Barrel and Bloom

Just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to give up the simple pleasure of an Old Fashioned. Whether you’re in a hotel room, flying to your tropical paradise or sitting around a campfire, a little creativity (and the right tools) can bring a piece of heaven wherever you go. If you know me, you know I love to travel. Earlier this year, we headed to the Dominican Republic—and I quickly discovered I was without my beloved Old Fashioned. Ordering one turned into a bit of comedy, as the locals had no idea what I was talking about. I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised; after all, Kentucky and the Dominican are more than 1,500 miles apart, in both distance and cocktail culture. As I contemplate future road-trips, I do so over an Old-Fashioned. The perfect Old-Fashioned is one that compliments your bourbon, allowing the flavor profile of your bourbon to be shown – enhancing the spices, aromas, drawing out fruit tones and removing any bitterness. Hence many Old-Fashions are made with a good rye, the rye for today’s tasting… Whistle Pig Rye 10 year.

Option 1: Still Branch

Price: $24 for 14 servings

Buy it Here: https://amzn.to/4mrrn4g

Still Branch offers a liquid-based bitters mix that gives you an instant Old Fashioned—just add bourbon. Using 2 oz of bourbon, I found these bitters to be bold, well-balanced, and a perfect compliment by adding more fruit forward flavors, nothing overwhelming in sweetness but just enough for savoring your bourbon. The only catch: the bitters are highly concentrated, so you’ll want to stir your drink frequently to keep the flavors evenly distributed.

Option 2: Sayso

Price: $15 for 8 servings

Buy it Here: https://amzn.to/45AhBWd

Sayso takes a different approach, offering Old Fashioned mix in a tea bag format. To prepare, you mix your bourbon with cold water first, then steep the bag for 3–5 minutes before adding ice. While this approach seems trendy, this process was a bit cumbersome on the road—and the addition of cold water noticeably diluted the bourbon. The lighter color of the finished drink reflected the softer flavor profile, with less spice and intensity of a typical Old Fashioned. For me, this option is better suited for someone new to bourbon and who prefers some bed side manner with their cocktails.

The Verdict

For a true bourbon lover who wants their Old Fashioned that compliments the bourbon they are drinking and ready in seconds, Still Branch is the clear winner. If you prefer a lighter, more approachable version—or you’re easing someone into the world of whiskey cocktails—Sayso might be the better pick. Either way, both prove that with a little planning, you can enjoy a great Old Fashioned no matter where the road takes you.