The Best Whiskeys for an Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is the ultimate whiskey-focused cocktail—because what’s in the glass is almost entirely whiskey. Sure, a bit of ice melt might soften the bourbon or rye, and small amounts of sugar, bitters and even the chosen garnish (citrus curl? muddled fruit?) will accent the main event. Some variations even add small amounts of liqueurs or other spirits to the drink. 

But make no mistake: when it comes to the Old Fashioned, it’s whiskey’s show. So, selecting a whiskey that suits your palate is likely to maximize enjoyment of this minimalist drink. 

Typically, bourbon is the go-to spirit for Old Fashioneds. Made with a base of at least 51% corn, bourbon typically adds pleasing sweetness and spice, often translating as vanilla, caramel, toffee and oak. 

However, some prefer the leaner, spicier character of rye whiskey, and others might opt to experiment with Tennessee whiskey (many of which are similar to bourbon, though they are made in Tennessee and given extra charcoal filtration). Each impart nuances to the classic cocktail.

The Wide World of Whiskey 101

Whiskey can have a whole host of flavor profiles and aromas; so, take your time exploring this expansive spirit category to find your favorite. (This might be the most fun homework assignment of all time.) 

Though we’ve rounded up a great list of diverse whiskies to explore, rye whiskey is a favorite choice among many for good reason. Known for its strength and spiced notes, it’s made with a mash bill of at least 51% rye grain and lends beautifully to an Old Fashioned. 

On the list below, we recommend Woodford Reserve Rye, from a legacy bourbon-maker. But countless other rye options are available to explore.

Not a One-Size-Fits-All Drink

With just three simple ingredients plus a garnish, the classic Old Fashioned cocktail is also one of the most riff-able.  

At its core, it combines bourbon or rye whiskey, sugar, bitters and (depending how you roll) a lemon or orange peel for garnish. But bartenders can take it in a wide variety of directions.

Try adding syrup and salt for a maple bacon version. Or try the bonfire Old Fashioned, which utilizes a syrup made with Demerara, a type of raw sugar extracted from sugarcane. 

And while whiskey is the classic Old Fashioned base, other spirits can serve as a backbone. 

The Wisconsin-style Old Fashioned famously features brandy. Brown spirits, such as rum, brandy, applejack, reposado tequila, or barrel-aged gin or genever are also common substitutions for the whiskey base. 

Further, instead of sugar or simple syrup, sweetening options might include honey or small amount of liquor on the sweeter side, like an amaro.

Whether you want to go O.G. or mix it up, we’ve rounded up our favorite bottles for the classic cocktail below.

Best All-Around Bourbon: Buffalo Trace

A great option to add balanced caramel, oak and spice to an Old Fashioned. We also like its versatility; it plays well with a wide range of bitters, garnishes and sweetness levels. It won’t break the bank, either.

Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

A good workhorse for all manner of cocktails, this bright amber Bourbon has a butterscotch aroma and oaky, relatively dry flavors that elongate into a rich caramel finish. 92 points. Best Buy. — Kara Newman  $27 Caskers

Best Budget Bourbon: Paddleford Creek Bourbon 

This gently-priced bottle will add maple and toasted almond to your drink, while keeping a bit more padding in your wallet. It’s a bit drier and spicier than Buffalo Trace.

Paddleford Creek Bourbon

Vanilla and oak aromas light the way. The palate opens with oak and fleeting cherry sweetness. Adding water brings more vanilla and cookie dough forward. The finish sizzles with clove and nutmeg. 90 points. Best Buy. — K.N.  $25 Total Wine

Best Splurge Bourbon: Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 13 Years Aged

Elevate your OF with this special 25^th anniversary edition. It’s longer-aged than many bourbons, bringing rich toffee accented with red fruit and roasted nuts to your drink.

Some might find it sacrilegious to add sugar and bitters to a pricey whiskey, but we won’t tell. The 11-year-old and 8-year-old Old Fitz expressions also come highly recommended.

Old Fitzgerald Bottled-in-Bond 13 Years Aged

Created as a special 25th anniversary edition, this plush bourbon offers rich caramel and toffee accented with red fruit on the nose and palate. A splash of water brings out hints of milk chocolate, roasted nuts and cinnamon, winding into a warming and delicious finish. Enjoy over a large ice cube. 98 points. — K.N. $630 Frootbat