Old Forester Perfect Old Fashioned Syrup

Old Forester Perfect Old Fashioned Syrup is a ready-to-use cocktail syrup containing 2% ABV, designed to produce a balanced Old Fashioned with just the addition of bourbon. Developed in partnership with Louisville-based Bourbon Barrel Foods, this syrup earned a Grade A rating from Drinkhacker for its layered complexity.

Quick Facts: ABV: 2%  |  Origin: Louisville, Kentucky, USA  |  Cocktail Syrup  |  Produced by: Bourbon Barrel Foods for Old Forester

Production & Heritage

Old Forester, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown and now owned by Brown-Forman, partnered with Louisville artisan producer Bourbon Barrel Foods to create this syrup. The base is a 2:1 demerara sugar syrup blended with a proprietary combination of three distinct Old Forester bitters: Hummingbird Bitters, Bohemian Bitters, and Smoked Cinnamon Bitters. This three-bitter formulation sets the product apart from single-bitter competitors, building in the kind of layered depth that a skilled bartender would construct from scratch.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Warm cinnamon leads, followed by baking spice and a subtle waft of orange peel. There is an underlying richness from the demerara sugar that reads almost like toasted brown sugar.

Taste: On its own, the syrup delivers prominent cinnamon and nutmeg up front, with a gentle bitterness developing at mid-palate. When combined with bourbon, notes of chocolate, vanilla, and orange peel emerge, and the bitter elements integrate smoothly into the whiskey's body.

Finish: Nutty and softly bitter, with the demerara sweetness lingering without cloying. The smoked cinnamon note fades slowly, leaving a clean, spice-driven close.

How to Use Old Forester Old Fashioned Syrup

The intended use is straightforward: combine one ounce of syrup with two ounces of bourbon over a large ice cube and stir to integrate. Old Forester 86 Proof is the natural companion, but any full-flavored bourbon or rye works well. Beyond the classic Old Fashioned, consider these variations:

• Smoked Old Fashioned: The existing smoked cinnamon bitters in the syrup give you a head start — add a light applewood smoke element for a layered result.
• Rum Old Fashioned: Swap bourbon for an aged rum; the demerara base and warm spice complement molasses-rich rums naturally.
• Brandy Old Fashioned: The syrup's nutty, bittersweet profile pairs well with apple brandy or VS cognac for a fruit-forward twist on the template.

Best For

• Home bartenders who want a consistent, bar-quality Old Fashioned without stocking multiple bitters
• Gifting alongside a bottle of bourbon for a ready-to-make cocktail kit
• Holiday entertaining where speed and consistency matter across multiple servings
• Bourbon enthusiasts exploring the Old Forester product ecosystem beyond the core whiskey range

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Forester Old Fashioned Syrup taste like? On its own, it tastes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and demerara sugar with a pronounced but balanced bitterness. When mixed with bourbon, it shifts toward chocolate, vanilla, and orange peel, producing a complete Old Fashioned flavor profile.

How does Old Forester Old Fashioned Syrup compare to Strongwater Old Fashioned Cocktail Syrup? Both are premium Old Fashioned syrups, but the Old Forester version uses a proprietary blend of three house-made bitters rather than a single bitter formula. Strongwater tends to lean heavier on citrus peel and aromatic bitters, while Old Forester's syrup has a more pronounced smoked cinnamon and nutmeg character.

Is Old Forester Old Fashioned Syrup good for beginners? Yes — it eliminates the need to balance sugar, bitters, and water separately, making it one of the simplest ways to produce a well-made Old Fashioned at home with just two ingredients and ice.

Where is Old Forester Old Fashioned Syrup made? It is produced by Bourbon Barrel Foods in Louisville, Kentucky, in partnership with Old Forester, whose distillery sits on Louisville's historic Whiskey Row.

What foods pair well with an Old Fashioned made with this syrup? Dark chocolate truffles complement the syrup's cocoa and cinnamon notes. Smoked brisket or barbecue ribs match the smoked cinnamon character well. Pecan pie mirrors the nutty, caramel sweetness. Aged cheddar or Gruyère provides a savory counterpoint to the cocktail's warm spice. Candied bacon brings a salty-sweet interplay that works alongside the demerara base.

What sizes does Old Forester Old Fashioned Syrup come in? The syrup is commonly available in a standard bottle size suitable for multiple cocktails; check current availability for exact volume options.

Is Old Forester Old Fashioned Syrup worth the price? It positions as a premium cocktail syrup, priced above basic simple syrups but justified by the inclusion of three proprietary bitters that would cost significantly more if purchased individually. For anyone who regularly makes Old Fashioneds at home, the convenience and consistency represent genuine value.

Why Old Forester Old Fashioned Syrup?

The defining advantage here is the three-bitter blend — Hummingbird, Bohemian, and Smoked Cinnamon — built into a single pour. Most competing syrups rely on a single bitter profile or generic aromatic bitters, which produces a flatter, less nuanced drink. Drinkhacker's Grade A rating reflects how well these components integrate, particularly when paired with a robust bourbon. For a product that reduces a multi-step classic cocktail to a two-ingredient build, the depth of flavor is genuinely impressive and stands apart in the growing premium cocktail mixer category.