This is a popular question we get asked here at Cocktail Magic – What is the best whiskey for an Old Fashioned?
Cocktail lovers will already be familiar with the Old Fashioned Cocktail. Of course the base of the cocktail is whiskey, and added to that is a bit of sweetness in the form of a sugar cube or a simple syrup. A few dashes of Angostura Bitters adds another layer of complexity, and finally a twist of orange peel to complete it. It is traditionally served in a heavy bottomed tumbler that is named after the drink – an old fashioned glass.
History of the Old Fashioned Cocktail
When looking into the best whiskey to use in an Old Fashioned, we need to look at the history of this classic drink. It’s important to note that the Old Fashioned is literally the earliest form of a cocktail and dates back to the early 1800’s. A cocktail back then was the term used for a nip of spirit served with sugar, bitters and water.
Gradually cocktail recipes became more creative and daring. This basic recipe evolved over time to include fancy new ingredients such as absinthe, orange curacao and other liqueurs. This did not sit well with traditionalists who longed for the simplicity of the original cocktail. You know, the old fashioned one. Thus the name stuck – Old Fashioned.
The Best Whiskey for an Old Fashioned: The Contenders
The hero ingredient of the drink is the whiskey, and your whiskey selection will have the biggest influence on this cocktail.
The most common types of whiskey to use in an Old Fashioned are Bourbon and Rye Whiskey. The flavour profile of these two whiskeys are just what is needed in an Old Fashioned cocktail. Let’s look at them in more details:
Bourbon
Of the two types of whiskey, Bourbon has the sweetest flavour and the heavier feel of the two which brings a mellow element to the drink. By definition Bourbon is made from at least 51% corn, and it is this corn that brings the sweetness to the Bourbon. The more corn in the Bourbon, the sweeter it will be and the better it will combine with the bitters and the sugar in the Old Fashioned.
Bourbon is also usually higher proof than Rye Whiskey, and will not lose its flavor when ice is added. Typically, Bourbon has rich and complex flavors that include notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak, depending on the brand you use. The age of the Bourbon is also a factor – older bourbons tend to have more depth of flavor and complexity due to the extended aging process.
Here are my selection of Bourbons to use in your Old Fashioned:
- Maker’s Mark: A popular choice for mixologists and bartenders worldwide. It is a well known Bourbon, is easy to find in liquor stores and you can get it for a reasonable price. It is a smooth bourbon with a slightly sweet flavor, and hints of honey, citrus, butterscotch, vanilla, caramel and oak.
- Buffalo Trace: A full bodied Bourbon with a rich flavor and a good balance of sweet, spice, and oak. There are hints of orange, molasses, honey, toffee, spice, and vanilla.
- Woodford Reserve: A more complex and layered Bourbon with notes of dried fruit, vanilla, caramel and spice.
- Four Roses A single barrel Bourbon with big flavors that is high proof so will hold its flavor well.
Rye Whiskey
Rye is lighter in flavor and texture than Bourbon. By definition Rye Whiskey is made from at least 51% rye and is aged in new charred oak barrels. It gives the drink a hint of spice and a bit of a kick to it as well. Depending on the brand you will taste cinnamon, pepper, clove or allspice. Some have a caramel-like taste with others have hints of fig and cherries. Rye Whiskey is drier in taste so you will probably need to balance this out with more sugar.
Here are my recommendations for Rye Whiskeys to try in your Old Fashioned:
- Rittenhouse Rye: This one will add a nice kick to your Old Fashioned. It is both bold and spicy, and its flavor goes well mixed with the bitters and sugar.
- Bulleit Rye: This whiskey has a high rye content which means a great spice profile, and a clean finish.
- Old Forester Rye: A sweeter option in the selection of Rye Whiskeys, with a hint of caramel and smooth taste.
- Knob Creek 7 Year Old Rye: Turns the notch up on the spices which can elevate your drink. Think chocoloat, cloves and peaches.
So What IS the Best Whiskey for an Old Fashioned?
As with everything it depends on your personal preference but for beginners I would recommend this strategy when selecting a whiskey for your Old Fashioned cocktail:
- Start with Bourbon: This will give you a sweet and smooth cocktail which is a great starting point for this classic cocktail.
- Spice it up with Rye: Once you have tried the bourbon version, give the spicier rye version a go.
- Combine the two: For a decadent cocktail option try combining the bourbon and rye whiskeys. A shot of each! Sweet and spicy.
What about Single Malt Whiskeys?
For those thinking about using a classic single malt or barrel strength whiskey in your Old Fashioned, don’t bother. Save the top shelf whiskey and savour it on it’s own and give it the proper adulation it deserves. These whiskeys are amazing on their own, but don’t go so well in an Old Fashioned cocktail mixed with sweet and bitter flavors. You want a whiskey that can hold its own alongside the strength of the bitters and the sweetness of the sugar and not lose its flavor.
This is a good time to point out that a well made Old Fashioned will be well balanced. You shouldn’t be able to pick out any overpowering bitter, sweet or whiskey flavors. They will all blend nicely into each other. This is when you will know that it is a good Old Fashioned.
How Do You Mix an Old Fashioned?
Now that we have had a look at options for the best whiskey for an Old Fashioned, let’s know turn to the other ingredients and learn how to mix them all together.
Crafting the Old Fashioned requires a careful blend of ingredients, starting with a sugar cube soaked in bitters and a splash of water. I gently muddle these components in a thick-bottomed glass to dissolve the sugar. Then, adding a large ice cube and pouring over the bourbon or rye, I stir the concoction, ensuring it’s chilled to perfection. The garnish, a simple twist of orange or lemon peel, adds a final touch of elegance. Served in a sturdy, lowball glass, the Old Fashioned exudes a no-frills sophistication that’s both inviting and familiar.
Experiment and Enjoy
The beauty of whiskey is that each type and each brand brings its own unique flavor profile to an Old Fashioned. There really is no right or wrong whiskey to use. Have fun with experimenting with different brands and types of whiskey and who knows, you might find one that is even better than the ones suggested here!
