Bourbon’s versatility as a base spirit makes it a key player in many classic cocktails, none more iconic than the Old Fashioned and the Boulevardier. These two drinks, though distinct in flavor and character, share a common thread in their reliance on bourbon's rich, nuanced profile to elevate their simple yet sophisticated ingredients. Whether you're a purist who revels in the smooth, sweet notes of a well-made Old Fashioned or a connoisseur who enjoys the bitter complexity of a Boulevardier, the choice of bourbon is paramount. In this guide, based on Gold Medal Winners at the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards, we’ll explore the top 10 bourbons that stand out for these cocktails, offering a range of profiles that can complement and enhance the unique qualities of each drink. From the warmth of vanilla and caramel to the subtle hints of spice and oak, these bourbons will help you craft the perfect cocktail, no matter your preference. 

The Old Fashioned and the Boulevardier offer distinct experiences that reflect their origins and the ingredients that compose them. The Old Fashioned, often considered the quintessential bourbon cocktail, is a minimalist’s delight. Its simplicity—bourbon, sugar, bitters, and a twist of citrus—highlights the spirit's natural flavors, allowing the bourbon to shine with its characteristic warmth and depth.  

In contrast, the Boulevardier, a Prohibition-era creation, is a more complex affair, drawing inspiration from the classic Negroni by replacing gin with bourbon. This swap introduces a rich, oaky sweetness that complements the bitter notes of Campari and the herbal complexity of sweet vermouth. While the Old Fashioned is a celebration of bourbon's pure, unadulterated essence, the Boulevardier offers a harmonious blend of American and European influences, making it a cocktail that is as intriguing as it is satisfying.

Image: Old Fashioned; Source: Absolut

So, here are the top 10 best Bourbons for The Old Fashioned and The Boulevardier as judged by top professional bartenders: 

1. Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey from Shankar Distillers LLC, Double Gold: Lovely cooked fruit with oranges and vanilla. Drinkable and complex notes of cinnamon, canned fruit, chocolate, clove, and orange coat the entirety of the mouth. Drink this neat or in a cocktail.

Image: Varchas Reserve 102 Straight Bourbon Whiskey

2. Bar Boss Bourbon by Northwest Spirits, Double Gold: Everything you look for in an everyday bourbon - hot flavor, sweet notes, and a long finish.

Image: Bar Boss Bourbon

3. Cask Strength Bourbon from The Heart Distillery, Gold Medal: Cherries, vanilla, and chocolate with a bit of mint on the nose. Sweet, hot rye aftertaste of lingering lemon.

Image: Cask Strength Bourbon

4. A.M. Scott's Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey, Gold Medal: Honey aromas, oaky and stone fruit body, and baking spices on the finish. Some concentrated vanilla too.

Image: A.M. Scott's Barrel Proof Bourbon Whiskey

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5. Heaven's Door - Ascension, Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Gold Medal: This bourbon has a light nose of caramel, orchard fruits, and oak. The palate brings this honeyed nuance of bright baking spices that finishes cleanly and quickly. The aftertaste has an impressive balance.

Image: Heaven's Door - Ascension, Kentucky Straight Bourbon

6. Straight Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Whiskey Batch #1 from Old Dominick, Gold Medal: Nose of cherries and other pitted fruit alongside a hint of mint make way for a palate of rye as well as lemon and a hint of vanilla.

Image: Straight Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon Whiskey Batch #1

7. A.M. Scott's Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey, Gold Medal: Dried fruit on the nose with a touch of chocolate. Good sweetness on the palate with vanilla and a touch of orange peel. A bit of a Graham cracker quality to this Bourbon, and a smooth and short finish.

Image: A.M. Scott's Small Batch Bourbon Whiskey

8. Savage & Cooke Bourbon Whiskey, Gold Medal: Lots of grassy notes open up to minerality in the mid-palate and the long finish.

Image: Savage & Cooke Bourbon Whiskey

9. Straight Bourbon from Storyhouse Spirits, Gold Medal: This bourbon brings dark fruits, chocolate, and strong oak notes to the nose. On the palate is a wonderful blend of toffee, dark chocolate, red fruit, and oak. The finish lingers slightly.

Image: Straight Bourbon from Storyhouse Spirits

10. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey by Green River Distilling Co., Gold Medal: Nose of caramel, toasted oak, spice, dried fruit leather, and dried herbs. Well-balanced spice and heat on the palate end with a relatively short finish and some pepperiness. 

Image: Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey by Green River Distilling Co.

Selecting the right bourbon is essential to perfecting both the Old Fashioned and the Boulevardier. The bourbons highlighted here, all recognized by the discerning judges at the 2024 Bartender Spirits Awards, exemplify the qualities that make these cocktails truly exceptional. Whether you're crafting a simple yet refined Old Fashioned or delving into the bold, complex layers of a Boulevardier, these top 10 bourbons offer the versatility, depth, and character needed to elevate your mixology game. By choosing any of these award-winning spirits, you're not just making a cocktail; you're creating an experience that honors the legacy of bourbon and its role in the art of cocktail making.

Header Image: Boulevardier; Source: The Economist