The 8 Best Whiskeys For Your Old Fashioned
Meet Luke
Luke is a Level I Certified Whiskey Specialist with a passion for exploring and unearthing the best whiskeys around. Luke has a preference for Rye whiskeys but has tasted over 250 different whiskeys to date varying from bourbons to scotches. He continues to expand upon his whiskey knowledge by tasting dozens of bottles monthly and reviewing them here on Barrel and Brew as he pursues his Masters of Whiskey certification.
Whiskey, bitters, and sugar. That’s all it takes to make one of the most recognizable and iconic cocktails – the Old Fashioned.
It seems easy enough, but you can never get it to taste like it did that one time…. You know what I’m talking about – that one time you ordered it at a fancy bar or restaurant and it came out perfect! You try to replicate it at home but it’s not the same.
How can that be?!?! It’s only 3 ingredients!
Well, maybe one of the ingredients you’re using isn’t up to par. So, today, we’re going to talk about the 8 best whiskeys you can use to make a delicious Old Fashioned.
Old Fashioned History
Back as early as 1800, bartenders would serve what was called a whiskey cocktail – it was whiskey, sugar, and bitters.
Fast forward a couple decades to the 1860’s, 70’s, and 80’s, and bartenders were getting a little more creative with their cocktails. Some, let’s call them traditionalists, didn’t like this, so they began asking for their whiskey cocktail the Old Fashioned way. Eventually, it was shortened and the drink was coined an old fashioned.
A private social club, the Pendennis Club, claims they pioneered the drink and name, but we really don’t know the exact origin of the Old Fashioned, just that its stuck around all these years later.
Read more about the history here.
The Best Bourbon and Rye Whiskey for your Old Fashioned
Old Fashioneds are made using American whiskey, although you can really use whatever you want, bourbon and rye are the two predominant types of whiskey you’ll see being used. You can go for scotch, or even tequila añejo (which I’m a big fan of), but we’re going to focus on bourbon and rye.
Now, how do we determine what whiskey is best for an Old-Fashioned?
Price is going to be a huge factor for us because we drink a lot of whiskey neat. If I pay $100 for a bottle of whiskey and it’s really dang good, It may make a fantastic Old-Fashioned, but I’m going to drink it neat.
A lot of the whiskey on this list is going to be in the $30-50 range, give or take. In my opinion, it’s the best value price range, where you get some of the best whiskey for the cheapest price.
The next thing we want, is a strong and rich whiskey. We need something with enough flavor and character so that it won’t be overpowered by the potent bitters.
Lastly, availability is an important factor. You don’t need to be searching the shelves and driving from liquor store to liquor store looking for a whiskey you’re going to put in a cocktail. All of the whiskey on this list is readily available at most large retailers, and most of it can be found at smaller, local retailers.
WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye
WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye is one of our favorite whiskeys out there. Though it uses a 100% rye grain mash, there are many traditional bourbon traits present. Rich, sweet vanilla and leather are prominent, but there’s a whole lot of earthen spice that’ll stand up and shine through any cocktail.
With an ABV just above 48% it’ll make a strong Old Fashioned without going overboard. It’s also priced right around the $50, so it’s a good top shelf option for a cocktail or sipper.
Alternative – They make a PiggyBack Bourbon as well which is a very viable option. It’s equally good in every aspect, but here at Barrel & Brew, we like our rye whiskey.
WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye Review
Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Rye
Russell’s Reserve Rye is crafted by two of the biggest names in the American whiskey space. Eddie Russell created Russell’s Reserve back in ’98 in honor of his fathers, Jimmy Russell, 45th anniversary at Wild Turkey.
I reviewed Russell’s Reserve Rye nearly a year ago, and I just wasn’t a huge fan. I’m sorry to all the people out there that love Russell’s Reserve and Wild Turkey, but neither have ever itched my throat.
Since I didn’t love it neat or on the rocks, it transitioned to my cocktail whiskey, and I loved it. A little extra flavor from the bitters and sugar with a cube covered up some of the flaws and brought out a strong citrus note.
Alternative – Wild Turkey 101, rye or bourbon. It’s a cheaper and stronger option, but not as viscous or rich.
Bib & Tucker 6 Year Bourbon
While Bib & Tucker is marketed as a bourbon, it is technically a Tennessee Whiskey, suspectedly, sourced from George Dickel. Lot’s of spice mixed in with lighter and darker fruits. Some butterscotch, nuts, and slight banana notes show up.
Bib & Tucker is about ~$50, and makes a great Old Fashioned and doubles as an equally good sipper.
Alternative – George Dickel Small Batch. It’s ~$5 cheaper with a little more banana and pepper. I prefer GD as a sipper, but think Bib & Tucker makes a better Old Fashioned. Regardless, these are my two “Tennessee Whiskey” options.
Old Forester 1870
Old Forester 1870 makes up the first and cheapest expression of their Whiskey Row Series, which includes Old Forester 1897, 1910, and 1920. It comes in around the $40-45 price range.
You can reach for the original Old Forester 86 and save yourself $15-20, but if you’re really looking for a good Old Fashioned and a much better sipper, upgrade to 1870. This bourbon isn’t going to WOW you served neat or on the rocks, it’s decent, it’s solid, but not much more than that. However, it might be my first choice of bourbon when it comes to making an Old Fashioned.
Alternative – Old Forester 86. A budget option to make a similar cocktail, but not quite the same.
Blue Note Juke Joint Whiskey
Blue Note Juke Joint is a $30 straight bourbon produced by B.R Distilling. When I first reviewed it, it was one of my favorite $30 bottles. Nearly a year later, it still is.
Maple, lemon cake, brown sugar make this an already sweet bourbon. Add an extra touch of bitters and go easy on the sugar, and you’ll find yourself with a bittersweet Old Fashioned. Blue Note Juke Joint is flavorful and viscous with the downside really being a short finish. That’s nothing to worry for this cocktail.
A high value sipper that makes a good cocktail.
Alternative – George Remus Bourbon. An MGP high-rye bourbon that tastes a little youthful, but has the character to stand out in a cocktail.
Knob Creek – Bourbon or Rye
Previously carrying a 9 year age statement, Knob Creek is a 100 proof, NAS whiskey that comes in around the $30 price point. Knob Creek comes to us out of the Jim Beam Distillery and is my preference over Basil Hayden’s.
This is my classical bourbon/whiskey option for $30 when it comes to an Old-Fashioned. I could easily pick Bulleit or Woodford here instead, but I like that Knob Creek comes in at 100 proof. You can really go for the bourbon or rye here. Again, we are partial towards rye, but both are very good.
Alternative – If you want to get crazy, go for Knob Creek Single Barrel Cask Strength. Closer to the $60 mark and 120 proof, this’ll make one strong Old Fashioned. It is my top shelf, cask strength option, though.
Redemption High Rye Bourbon
I don’t absolutely love Redemption High Rye Bourbon. It, along with the other standard Redemption whiskey offerings, is too thin for me to say it’s great. Yet, it still managed to find it’s way on my top 5 bourbons for $25 precisely because it’s ability to make a good cocktail.
It’s a bourbon but uses 36% rye in its mashbill and comes in at 92 proof. In the ~$25-30 range, you’ll be hard pressed to find whiskey that makes better cocktails than Redemption High Rye.
Redemption Whiskey
Clyde May’s Straight Rye Whiskey
Similar to Redemption in that Clyde May’s is sourced from MGP, but they use their rye mashbill instead of the high-rye mashbill. 95% rye and 5% malted barley, 94 proof, ~$40. It’s no secret that MGP makes some of the best bourbon and rye, and Clyde May’s reinforces that idea.
A fairly floral rye whiskey with some citrus will mix well with an orange peel and some bitters. Plenty of spice to back it up as well. Again, the bourbon is an option here, but we definitely recommend the rye.
Alternative – Pinhook Flagship Rye. They release a new rye every year, but we’ve thoroughly enjoyed the two releases we’ve had.
Best Whiskey for an Old Fashioned Summary
We’ve got a lot of different bourbons and rye whiskeys on this list ranging from $25-50 and upwards. The whiskey you use is important in making a good Old Fashioned, but it’s not the only thing… probably not even the main thing. The amount of sugar or bitters you use plays a large role, or ingredients as there are many different types of bitters, and even pre-mixed simple syrup and bitters.
A big part of making a good cocktail is trial and error. Find out how you like your Old Fashioneds by making them yourself, and play with the ratio of ingredients or whiskeys you use. There are a whole bunch of whiskeys you can use to make a good Old Fashioned, but…
This is our list. These are our favorite whiskeys to use when making an Old Fashioned. We’ve reviewed every one of them and tried every one of them. You can use this as a guide if you’re looking to make the perfect Old Fashioned or pick out one of these whiskeys to have in stock for entertainment purposes.
If you have a go-to whiskey for an Old Fashioned, let people know in the comments!
Buffalo Trace.
Has just the right amount of sweet, fruit notes.
Buffalo Trace does make a great Old-Fashioned. Made myself 2 last night with BT. Not on the list due to availability/price issues, but you’re spot on.
Agree with Buffalo trace, but I go with 4 roses small batch when unavailable
Four Roses is absolutely great in an Old Fashion…I agree!
Sazarack rye, is absolutely the only mixer for an ole fashion.
That is SPOT IN, Gene!! I tried Four Roses Small Batch for my Old Fashions a week or so ago. Fantastic!! Bottle did not last long. I just purchased Four Roses Single Barrel, which I’d much more rye-forward… I love more rye-forward bourbon for my Old Fashions, for sure! Smokewagon Small Batch is also fantastic!!
** UPDATE ** I’ve found that Four Roses Single Barrel, with a mash bill containing 35% rye, is fantastic for my Old Fashions! It is even better than Four Roses Small Batch.
Makers 46 is an excellent choice as well.but you do have a great list as well !
I agree with your statement 100%.
Old grandad 114, Woodford, or sagamore cask strength rye would be my choices.
Old Grand Dad 114 is a sleeper deal. I’m a fan.
Was about to recommend it myself. It’s my prefered as well.
Agree!!
I fully agree!
A wheated isn’t bold enough for an Old Fashion. Bitters are over powering. A Rye makes the best Old Fashioned. Wild Turkey. Rittenhouse etc. I like Buffalo Trace,but I won’t ruin it with Butters
Old Granddad 114
Have to agree 👍!!!!
I love a Rittenhouse Rye Old Fashioned
Rittenhouse Rye and Michter’s rye are the two I left off the list but could have easily added.
Good choice. One of my favorites
Bulleit Rye
Do like Bulleit fory old fashions
Eagle Rare 10
I personally use Maker’s Mark. I only add bitters, sometimes orange bitters,and simple syrup.
No muddled fruit?
The muddled fruit is optional. That only became part of the practice in order to mask harsh spirits. I’ll muddle up cherries or garnish with an orange peel if I have them around my house. Most of the time I cheat and just use a dash of orange bitters, though.
Always with muddled fruit
Southern Comfort is my favorite for an Old Fashion
😂
I have had it this way for 35 years,with muddled orange and cherry and a splash of cherry juice.
No sugar needed.
Just fyi. SOCO is not a Whiskey, Bourbon or Rye
Love Woodford Rye lately in mine
Angel’s Envy makes a good Old Fashioned in my opinion.
Agreed!
I’m surprised Woodford didn’t make the list. It has so many flavor notes, how can you not enjoy an old fashioned using it?
Woodford is a great option, too. Ultimately, I went with Knob Creek over it, but we like our Woodford over here as well!
Old Overholt Rye. It’s got enough backbone to retain its character amidst the sweetener and bitters, and whatever else you care to add so you know you’re drinking a cocktail.
For me, buffalo trace is my go to, but when it got hard to find I switched to bulleit rye and wasn’t disappointed in an old fashioned.
I agree with Bulliet Rye. Couple dashes of Walnut bitters, agave, 3-4 generous oz of Rye and orange peel and amarena cherry
My favorite so far for an old fashioned is Garrison Brothers after trying about 50 bourbons. Large ice cube, bitters, orange peel (no white!) and torani puremade has a smoked cherry syrup that I often use as the sweetener if not that then a good maple syrup
My favs are Pikesville, Michters, Russel’s Reserve 6 yesr old Rye
Evan Williams makes a great old fashion and is very affordable.Use Maple syrup instead of simple syrup.
I call that a Vermont old fashioned;
Why waste really good booze in any mixed drink? Canadian Hunter, which comes in a one gallon plastic container for $12, make just as good an old fashioned as this stuff. Arguably better.
Canadian Hunter is a terrible drink. It is flavored with berries,spices etc
I have about 20 different bourbons & about 45 different brands/ flavors of bitters for Old Fashions. 3 of my favorites are Michters, Four Roses Single Barrel & Clyde May’s Special Reserve 110. I also like Buffalo 🐃 Trace but often can’t find it, I’ve never seen a bottle of Eagle Rare.
Adventurous Stills, Tempe, Az. Lost Dutchman rye whiskey
4 the money i prefer redemption…
My go to is High West Double Rye! Can’t beat the smooth taste in the $35 price range.
We absolutely love High West. Their Rendezvous Rye and Bourye are also great, but much more expensive. The Double Rye is certainly their best value play.
With all respect intended, this isnt realistic to many of todays drinking budgets. Knob Creek is wonderful but its top shelf.
Not helpful.
Knob Creek is ~$30…. Most people would consider that price range to be ideal for a good cocktail or a daily sipper. Of course, many people have many different budgets.
This list contains whiskey mostly in the $25-50 price range because this is our list. This is the whiskey we drink. As specified in the article.
If you wish to be helpful, you’re more than welcome to suggest cheaper options that make a good Old-Fashioned – much like others have done in the comments.
Not helpful.
Bang for the buck is old crow, other than that, love the four roses small batch or single barrel.
Like all old foresters, makers46,BT, Knob & Bullet. Cheaper good1 is Evan Williams BIB. My nxt will b Dickel 8yr, then a few of the ryes mentioned
Agree completely, EW BiB is a great option for ~$20. Let me know how the GD 8 yr is…. I always opt for their barrel select since it’s one of my favorites.
EWBiB, simple syrup and bitters is pretty much my daily drink.
My humble opinion-
Old Tub – makes a nice inexpensive bourbon OF.
For a rye drink WP Piggyback is at the top.
Nice suggestions by all- I will try some of the ones suggested here!
Old forester’s Rye is perfect for Old fashion especially for the $26 a fifth price
Gentlemen Jack makes a good one also..j/s!
Penelope is the best by far!
Ancient Age is hands down the best “cheap” bourbon out there, made by same company as Buffalo Trace
I prefer Brandy
Bullitt is solid, so is Makers Mark, Four Rose’s and Buffalo Trace. Comes down to the ratio of simple syrup, bitters and one large ice cube and orange peel. I have to try maple syrup for the sweetener.
I love using George T Stagg when I want a great Old Fashioned.
I love my bourbon or scotch neat or on the rocks. Just got into OF about a year ago, thanks to all for some great OF trials to come.
I go with Dad’s Hat Straight Rye!
My goto is Knob Creek 12 yr. Anything Michters is a great second.
Does anyone have a preferred bitters or are there a variety of bitters to choose from?
I use angostura bitters and Fee Brothers orange bitters because I rarely have oranges or orange peels laying around.
Try Bittercube cherry bark vanilla bitters. I will occasionally use them in old fashioned but am firmly committed to using them in Manhattans.
I used to use Makers or Four Roses but then switched to rye for my old fashioneds. Old Overholt is a great bang for the buck, but Redemption Rye and Angel’s Envy taste better to me. My overall #1 rye for an old fashioned is Pikesville, hands down.
Basil Hayden Dark Rye cannot be beat. 🥃
I have tried many bourbon and ryes. My favorite go to for an Old Fashion is Widow Jane 10 year. I also enjoy a bourbon barrel bitters.
It’s pricey but when I feel like “spoiling” myself I go with Blanton’s Bourbon but my go to on a daily basis is Knob Creek #9
Old Forester 1870 with sweet tea is my go to when I’m using my smoker yummy combo
Luke,
Great mentions and I agree with yours as well as many of those noted by others! Good to see everyone’s input…thanks to you all for suggestions to try!
Thanks Ed! There are definitely some good suggestions in the comments, too!
To me there is no right or wrong with who uses what, because what’s important is how “you” like to enjoy your bourbon! Cheers to all the comments!
Being a bourbon conesur I do not use anything over 40-50.00. That’s for sipping!
Rule #1: drink what you like, how you like it! Cheers!
I discovered Cleveland underground finished cherry use for all my old fashions