Best Rye Whiskeys for an Old Fashioned

Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey, Jaywalk Straight Rye Whiskey, Off Hours Straight Rye Whiskey — Photo:
Food & Wine / Chicken Cock Whiskey / New York Distilling / Off Hours Spirits / Getty Images

An Old Fashioned should be enjoyed throughout the year. But there’s something about cool weather that makes this classic seem particularly appealing. Maybe it’s the baking spice notes of aromatic bitters or the woodsy, warming quality of whiskey. An Old Fashioned is arguably the perfect cocktail to savor during autumn and winter.

Because there are so few ingredients in the classic variation — whiskey, bitters, sugar — each is critical to the final cocktail. Angostura may be the standard choice for bitters, but others like Peychaud’s or Old Fashion Bitters from Fee Brothers result in excellent, and subtly different, versions. Sugar is another variable that affects the outcome. Are you reaching for a cube? Measuring out the simple syrup? White or demerara?

That said, whiskey holds the most importance in this timeless cocktail. Many bartenders and drinkers prefer the spice of rye or high-rye bourbon as a counter to the cocktail’s sweetness. There are countless options available, and it can be hard to know where to start. We’ve selected 11 American rye whiskeys that will shine in your next Old Fashioned.

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A. Overholt Monongahela Mash Rye Whiskey

Old Overholt is a favorite among bar pros. Its quality-to-price ratio is terrific, and it works beautifully in a wide range of classic cocktails. This new, 19th-century-inspired expression looks to the original 80% rye, and 20% soft malted barley mash bill as its base. This rye whiskey has some sweetness, with a punchy counterpoint of spice and notes of honey and cereal.

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Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

This rich Kentucky rye whiskey from Chicken Cock, a resurrected brand from the 19th century, has flavors of yellow cherries, white raisins, orange peel, and caramel. A sweet, woodsy pop of spice helps to balance a luscious Old Fashioned and holds up with some dilution as it blooms in the glass.

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Elijah Craig Toasted Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

Fans of Elijah Craig will find a lot to love here, and newcomers may become devotees after tasting this new addition. This toasty rye is 94 proof, powerful enough to dilute nicely on ice, but not so strong as to necessitate different sweetening ratios in the cocktail. The toast on this whiskey is subtle and sweet, with hints of butterscotch, candy corn, and chocolate mints. The extended finish will have you relishing your drink through a long, chilly night.

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Fortune’s Fool The Overture Straight Rye Whiskey

This new, woman-owned straight rye whiskey is distilled in Kentucky and aged for three years, coming in at a powerful 54.7% ABV. This is a rich rye with coffee and cacao-nib flavors that will create a big, buzzy Old Fashioned. Stir well over ice to create generous dilution. This will open up the whiskey and help balance out the cocktail.

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High West Bottled-In-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey

This bottled-in-bond rye whiskey will make for a pricier Old Fashioned, but it’s well worth it. It’s a treat that sings with candied ginger, leather, pink peppercorns, chicory, and tobacco. These bold flavors come together with aromatic bitters and a rich demerara syrup to produce an especially lush Old Fashioned.

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Hudson Whiskey NY Calvados Cask Rye

Hudson Whiskey, based in New York, ages its Calvados cask-finished rye a minimum of seven years. This whiskey is kissed with a distinct peanut-coated, caramel-apple note that grows in prominence through the long, complex, chocolate-dusted finish. Use this in an Old Fashioned sweetened with cinnamon simple syrup for a perfect autumn drink. This nuanced whiskey is terrific in a standard Old Fashioned, or simply on its own.

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Jaywalk Straight Rye Whiskey

This whiskey is distilled and aged in Brooklyn, NY. Its mash bill is local, comprised of 75% rye and 13% corn from New York State, as well as 12% malted barley. The result is a serious value at around $50. Notes of caraway and cracked peppercorn, alongside roasted pineapple cake, make for a spicy and luxurious Old Fashioned.

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New Riff High Note Collection Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

This rye is aged four years and offers an interesting mix of grains. The mash bill is 51% rye, 26% corn, and 23% Weyermann Abbey Malt, also known as biscuit malt. That maltiness is apparent on the nose and follows through with a lengthy finish. Flavors of multigrain toast drizzled with honey meld with ripe plums, brown sugar, nougat, and brown butter. This is a serious whiskey and lands just under $50 through the brand’s whiskey club.

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Off Hours Straight Rye Whiskey

For under $50, this is an excellent addition to any home bar cart. It’s crafted from a high-rye mash bill with just 5% malted barley. This bottling boasts a luscious texture and showcases cooked honey and nougat. Well-calibrated spice contributes punchy layers to an Old Fashioned.

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Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey

This fascinating rye takes a page from the world of winemaking. The team at Redemption added back the lees (dead yeast cells left over from fermentation) to the barrels, which were then rotated during aging. This brings a distinct creaminess to each sip. This would be amplified by the addition of a rich syrup to an Old Fashioned. The result is a honeyed, caramel-flecked, sumptuous cocktail.

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Still Austin Straight Rye Whiskey “The Artist”

Crafted from 100% rye grown in Texas, this is a surprisingly sweet expression of the spirit. This straight rye whiskey has flavors of Honey Nut Cheerios, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and grilled nectarines. In an Old Fashioned, it’s an opulent base, especially with an aggressive spritz of orange oils, which will highlight similar notes in the whiskey.

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