The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic and beloved cocktails in the world, with a rich history that spans over two centuries. At its core, the drink is a masterclass in simplicity, consisting of just a few ingredients: bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus. However, the type of whiskey used can greatly impact the flavor profile of the final product. In recent years, Woodford Reserve has emerged as a popular choice among Old Fashioned enthusiasts, but can this premium bourbon truly elevate the classic cocktail to new heights?
A Brief History of the Old Fashioned
Before we dive into the world of Woodford Reserve, it’s essential to understand the origins of the Old Fashioned. The drink’s history is shrouded in mystery, but it’s believed to have originated in the late 19th century in the United States. One story behind the cocktail’s creation dates back to the 1880s, when a bartender at the Pendennis Club in Louisville, Kentucky, created a drink called the “Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail.” The recipe consisted of bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus, and it quickly gained popularity among the club’s patrons.
Over time, the Old Fashioned spread throughout the United States, with various bartenders putting their own spin on the classic recipe. Today, the drink remains a staple of cocktail bars around the world, with its popularity showing no signs of waning.
What is Woodford Reserve?
Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon whiskey produced by the Brown-Forman Corporation. The brand was launched in 1996, and it’s known for its unique triple-distillation process, which sets it apart from other bourbons on the market. Woodford Reserve is made from a combination of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley, and it’s aged for at least six years in new, charred oak barrels.
One of the defining characteristics of Woodford Reserve is its complex flavor profile, which is influenced by the brand’s proprietary triple-distillation process. The whiskey is distilled three times, which helps to remove impurities and create a smoother, more refined spirit. The result is a bourbon that’s both full-bodied and approachable, with a rich, velvety texture and a flavor profile that’s both spicy and sweet.
Why Use Woodford Reserve in an Old Fashioned?
So, why use Woodford Reserve in an Old Fashioned? There are several reasons why this premium bourbon is a popular choice among Old Fashioned enthusiasts:
- Complex flavor profile: Woodford Reserve’s unique triple-distillation process creates a complex flavor profile that’s both spicy and sweet. This complexity adds depth and nuance to the Old Fashioned, making it a more interesting and engaging drink.
- Smooth, velvety texture: Woodford Reserve’s smooth, velvety texture helps to balance out the other ingredients in the Old Fashioned, creating a drink that’s both refined and approachable.
- High-quality ingredients: Woodford Reserve is made from high-quality ingredients, including a combination of 72% corn, 18% rye, and 10% malted barley. This attention to detail ensures that the bourbon is of the highest quality, which is essential for creating a great Old Fashioned.
How to Make an Old Fashioned with Woodford Reserve
Making an Old Fashioned with Woodford Reserve is a straightforward process that requires just a few ingredients:
- 2 oz Woodford Reserve bourbon
- 1 sugar cube (about 1/2 teaspoon)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Orange peel (optional)
To make the drink, follow these steps:
- In a mixing glass, place the sugar cube and add a small amount of water to the glass. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to crush the sugar until it dissolves.
- Add the Woodford Reserve bourbon to the mixing glass, along with the bitters.
- Fill the mixing glass with ice and stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients.
- Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
- Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, then use it as a garnish.
Tips and Variations
While the classic Old Fashioned recipe is a great starting point, there are several ways to experiment with the drink and make it your own. Here are a few tips and variations to try:
- Experiment with different bitters: While Angostura bitters are the classic choice for an Old Fashioned, there are many other types of bitters that you can use to create a unique flavor profile. Try using orange bitters, peach bitters, or even chocolate bitters to add a new dimension to the drink.
- Add a twist of citrus: In addition to the traditional orange peel, you can also try adding a twist of lemon or grapefruit to the drink. This will add a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the bourbon nicely.
- Use a different type of sugar: While the traditional sugar cube is a great choice for an Old Fashioned, you can also try using a different type of sugar to create a unique flavor profile. Try using turbinado sugar, Demerara sugar, or even honey to add a new dimension to the drink.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Woodford Reserve is a great choice for an Old Fashioned, thanks to its complex flavor profile, smooth texture, and high-quality ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned cocktail enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of mixology, the Old Fashioned is a classic drink that’s sure to please. So why not give it a try with Woodford Reserve? You might just find that it’s a match made in heaven.
Final Thoughts
The Old Fashioned is a drink that’s steeped in tradition, but it’s also a drink that’s open to interpretation. Whether you’re using Woodford Reserve or another type of bourbon, the key to making a great Old Fashioned is to experiment and find the combination of ingredients that works best for you. So don’t be afraid to try new things and put your own spin on this classic cocktail. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be creating Old Fashioneds like a pro in no time.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Woodford Reserve bourbon | 2 oz |
| Sugar cube | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Angostura bitters | 2 dashes |
| Orange peel | optional |
Note: The above table provides the ingredients and their quantities required to make an Old Fashioned with Woodford Reserve.
What is Woodford Reserve and why is it a good choice for an Old Fashioned?
Woodford Reserve is a premium bourbon whiskey that is known for its complex flavor profile and smooth finish. It is a good choice for an Old Fashioned because of its high rye content, which gives it a spicy and dry flavor that complements the other ingredients in the cocktail. Additionally, Woodford Reserve is aged for at least seven years, which allows it to develop a rich and full-bodied flavor that can stand up to the bold flavors of the Old Fashioned.
The combination of Woodford Reserve’s spicy and smooth flavors makes it a versatile bourbon that can be used in a variety of cocktails, but it is particularly well-suited to the Old Fashioned. The bourbon’s complex flavor profile allows it to hold its own against the other ingredients in the cocktail, while its smooth finish helps to balance out the bold flavors of the bitters and sugar.
What is an Old Fashioned and how is it typically made?
An Old Fashioned is a classic cocktail that is made with bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus peel. The ingredients are typically combined in a mixing glass, where they are stirred with ice until chilled, and then strained into a rocks glass filled with ice. The drink is often garnished with a twist of citrus peel, which adds a touch of brightness and citrus flavor to the drink.
The traditional recipe for an Old Fashioned calls for a sugar cube to be muddled with bitters in the mixing glass, before the bourbon or rye whiskey is added. However, some modern recipes call for simple syrup to be used instead of a sugar cube, which can make the drink easier to prepare and more consistent in flavor. Regardless of the recipe used, the key to a great Old Fashioned is to use high-quality ingredients and to stir the drink long enough to chill and dilute the ingredients properly.
How does the flavor of Woodford Reserve change when it is used in an Old Fashioned?
When Woodford Reserve is used in an Old Fashioned, its flavor profile is altered by the addition of sugar, bitters, and citrus peel. The sweetness of the sugar helps to balance out the spiciness of the bourbon, while the bitters add a touch of bitterness and complexity to the drink. The citrus peel adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the drink, which helps to cut through the richness of the bourbon.
The combination of these ingredients helps to bring out the best in Woodford Reserve, highlighting its complex flavor profile and smooth finish. The bourbon’s spicy and dry flavors are balanced by the sweetness of the sugar and the brightness of the citrus peel, creating a drink that is both bold and refined. Overall, the flavor of Woodford Reserve is elevated by the addition of the other ingredients in the Old Fashioned, creating a drink that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Can I use other types of bourbon or whiskey in an Old Fashioned?
While Woodford Reserve is a great choice for an Old Fashioned, other types of bourbon or whiskey can also be used to make the drink. In fact, the type of bourbon or whiskey used can greatly affect the flavor of the Old Fashioned, so it’s worth experimenting with different types to find the one that you like best. Some popular alternatives to Woodford Reserve include Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and Bulleit Bourbon.
When choosing a bourbon or whiskey for an Old Fashioned, it’s worth considering the flavor profile that you’re looking for. If you prefer a smoother and more approachable drink, a bourbon with a lower rye content may be a good choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a bolder and more complex drink, a bourbon with a higher rye content may be a better option. Ultimately, the type of bourbon or whiskey used is a matter of personal preference, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the one that works best for you.
How do I make an Old Fashioned with Woodford Reserve?
To make an Old Fashioned with Woodford Reserve, you will need the following ingredients: 2 oz Woodford Reserve bourbon, 1 sugar cube, 2 dashes Angostura bitters, and a twist of citrus peel. To start, place the sugar cube in a mixing glass and add a small amount of water to the glass. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to crush the sugar until it dissolves, then add the bitters and stir to combine.
Next, add the Woodford Reserve bourbon to the mixing glass and fill the glass with ice. Stir the mixture for about 30 seconds to chill and dilute the ingredients, then strain the drink into a rocks glass filled with ice. Express a twist of citrus peel over the drink and use it as a garnish. The resulting drink should be complex and balanced, with a smooth and spicy flavor that is both bold and refined.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making an Old Fashioned?
One common mistake to avoid when making an Old Fashioned is to over-muddle the sugar and bitters. This can make the drink too sweet and overpowering, so it’s best to muddle the ingredients just until the sugar dissolves. Another mistake is to use too much bitters, which can make the drink too bitter and unbalanced. It’s best to start with a small amount of bitters and adjust to taste.
Another mistake is to stir the drink too little or too much. Stirring the drink too little can result in a drink that is not properly chilled and diluted, while stirring it too much can make the drink too watered down. It’s best to stir the drink for about 30 seconds to achieve the right balance of flavor and temperature. Finally, be sure to use high-quality ingredients and to pay attention to the details of the recipe, as these can make a big difference in the final flavor of the drink.
Can I experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations in an Old Fashioned?
Yes, you can definitely experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations in an Old Fashioned. In fact, the Old Fashioned is a versatile cocktail that can be modified and adapted to suit a wide range of tastes and preferences. Some popular variations on the Old Fashioned include using different types of bitters, such as orange or peach bitters, or adding a splash of citrus juice or liqueur to the drink.
You can also experiment with different types of sugar or sweetener, such as simple syrup or honey syrup, to change the flavor and texture of the drink. Additionally, you can try using different types of citrus peel, such as orange or lemon peel, to add a different flavor and aroma to the drink. The key is to experiment and find the combination of ingredients that works best for you, so don’t be afraid to try new things and adjust the recipe to suit your tastes.