Best Rye Whiskeys for Old Fashioned

One Old Fashioned It should be consumed with pleasure throughout the year. But there’s something about cool weather that makes this classic especially appealing. Maybe it’s the baking spice notes aromatic bitters or the woody, warming quality of whiskey. An Old Fashioned is arguably the perfect cocktail to enjoy during the fall and winter months.

Because there are so few ingredients in the classic variety – whiskey, bitters, sugar – each of which is critical to the final cocktail. Angostura may be the standard choice for bitters, but Peychaud’s or Old Fashioned Bitters from Fee Brothers resulting in excellent and very different versions. Another variable that affects the result is sugar. Reaching for a cube? Measuring simple syrup? White or demerara?

However, it is the whiskey that is of utmost importance in this timeless cocktail. Many bartenders and drinkers prefer the spice of rye or high rye bourbon to counter the sweetness of the cocktail. There are countless options available and it can be difficult to know where to start. We’ve selected 11 American rye whiskeys that will shine in your next Old Fashioned.

A. Overholt Monongahela Puree Rye Whiskey

Food and Wine / Old Overholt

Old Overholt is a favorite among bar professionals. The quality-to-price ratio is terrific and it works great in a wide variety of classic cocktails. Inspired by the 19th century, this new expression is based on the original 80% rye and 20% soft malt barley mash. This rye whiskey has a tangy blend of spices and a hint of sweetness with notes of honey and grain.

Chicken Rooster Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Food and Wine / Chicken Rooster Whiskey

This rich Kentucky rye whiskey from Chicken Cock, a resurrected 19th-century brand, has aromas of yellow cherries, white raisins, orange peel, and caramel. A sweet, woody spice scent helps balance a sweet Old Fashioned and stands up to some dilution as it blooms in the glass.

Elijah Craig Toasted Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Food & Wine / Elijah Craig

Elijah Craig fans will find a lot to love here, and newcomers may become fans once they get a taste of this new addition. This toasted rye is 94 proof, strong enough to dilute nicely over ice, but not so strong that it requires different rates of sweetening in the cocktail. The toast in this whiskey is subtle and sweet, with notes of butterscotch, candy corn, and chocolate mint. The extended finish will allow you to enjoy your drink through a long, cold night.

Fortune’s Fool Overture Straight Rye Whiskey

Food and Wine / Fortune’s Fool Whiskey

This new woman-owned straight rye whiskey is distilled in Kentucky and aged for three years, reaching a strong 54.7% ABV. This is a rich rye with coffee and cocoa nib aromas that will create a big, lively Old Fashioned. Mix well on ice to create a generous dilution. This will open up the whiskey and help balance the cocktail.

High West Bottled Bonded Straight Rye Whiskey

Food & Wine / High West Distillery

This bottled rye whiskey will be a pricier Old Fashioned, but it’s worth it. It’s a treat that sings with candied ginger, leather, pink pepper, chicory and tobacco. These bold flavors come together with aromatic bitters and a rich aroma. demerara syrup creating a particularly flamboyant Old Fashioned.

Hudson Whiskey NY Calvados Barrel Rye

Food & Wine / Hudson Whiskey

Headquartered in New York, Hudson Whiskey ages Calvados’ barrel-finished rye for at least seven years. This whiskey is kissed with a distinct peanut-covered, caramel-apple note that stands out with its long, complex, chocolate-dusted finish. Use this in a sugar-sweetened Old Fashioned cinnamon simple syrup for the perfect fall drink. This nuanced whiskey is terrific in a standard Old Fashioned or on its own.

Jaywalk Straight Rye Whiskey

Food & Wine / New York Distilling

This whiskey is distilled and aged in Brooklyn, NY. The mash bill is local and consists of 75% rye and 13% corn from New York State, along with 12% malted barley. The result is a serious value of around 50 dollars. Roasted pineapple cake along with notes of cumin and cracked black pepper create a spicy and luxurious Old Fashioned.

New Riff High Note Collection Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Food & Wine / New Riff Distillery

This rye is four years old and offers an interesting grain mix. The mash bill is 51% rye, 26% corn and 23% Weyermann Abbey Malt, also known as biscuit malt. This maltiness becomes evident on the nose and continues with a long finish. The flavors of honey-drizzled multigrain toast mingle with ripe plums, brown sugar, nougat, and brown butter. This is some serious whiskey, and it’s available for just under $50 through the brand’s whiskey club.

Working Hours Straight Rye Whiskey

Food and Wine / Closed Hours

For under $50, this is a great addition to any home bar cart. It is produced from high rye mash containing only 5% malted barley. This bottling has a sweet texture and showcases cooked honey and nougat. Well-calibrated seasoning adds powerful layers to the Old Fashioned.

Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey

Food and Wine / Deutsch Family Wine and Spirits

This fascinating rye takes a page from the world of winemaking. The team at Redemption added the lees (dead yeast cells left over from fermentation) back to the barrels, which were then rotated during aging. This adds a distinct creaminess to every sip. This will be enhanced by adding a rich syrup to the Old Fashioned. The result is a honeyed, caramel-speckled, majestic rooster

Still Austin Straight Rye Whiskey “The Artist”

Food & Wine / Still Austin Whiskey Co.

Made from 100% Texas-grown rye, it’s a surprisingly sweet expression of the spirit. This straight rye whiskey features flavors of Honey Nut Cheerios, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and grilled nectarines. In the Old Fashioned, it’s a rich base with an aggressive spray of orange oil that will particularly accentuate similar notes in the whiskey.