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What is anOld Fashioned

An Old Fashioned is one of those classic cocktails with an elusive history and a variety of recipe interpretations. In general, what makes an Old Fashioned an Old Fashioned is a simple template of spirit, bitters, sugar, and water.  Although the origins of the Old Fashioned are ambiguous, the classic combination has widely been accepted as a bartenders’ favorite. The choice of flavors from the sugar source as well as bitters act to elevate and complement profiles already found in the base spirit, making variations limitless. 

Old Forester as a spirit base in an Old Fashioned performs exceptionally well due to its characteristic dry finish and dimensional flavor profile. In order to enhance the natural flavors in the base spirit, the sugar and bitters should change. Different flavors are more prominent with each new expression, making it easy to find the right whisky for you.

86 Proof Old Fashioned

In 1959, 86-proof was introduced to offer a lighter and more mixable whisky for the growing cocktail culture. 86-proof is the perfect embodiment of bourbon, with a rich, full flavor and a smooth finish. It’s light-bodied and crisp, with prominent notes of orange, mint, vanilla, apple, and rose. Keep your syrup light due to the low proof on this classic expression. Consider pairing with almond, chocolate, cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom in order to get the most out of your Old Fashioned. Here’s a recipe to help you get started:

2 oz Old Forester 86 Proof
0.5 oz 1:1 simple syrup
2 droppers Old Forester Smoked Cinnamon Bitters
Orange peel garnish

Old Forester 86 Proof Old Fashioned

100 Proof Old Fashioned

100-proof was released in the nineties when Old Forester removed the bottled in bond designation from its product after nearly 100 years in order to blend various older lots together to achieve consistency. Known for its robust flavors, the 100-proof is handpicked from select barrels. Rich and full-bodied, this expression is built to stand up to bolder flavor profiles, don’t hesitate pushing the palate limits. Key notes include butterscotch, coffee, chocolate, and baking spice. Consider pairing it with anise, allspice, cranberry, coconut or plum to experience the full effect each have on the whisky. Below is another recipe for your enjoyment:

2 oz Old Forester 100 proof Signature
0.5 oz 2:1 demerara syrup
2 droppers Old Forester Bohemian Bitters
Orange and lemon peel garnish

Old Forester 100 Proof Old Fashioned

Rye Old Fashioned

A historic recipe, acquired in 1940 by Owsley Brown I, Old Forester Rye has a well-rounded and robust flavor. Due to its generous percentage of malt, it yields a unique floral character, balancing the sharp, brisk spice of the rye grain. It was designed to mingle with the full flavor spectrum, therefore consider pairing it with basil, jasmine, banana, pineapple or lemongrass. The following is one recipe but the possibilities are endless:

2 oz Old Forester Rye
0.5 oz Lemon Oleo-Saccharum
2 droppers Old Forester Hummingbird Bitters
Lemon peel garnish

Old Forester Rye Old Fashioned

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Old Forester Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-57.5% Alc./Vol., Old Forester Mint Julep Cocktail, 30% Alc./Vol. Old Forester Distilling Company at Louisville in Kentucky. OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. “AMERICA’S FIRST BOTTLED BOURBON” is a trademark. ©2024 Brown-Forman Distillers. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

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