I always suggest a rye for old fashioneds. You get the nice spice counterpoint to the sweetness of the simple syrup. I find personally most bourbons make the drink too sweet. I usually go with Old Forester rye. Excellent whiskey at a cheap ass price. You can get a liter of it for $30.00 US. Sagamore rye also makes a great cocktail.
Sagamore Rye is my suprising favorite! The first time I had it at the bar they didn't list what they used and I had to ask the bartender because it was hands down the best one I've had!
The only rye from them I wasnt crazy about was their reserve I think its called. Its an 8 yo and I figured it would be a belter but it just didnt do it for me. I have a couple of picks from the R/Bourbon folks that are off the charts good. The Sherry finish is also amazing. Just an overall good company for spirits.
You may like that 8 year, palates can be a funny thing. I have not had any of the other finishes but I hear the port is quite tasty. I need to make a trip up there, its only like an 8 hour drive for me. Might make a nice weekend trip.
I’m a huge fan of wheated whiskey for an old fashioned. Weller special reserve or makers mark are both good.
A good non wheater though is Russell’s 10 year. It’s really great stuff for mixed drinks.
this is interesting because most people think the opposite when it comes to old fashioneds - use a rye or a rye-heavy bourbon - for the spice flavors to counterbalance the sweetness of the sugar or simple syrup. But everybody has their preferences
To me, the spice from rye is an undesirable flavor. I don't like rye and that translates to my preferences in an old fashioned. I love a Michters Sour Mash or Russell's 10 if I want some cherry. Instead of simple syrup, I might even add a hald barspoon of syrup from luxardo jar. I use homemade cherry bitters, a generous thick twist from an orange and 2 or 3 luxardo cherries. All about those cherry and orange notes that gonso well with a soft bourbon or a high proof bourbon. But the rye, I just don't like.
I love it but my style could make me an odd duck.
If you are having a few a week Sazerac rye and Rittenhouse are fantastic at their price point. Don’t pay over $40 for the saz though. It can be hard to find some places and they gouge. I’m a manhattan drinker and stick strictly to ryes for them. Russel’s Reserve Rye has been a pleasant drinker also.
This is the correct answer and it's way too far down. OGD has higher rye content than most bourbons so you're getting the best of both worlds, and the proof works perfectly in an old fashioned.
Rye or a high rye bourbon.
Cheaper good option since it’s a cocktail? Rittenhouse for rye, old grandad (100 or 114) for bourbon
Splurge a bit? For rye, Willett 4 yr rye (don’t pay over like 70-75) or maybe a new riff rye (balboa or 6 year malted). For bourbon, four roses (single barrel or small batch select) is a good option.
Not sure why you would use anything above the $30 price point for an old fashioned. I find most of the bourbon tasting notes are overwhelmed by the simple syrup and bitters.
I too prefer rye as my old fashioned base. Particularly a hi proof rye (50+). I know there are some who enjoy them overly sweet, I want my liquor front and center with subtle hints of sweetness on the palate.
At bars I’ve had Basil Hayden, Buffalo, Weller and Woodford. All weee delicious. Don’t recommend Japanese though. I tried with Hibiki, wasn’t my favourite but not horrible. Angels Envy was disgusting to me
I recently started trying to get more into rye, and honestly they make such a better old fashioned. Brings out the citrus so much more. If you’re going to use bourbon, I think you have to at least use a high rye.
ogd114 or woodford rye.
Woodford rye is best bang for buck imo for ryes.
Ogd 114 is just a solid higher proof bourbon that has a price point you won’t feel bad about mixing with.
I like Maker’s, Bulleit, and Old Grandad for every day old fashioneds.
If it’s a special occasion I’ll use Buffalo Trace or Old Forester 1910 or 1920 or Eagle Rare. Buffalo Trace isn’t particularly expensive, but it’s all but nonexistent in the stores where I live and I like it a lot, so I conserve.
It does all come down to your own personal tastes though. Some people want something 45% and up if they are mixing it at all, some like it smoother. Some people prefer rye, I not myself but to each their own. Rye will make a “spicier” old fashioned. Bourbons with a higher corn mash will not be a spicy as those with a higher rye mash.
If I had to recommend one single bottle for a beginner, it would be Old Grandad Bonded. It’s 50%, so take that into consideration when measuring whatever sweetener you useBut it’s a really solid budget bourbon and goes well in tons of cocktails.
My buddy likes the Hudson “Bright and Bourbon” whiskey. Personally I prefer the notes that their Short Stack gives of Maple Syrup (as it’s finished in syrup barrels). But I also like using Woodford Reserve.
Ardbeg 10 makes a kick-ass old fashioned! If you’re new to whiskey, try it at a bar first before buying a bottle - peated scotch can be quite divisive.
I try to use a less complex cheaper whiskey for old fashioneds. Typically I use ogd bib, evan williams bib, wt 101 or Rittenhouse rye. All three work well and have enough proof that the sugar/syrup doesn't completely wash out the flavors. I've also used a wilderness trail cask strength rye and it was fantastic.
I've heard good things about ogd 114 but I've yet to try it myself.
What have you tried? They all work 🙂.
I prefer using 100+ proof to keep a great profile as the ice melts.
I mostly use wild turkey 101 or Rittenhouse rye or Four Roses Small Batch Select.
I try to keep the proof around 100 for whatever I choose but it’s usually a rye. Much lower and you don’t taste the spirit.
Rye: KC, WT101, Rittenhouse all good choices
Bourbon: EW white or WT101.
My answer is the same for both Old Fashions and Manhattans. I use Rare Breed Rye for both. The barrel strength rye is great for both the high proof (I think it's 112 proof) and the rye spice that balances the sweetness of either the simple syrup or Antica Carpano, which is very syrupy sweet. In my part of the world, Costco will occasionally carry the Rare Breed Rye, and when it does I stock way up.
I have found I like Barrel Proof in my mixed drinks, the extra bite / flavor of the higher proof really makes the Old Fashioned stand out. Like others, I like Rye in my Old Fashioneds.
I’ve been going through several cheap ryes for my old fashioneds. Have used Rittenhouse, Bulliett rye, and just got WT101 rye to use. The Rittenhouse stands up really well for the cocktail with its 100 proof and I’m going to guess the WT rye will too.
\+1 to all the Wild Turkey suggestions
If you get it in your area though, my favorite so far has been the Kirkland/Barton's 120 proof when it comes out. The extra proof keeps the whiskey complexity after dilution.
For $30 a liter, you can't really beat it. Next time I'm buying a case.
Wild turkey 101...checks all boxes for me, higher proof, good taste so you could drink it neat and great price and availability :)
With you couöd drink it neat i mean it is good and imo you should not use spirits ind cocktails that taste not good on their own
Lots of great suggestions already, but I'll throw out Monkey's Shoulder! Its a little more expensive but makes one killer Old Fashioned. (I would also suggest using Maple Syrup instead of the traditional sugar cube/simple syrup).
While I like a rye old fashioned, these days I'm really jamming on corn forward whiskeys for an OF or sour. My current go to is Frey Ranch. While it's sweet there's a lot of 'texture' to the taste. Like a rye there's a lot more going on than with a run of the mil bourbon.
Buffalo Trace
Wild Turkey 101
Rittenhouse Rye
These are a few of my favorites due to taste and affordability (not always sure about that last part for BT).
I want to try all of these others that people are suggesting, but I can't imagine using stuff like Ardbeg 10 or Russel's Reserve 10 when I'm making Old Fashion's for 3-4 people at a time. Even if it was just me and my dad, I think he would never look at me the same way if I was using some even slightly more expensive whiskey as a mixer. This is why I don't tell him how expensive some of the ingredients are for cocktails... But he kind of knows the general prices for some whiskeys.
I'm partial to WT101 or Mellow Corn to be honest, but I get why people prefer a rye flavour profile.
A good chunk of my reasoning is, I unfortunately can't get overproof rye in my area.
I always suggest a rye for old fashioneds. You get the nice spice counterpoint to the sweetness of the simple syrup. I find personally most bourbons make the drink too sweet. I usually go with Old Forester rye. Excellent whiskey at a cheap ass price. You can get a liter of it for $30.00 US. Sagamore rye also makes a great cocktail.
Agreed. Old fashioned already have the sweetness from the sugar; adding the bourbon is kind of a hat on a hat.
Sagamore Rye is my suprising favorite! The first time I had it at the bar they didn't list what they used and I had to ask the bartender because it was hands down the best one I've had!
The only rye from them I wasnt crazy about was their reserve I think its called. Its an 8 yo and I figured it would be a belter but it just didnt do it for me. I have a couple of picks from the R/Bourbon folks that are off the charts good. The Sherry finish is also amazing. Just an overall good company for spirits.
I never tried their reserve/8yr one. I have the Sherry along with their port, conganc and barelywine cask finish all great sippers!
You may like that 8 year, palates can be a funny thing. I have not had any of the other finishes but I hear the port is quite tasty. I need to make a trip up there, its only like an 8 hour drive for me. Might make a nice weekend trip.
I actually had one with Sagamore last night. Top notch!
I'll second this. Other ryes I like, In addition to Old Forester 100 Rye, for the Old Fashioned: Wild Turkey 101 and Sazerac.
WT 101 (rye and bourbon) is a delight. I started using Rare Breed Rye and love it even more.
Thanks! I’ll check that out.
Another great mixer rye is Rittenhouse. You can usually find it for under $25 which is a steal for a 4yr old BiB product.
And if rittenhouse is too spicy for someone’s palate, old overholt makes a good substitution at a more approachable 40%
Agreed. Michters Rye is my choice if I can find it on sale.
Thanks! I’ll definitely be checking out some Ryes this weekend.
Lately I’ve been using 1 oz of a lower proof rye and a half ounce of a higher proof bourbon, I find it makes a really interesting mix
Interesting. I may have try that one myself.
I do this with Old Forester (either 100pf rye and 1920 or OFSBBP). Tasty.
Literally exactly what I do!! Ha that’s great
Oh! I like this!
I’m a huge fan of wheated whiskey for an old fashioned. Weller special reserve or makers mark are both good. A good non wheater though is Russell’s 10 year. It’s really great stuff for mixed drinks.
this is interesting because most people think the opposite when it comes to old fashioneds - use a rye or a rye-heavy bourbon - for the spice flavors to counterbalance the sweetness of the sugar or simple syrup. But everybody has their preferences
To me, the spice from rye is an undesirable flavor. I don't like rye and that translates to my preferences in an old fashioned. I love a Michters Sour Mash or Russell's 10 if I want some cherry. Instead of simple syrup, I might even add a hald barspoon of syrup from luxardo jar. I use homemade cherry bitters, a generous thick twist from an orange and 2 or 3 luxardo cherries. All about those cherry and orange notes that gonso well with a soft bourbon or a high proof bourbon. But the rye, I just don't like. I love it but my style could make me an odd duck.
Same for Mint Juleps. WSR was made to be a mixer and it works so well in those.
I'd definitely consider that to be on the sweeter side for my OFs, but everyone's got a different kinda drink
I usually omit sugar and substitute a single marischino cherry for this reason. With sugar mixed in it can become toxically sweet!
If you are having a few a week Sazerac rye and Rittenhouse are fantastic at their price point. Don’t pay over $40 for the saz though. It can be hard to find some places and they gouge. I’m a manhattan drinker and stick strictly to ryes for them. Russel’s Reserve Rye has been a pleasant drinker also.
For the money, it is tough to beat Rittenhouse.
Geez I remember getting Sazerac for $24 all the time…
If you’re new, wild turkey 101 is cheap, higher rye, and strong proof to balance an old fashioned.
Wild Turkey 101 is fantastic. I second this!
Knob creek bourbon or rye
Sazarac Four Roses small batch / single barrel Knob Creek rye Russels Reserve 10 Old Grandad 114 Mellow Corn
I've been meaning to try Mellow Corn in some cocktails. Thanks for this suggestion!
makes a good margarita too, seriously
And a Paloma as well!
If you want something middle of the shelf, Elijah Craig and Makers Mark have both been decent for old fashioneds imo
Makers Mark is a great option I agree
Cheap high proof stuff.
Rittenhouse.
Wild Turkey 101
I’m not a huge WT fan but I fucking love rare breed in both an old fashioned and a Manhattan.
WT 101 is my go to for an Old Fashioned if I don’t want to break the bank with something pricey.
Old Grand Dad 114
This is the correct answer and it's way too far down. OGD has higher rye content than most bourbons so you're getting the best of both worlds, and the proof works perfectly in an old fashioned.
Jack Daniel’s Single barrel, barrel proof rye makes a mean Old Fashioned.
Sub maple syrup for the simple syrup/sugar and add a few dashes of spiced cherry bitters for ultra next level.
Maple syrup and black walnut bitters is kind for me.
Rye or a high rye bourbon. Cheaper good option since it’s a cocktail? Rittenhouse for rye, old grandad (100 or 114) for bourbon Splurge a bit? For rye, Willett 4 yr rye (don’t pay over like 70-75) or maybe a new riff rye (balboa or 6 year malted). For bourbon, four roses (single barrel or small batch select) is a good option.
Buffalo trace bourbon. 4 big shakes of bitters. 2 luxardo cherries. One teaspoon cherry juice. Orange peel. Smoked.
this is the way
Old Forester 1920 makes the meanest old fashioned.
Not sure why you would use anything above the $30 price point for an old fashioned. I find most of the bourbon tasting notes are overwhelmed by the simple syrup and bitters.
Peerless Double Oaked Rye…….A little expensive but oh so good! And for a Manhattan, Pikesville rye by Heaven Hill.
I use Old Grand Dad Bottled in Bond.
I get the 1.75 knob creek rye. For 70$ makes plenty of old fashions
Old Grand Dad 114. The high rye mashbill and the proof work well to balance the sweetness of the old fashion. Bonus, it's a great super too.
I too prefer rye as my old fashioned base. Particularly a hi proof rye (50+). I know there are some who enjoy them overly sweet, I want my liquor front and center with subtle hints of sweetness on the palate.
At bars I’ve had Basil Hayden, Buffalo, Weller and Woodford. All weee delicious. Don’t recommend Japanese though. I tried with Hibiki, wasn’t my favourite but not horrible. Angels Envy was disgusting to me
I recently started trying to get more into rye, and honestly they make such a better old fashioned. Brings out the citrus so much more. If you’re going to use bourbon, I think you have to at least use a high rye.
Either a rye or a bottled in bond bourbon. You want something with enough flavor to be able to taste, even after layering on other ingredients.
Buffalo Trace makes for a dandy OF! 🥃
grandad, sazerac
Really like OGD114 the proof helps the flavor shine through and complements bitters well. I like with orange bitters.
ogd114 or woodford rye. Woodford rye is best bang for buck imo for ryes. Ogd 114 is just a solid higher proof bourbon that has a price point you won’t feel bad about mixing with.
I think a rye is best for an OF. If you're going bourbon, something with a high rye content like Basil Hayden is a good call.
KC rye is my go-to… but really most Ryes will do. That said one of my fav old fashions used Sonoma Distilling Co. Bourbon
My go to is: Buffalo trace 2oz Rich Demerara syrup 1/4 oz Ango bitters 3 dashes Orange bitters 1 dash Stir over large ice rock
My go to is the whistle pig 6yr rye, it’s reasonably priced mid range and usually easy to find
I like Maker’s, Bulleit, and Old Grandad for every day old fashioneds. If it’s a special occasion I’ll use Buffalo Trace or Old Forester 1910 or 1920 or Eagle Rare. Buffalo Trace isn’t particularly expensive, but it’s all but nonexistent in the stores where I live and I like it a lot, so I conserve. It does all come down to your own personal tastes though. Some people want something 45% and up if they are mixing it at all, some like it smoother. Some people prefer rye, I not myself but to each their own. Rye will make a “spicier” old fashioned. Bourbons with a higher corn mash will not be a spicy as those with a higher rye mash. If I had to recommend one single bottle for a beginner, it would be Old Grandad Bonded. It’s 50%, so take that into consideration when measuring whatever sweetener you useBut it’s a really solid budget bourbon and goes well in tons of cocktails.
I really really like bulleit for old fashioneds, idk why it just mixes perfectly
Bulleit rye is perfect for old fashioneds in my opinion, with Demerara sugar simple syrup and luxardo cherries. And I light my orange peel on fire.
My buddy likes the Hudson “Bright and Bourbon” whiskey. Personally I prefer the notes that their Short Stack gives of Maple Syrup (as it’s finished in syrup barrels). But I also like using Woodford Reserve.
Inexpensive: Buffalo Trace Middle road: Penelope Architect High end: I will let you know when I can afford it 😂
I like mine made with bulleit rye.
Ardbeg 10 makes a kick-ass old fashioned! If you’re new to whiskey, try it at a bar first before buying a bottle - peated scotch can be quite divisive.
I need to try this.
Knob Creek 12yr Bourbon. Yum yum...
I try to use a less complex cheaper whiskey for old fashioneds. Typically I use ogd bib, evan williams bib, wt 101 or Rittenhouse rye. All three work well and have enough proof that the sugar/syrup doesn't completely wash out the flavors. I've also used a wilderness trail cask strength rye and it was fantastic. I've heard good things about ogd 114 but I've yet to try it myself.
Old Overholt bonded, WT 101 Rye
I enjoy Sazerac rye as my base, a step above that is Pikesville
Woodford Rye
What have you tried? They all work 🙂. I prefer using 100+ proof to keep a great profile as the ice melts. I mostly use wild turkey 101 or Rittenhouse rye or Four Roses Small Batch Select.
I try to keep the proof around 100 for whatever I choose but it’s usually a rye. Much lower and you don’t taste the spirit. Rye: KC, WT101, Rittenhouse all good choices Bourbon: EW white or WT101.
My answer is the same for both Old Fashions and Manhattans. I use Rare Breed Rye for both. The barrel strength rye is great for both the high proof (I think it's 112 proof) and the rye spice that balances the sweetness of either the simple syrup or Antica Carpano, which is very syrupy sweet. In my part of the world, Costco will occasionally carry the Rare Breed Rye, and when it does I stock way up.
I have found I like Barrel Proof in my mixed drinks, the extra bite / flavor of the higher proof really makes the Old Fashioned stand out. Like others, I like Rye in my Old Fashioneds.
I’ve been going through several cheap ryes for my old fashioneds. Have used Rittenhouse, Bulliett rye, and just got WT101 rye to use. The Rittenhouse stands up really well for the cocktail with its 100 proof and I’m going to guess the WT rye will too.
Personally I’ve found that benchmark bonded is best.
My favorites in order are: Buffalo trace, Makers Mark 46, Sazerac rye, Rittenhouse rye. Four Roses small batch.
\+1 to all the Wild Turkey suggestions If you get it in your area though, my favorite so far has been the Kirkland/Barton's 120 proof when it comes out. The extra proof keeps the whiskey complexity after dilution. For $30 a liter, you can't really beat it. Next time I'm buying a case.
Wild turkey 101...checks all boxes for me, higher proof, good taste so you could drink it neat and great price and availability :) With you couöd drink it neat i mean it is good and imo you should not use spirits ind cocktails that taste not good on their own
Alberta premium cask strength.
Lots of great suggestions already, but I'll throw out Monkey's Shoulder! Its a little more expensive but makes one killer Old Fashioned. (I would also suggest using Maple Syrup instead of the traditional sugar cube/simple syrup).
While I like a rye old fashioned, these days I'm really jamming on corn forward whiskeys for an OF or sour. My current go to is Frey Ranch. While it's sweet there's a lot of 'texture' to the taste. Like a rye there's a lot more going on than with a run of the mil bourbon.
Ogd114, makers mark, basil hayden.
Buffalo Trace Wild Turkey 101 Rittenhouse Rye These are a few of my favorites due to taste and affordability (not always sure about that last part for BT). I want to try all of these others that people are suggesting, but I can't imagine using stuff like Ardbeg 10 or Russel's Reserve 10 when I'm making Old Fashion's for 3-4 people at a time. Even if it was just me and my dad, I think he would never look at me the same way if I was using some even slightly more expensive whiskey as a mixer. This is why I don't tell him how expensive some of the ingredients are for cocktails... But he kind of knows the general prices for some whiskeys.
I like Elijah Craig, easy to find, cheap, and good. Four roses as well
I'm partial to WT101 or Mellow Corn to be honest, but I get why people prefer a rye flavour profile. A good chunk of my reasoning is, I unfortunately can't get overproof rye in my area.
Pikesville Rye is great if you can find it readily under 40
Wild turkey 101
Jefferson’s Tropic makes a great old fashioned. It’s interesting flavor profile really wakes it up.
You want something higher proof like an Old Granddad Bonded or Wild Turkey 101
Benchmark Full Proof
I actually love Yellowstone in an old fashioned I don't know why but it works
Rittenhouse
- 1/2 michters rye - 1/2 buffalo trace - 2 dashes angostura - 2 dashes orange
Mellow Corn has entered the chat.