 Guests in line for EACH SESSION receive a FREE “COLLECTIBLE BBBQ” Bag to celebrate the show.
GAMING AREA with Trike Races, Giant Jenga, and Cornhole and More!
The Shrine of Swine! Enjoy Whole hogs every hour and worship the Pork Gods!
BBQ Galore! Enjoy the great barbeque selection – pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages and any fixin’ you could imagine. We’ll keep the portions heavy and the prices low.
Enjoy Seminars in the Tasting Theater with Master Distillers, Brewmasters, and Pit Masters From the Deep South.
Listen To Live Rock & Blues Music and great Bluegrass on The Main Stage
Enjoy the Great Contests on the Main Stage: Tampa's Best Beer Belly Competition and the Daisy Dukes & Boots Contest
Browse Cool Exhibits of Brewerania, Hot sauces, bbq accessories, and even a cigar tent for all guests.

$75 Advance VIP Bacon & Whole Hog Session
Valid Saturday 12–6pm. In addition to the all of the features above, the VIP Bacon and Whole Hog Session offers an exclusive tasting experience in the VIP Area (VIP Area closes at 5pm). Each guest will enjoy 10+ Tasting Stations featuring gourmet bacons from all over the country and local restaurants serving up their favorite BACON DISHES from Noon-2pm. Other benefits include 2 extra hours of sampling & much more. Last year's restaurants include:

$39 Advance Regular Admission Session
Valid Saturday 2pm – 6pmIncludes a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited sampling of beer and bourbon, and all live entertainment.

 

[ericram]

It is a gentleman's drink. Would you prefer a conversation about Mich Ultra?

You took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[ericram]

I do an old fashioned with maple syrup.

 

[Dr. Nole]

It is a gentleman's drink. Would you prefer a conversation about Mich Ultra?

Funny thing is I bought a case of Mich Ultra when I got the Bourbon...

 

[T-NOLE]

Buffalo Trace or Michters. Don’t waste a $75 bottle of bourbon on a mix drink. That’s just a waste of good bourbon.

 

[FSUTribe76]

For you bourbon aficionados in the Tampa area


February 17, 2018
Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Tampa, FL
VIP Bacon & Whole Hog Session Noon - 6pm
Regular Session 2pm - 6pm

This is the original. This is the one that started it all…there are no substitutes. Join us at the festival for a great day of beer sippin', bourbon tastin', music listenin', cigar smokin', and barbeque eatin'. Your admission buys you a sampling glass so you can enjoy an ALL-YOU-CARE –TO-TASTE sampling of beer and bourbon. Some of the best barbeque vendors are on-site if you get hungry all while enjoying seminars in the tasting theater and LIVE music all day.

All guests receive a Souvenir Glass For Tastings.
All You Care To Taste Beer and Bourbon Tastings as you stroll from table to tab...le and tent to tent. There are over 40 Bourbons and 60 Beers on Tap. Enjoy, but please drink responsibly.
BIG VIP AREA… on The Mezzanine and stocked full of specialty tastes and lots of local restaurants showing off their BBQ and bacon dishes.
The first 200 Guests in line for EACH SESSION receive a FREE “COLLECTIBLE BBBQ” Bag to celebrate the show.
GAMING AREA with Trike Races, Giant Jenga, and Cornhole and More!
The Shrine of Swine! Enjoy Whole hogs every hour and worship the Pork Gods!
BBQ Galore! Enjoy the great barbeque selection – pulled pork from whole hogs, ribs, brisket, chickens, sausages and any fixin’ you could imagine. We’ll keep the portions heavy and the prices low.
Enjoy Seminars in the Tasting Theater with Master Distillers, Brewmasters, and Pit Masters From the Deep South.
Listen To Live Rock & Blues Music and great Bluegrass on The Main Stage
Enjoy the Great Contests on the Main Stage: Tampa's Best Beer Belly Competition and the Daisy Dukes & Boots Contest
Browse Cool Exhibits of Brewerania, Hot sauces, bbq accessories, and even a cigar tent for all guests.

$75 Advance VIP Bacon & Whole Hog Session
Valid Saturday 12–6pm. In addition to the all of the features above, the VIP Bacon and Whole Hog Session offers an exclusive tasting experience in the VIP Area (VIP Area closes at 5pm). Each guest will enjoy 10+ Tasting Stations featuring gourmet bacons from all over the country and local restaurants serving up their favorite BACON DISHES from Noon-2pm. Other benefits include 2 extra hours of sampling & much more. Last year's restaurants include:

$39 Advance Regular Admission Session
Valid Saturday 2pm – 6pmIncludes a souvenir tasting glass, unlimited sampling of beer and bourbon, and all live entertainment.

Sounds great! I might make a special trip down.

 

[DFSNOLE]

Funny thing is I bought a case of Mich Ultra when I got the Bourbon...

For the women?

 

[FSUTribe76]

Buffalo Trace or Michters. Don’t waste a $75 bottle of bourbon on a mix drink. That’s just a waste of good bourbon.

If by mixed drink you mean some fruity tiki bar frozen concoction then I 100% agree with you. But two through four ingredient cocktail (like an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Rob Roy, Vesper, Martini, Aviation, etc) where it’s mainly one dominant liquor, then I want the same quality as what I would take straight or on the rocks.

 

[Dr. Nole]

For the women?

Why, of course ...for the women....

 

[FreeFlyNole]

I’m late to the game, I didn’t read anything above. Because I’m three old fashions in. Wild Turkey. Orange peel, Angostura bitters, simple syrup, Luxardo Cherry or two. Boom.

 

[T-NOLE]

If by mixed drink you mean some fruity tiki bar frozen concoction then I 100% agree with you. But two through four ingredient cocktail (like an Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Rob Roy, Vesper, Martini, Aviation, etc) where it’s mainly one dominant liquor, then I want the same quality as what I would take straight or on the rocks.

I definitely don’t want the bottom of the barrel, but I do believe the other ingredients in the old fashioned can take away from the purity of the bourbon. Even if extremely slight, I’d rather not use my best stuff. By the way, if you’re in Tallahassee, the Blue Halo makes one of the best I’ve ever had.

 

[SeaPA]

Whiskey, yer the devil