3 Most Popular Bourbons to Make an Old Fashioned With in 2025

The Old Fashioned is one of the most iconic classic cocktails of all time. The first documented reference to the bourbon drink dates back to 1806, according to Provi. The alcohol supplier reports that the Old Fashioned was referred to as a “cock-tail” composed of “stimulating liquor” mixed with water, sugar and bitters.

Provi shares that “old-fashioned cocktails” were in demand, yet the initial term simply referred to the style of drink. Customers would have to specify that they wanted whiskey in it and referred to it as an “Old Fashioned Whiskey Cocktail.” Eventually, bourbon became the favorite, and the cocktail’s name was shortened to an Old Fashioned: the rest is history.

The Old Fashioned’s staying power is not surprising (and was at least partially driven by “Mad Men”), and bartenders are turning to the following three most popular bourbons to serve up a mean Old Fashioned, according to data provided by Drinks International. The publication asked some of the world’s best bars to reference their sales spreadsheets and see what the top three best-selling bourbons were for making Old Fashioneds.

Three Most Popular Bourbons for an Old Fashioned in 2025

3. Maker’s Mark

(Photo: Maker’s Mark)

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Dating back to 1953, the Loretto, Kentucky bourbon brand known for its iconic red wax-capped bottles is the brainchild of Bill Samuels Sr. Samuels wanted a drinkable whiskey without those sharp and bitter tannins. After testing out a variety of mashbills in his kitchen, Bill Samuels Sr. settled on soft red winter wheat as the secondary grain in the mashbill, imbuing Maker’s Mark with its signature sweetness.

The bourbon brand developed its iconic look thanks to Bill’s wife, Margie Samuels, who came up with the red wax-topped lids and the bottle shape. Ever the marketing pro, Margie is also considered the inventor of bourbon tourism, according to the brand.

The brand’s flagship bourbon has an average price of $31, according to Wine-Searcher. It clocks in at a mellow 90 proof, making it a sippable, cocktail-friendly bourbon for an Old Fashioned.

2. Bulleit

(Photo: Bulleit Bourbon/Instagram)

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As far as whiskey brands go, Bulleit is fairly young, all things considered. This brand has roots that date back to 1987, and Bulleit thanks the bartenders who regularly turn to it for its meteoric ascent to stardom. Bulleit features a high rye mashbill, giving it a bolder and spicier profile — a great choice in an Old Fashioned, which needs some spice to balance out the sweetness of simple syrup.

Yet, despite Bulleit’s youth, Bulleit Bourbon draws inspiration from an “old family recipe,” according to the brand. The recipe dates back over 150 years and blends rye, corn and barley malt in its mashbill. With its caramel-driven nose, coupled with a bit of tobacco, Bulleit is a great choice if you like some grip on your Old Fashioned.

The palate is full of cloves, tobacco and a kick of youthful tannin. Bulleit Bourbon finishes beautifully, with pepper and toffee. Bulleit Bourbon has an average price of $31, according to Wine-Searcher. Bulleit Bourbon clocks in at 90 proof.

1. Michter’s

(Photo: Michter’s/Facebook)

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The fact that the World’s Most Admired Whiskey brand made the No. 1 spot on this list isn’t surprising — and yet it sort of is.

Michter’s, though critically acclaimed, hosts a higher price point than Bulleit and Maker’s Mark’s bourbons. Wine-Searcher reports an average price of $47 for a bottle of the brand’s flagship US1 Bourbon. Yet, the fact that this critically-acclaimed brand is dominating lists might also indicate a shift in consumer trends. When people drink, they want spirits that trend on the premium side, not just the cheapest option — and Michter’s fits the bill perfectly.

The 45.7%-ABV whiskey captured the heart of Drinkhacker critic Christopher Null, who loved its bold and aggressive nose of banana, cinnamon and apple pie. The palate has deliciously dark figs and red hots, coupled with a finish that is full of wood and brown sugar, per Null.