Old Forester 1920 vs Oak & Eden Whiskey

Creating the perfect Old Fashioned cocktail starts with selecting the right bourbon. The bourbon not only serves as the foundation but also influences the cocktail's overall flavor profile. Here's a list of the top 10 bourbons that are highly recommended for crafting the best Old Fashioned: Buffalo Trace A versatile favorite known for its balanced sweetness and notes of vanilla and caramel, making it an excellent base for an Old Fashioned. Woodford Reserve This high-proof bourbon offers rich flavors of dried fruits and spices, contributing to a complex and robust cocktail. Oak & Eden Bourbon & Spire Innovative with its in-bottle spire that continues to infuse flavors over time, this bourbon evolves, adding a unique dynamic to each drink. Knob Creek At 100 proof, Knob Creek provides the strength needed to stand up to the dilution of ice, adding depth with its woody and rich caramel notes. Bulleit Bourbon Popular for its high rye content, Bulleit adds a spicy kick to the Old Fashioned, complemented by sweet tones of maple and oak. Four Roses Single Barrel Known for its floral aroma and flavors of ripe plum and cherries, it brings a unique and flavorful twist to the traditional cocktail. Maker’s Mark With its softer flavor profile featuring sweet, creamy caramel and vanilla, Maker’s Mark creates a smoother, milder Old Fashioned. Wild Turkey 101 This bourbon stands out with its high proof and bold flavors, including notes of honey, butter, and a hint of orange, which add a vibrant kick to the cocktail. Eagle Rare This bourbon offers a complex array of flavors with hints of toffee, honey, and toasted oak, making for a sophisticated Old Fashioned. Rittenhouse Rye While not a bourbon, Rittenhouse Rye deserves mention for its robust and spicy profile that makes a bold, flavorful Old Fashioned.

When it comes to crafting the quintessential Old Fashioned, the choice of bourbon is not just a detail—it's the foundation of this storied cocktail. While Oak & Eden proudly offers a range of whiskeys that can enhance any cocktail, it's important to explore what characteristics make a bourbon ideal for an Old Fashioned. This discussion will also touch on why rye whiskey is a notable contender for those who appreciate a spicier, more robust version of this classic drink. Understanding the Profile of an Ideal Bourbon The Old Fashioned is a cocktail that relies heavily on the whiskey used, as it's combined with only a few simple ingredients—sugar, bitters, and water. This minimalism means the chosen bourbon's flavor profile significantly influences the drink's final taste. Here are several key qualities to consider when selecting a bourbon for an Old Fashioned: 1. Rich Flavor with Balanced Sweetness The bourbon should have a noticeable depth of flavor, with a pleasing balance of sweetness. Caramel and vanilla notes, typical of many bourbons due to the charred oak aging process, contribute to a richer, smoother Old Fashioned. 2. High Proof A higher-proof bourbon, typically around 90-100 proof, is often recommended. The higher alcohol content ensures that the bourbon's robust flavors can stand up to dilution from the ice and integration with the sugar and bitters. This doesn't mean the strongest bourbon you can find; rather, it should be potent enough to maintain its character in the cocktail. 3. Complexity and Finish The bourbon should offer complexity and a pleasant finish. Elements like a touch of spice, wood, and fruit undertones can add an intriguing layer to your Old Fashioned, enhancing the overall drinking experience. Ever Consider Rye Whiskey? Rye whiskey, which is often spicier and fruitier than bourbon, can also be an excellent choice for an Old Fashioned. Its inherent spice profile complements the sweetness of the cocktail’s sugar and the depth of the bitters, providing a bolder, often more balanced flavor. For those looking to deviate slightly from the norm while maintaining the spirit of the classic cocktail, rye offers an appealing alternative. Popular Picks While the perfect bourbon for an Old Fashioned can vary based on personal preference, here are a few commonly preferred choices: Oak & Eden Bourbon & Spire: This innovative bourbon features a unique twist with a wood spire inserted into the bottle, which continues to impart subtle flavors over time. Its smooth profile enhanced with vanilla and caramel tones from the spire makes it a unique and evolving choice for an Old Fashioned. Oak & Eden Rye & Spire: For those who prefer a spicier take on their cocktail, Oak & Eden’s Rye & Spire brings a bold flavor profile with its rye spice complemented by the additional complexity from the in-bottle spire. This choice offers a vibrant, peppery twist to the classic cocktail, providing a balanced yet bold flavor. Buffalo Trace: Known for its rich and complex flavors with vanilla, toffee, and candied fruit, it strikes a nice balance in an Old Fashioned. Woodford Reserve: Its high proof and flavor notes of dried fruit, spices, and chocolate make it a robust base for the cocktail. Knob Creek: The 100 proof and rich woodiness stand up well to the dilution and complement the sweetness and bitterness beautifully. Selecting the right bourbon for an Old Fashioned is about more than just grabbing any bottle from the shelf. It involves understanding the nuances that each type of whiskey brings to the cocktail. Whether you choose a classic bourbon with a smooth finish or a spicy rye, the key is to balance all the ingredients to create a harmonious and delightful experience. At Oak & Eden, we celebrate the craft of whiskey and encourage enthusiasts to explore their tastes, perhaps even with one of our carefully crafted bottles. Cheers to finding your perfect match for the ultimate Old Fashioned.

As part of the Oak & Eden family, we are thrilled to announce the opening of our newest location at The Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth. This expansion is more than just a new storefront; it's a celebration of our growing community and our commitment to providing exceptional bourbon experiences right in the heart of Texas. A New Destination for Bourbon Enthusiasts Nestled in the upscale surroundings of The Shops at Clearfork, our latest Oak & Eden outpost is designed with the discerning bourbon enthusiast in mind. From the moment you step through our doors, you'll be immersed in a world where tradition meets innovation. Our store is not just a place to purchase your favorite Oak & Eden products; it's a destination for those seeking to deepen their understanding of bourbon and discover new favorites. To top it all off, we proudly feature the Whiskey Library, a sophisticated space designed for both aficionados and newcomers alike to explore our extensive selection of 500+ completely unique, one-of-a-kind whiskeys. This elegantly appointed area serves as a hub for tasting and learning, offering an immersive experience into the world of whiskey. In the Library, you will have the opportunity to create your own custom bottle of whiskey and take it home with you. This one-of-a-kind experience will leave you wanting to come back over and over! Experience Bourbon Like Never Before One of the highlights of our new location is the bespoke bourbon tasting experience we offer. If you've been searching for "bourbon tasting near me," look no further. Our expertly curated tasting sessions provide an intimate glimpse into the craft behind our spirits. You'll have the opportunity to taste a range of our innovative offerings, including our signature in-bottle finished whiskeys, each enhanced with our unique wooden spire technique. More Than Just Tasting At Oak & Eden, we believe that bourbon tasting should be an experience that educates and entertains. That's why our new Fort Worth location also features interactive workshops and events. Whether you're a novice wanting to learn the basics or a seasoned aficionado looking to expand your palate, our workshops are tailored to provide valuable insights into the world of whiskey. Join Us for Special Events Keep an eye on our calendar for special events hosted at The Shops at Clearfork. We're planning exclusive releases, meet-and-greets with our distillers, and special holiday-themed gatherings. These events are perfect for networking with other whiskey lovers and experiencing Oak & Eden in a new light. A Commitment to Community and Craft This new chapter at The Shops at Clearfork is not just about growth; it's a reflection of our commitment to the Fort Worth community. We are dedicated to becoming a part of the local fabric, contributing to the area's vibrant culture, and delivering experiences that resonate with locals and visitors alike. We invite you to visit our new Oak & Eden location at The Shops at Clearfork. Come share a glass with us, explore our range of products, and join a community that celebrates the art of whiskey making. Here's to new beginnings, unforgettable experiences, and the fine craft of bourbon making. We can't wait to welcome you.