The Best Whiskey for an Amazing Old Fashioned
Written by Taster's Club Internal Team | Published May 2025
The Old Fashioned is a cocktail set in history. What makes it so iconic is its simplicity. This cocktail only relies on a few quality ingredients to deliver a delightful and sophisticated sipping experience.
At the heart of this classic drink is whiskey. Choosing the right whiskey can feel overwhelming, especially with all the different types. You want to pick the right bottle and there are so many choices.
So, here are our top 10 recommendations for the best whiskey for an Old Fashioned. Along with a timeless recipe to go with your bottle choice. Let’s jump in.
A Timeless Recipe for an Old Fashioned Cocktail
Creating an Old Fashioned is an enjoyable process. To get you started, here’s how you can mix this true cocktail to perfection:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz whiskey (bourbon or rye)
- 1 sugar cube (or 1/4 oz simple syrup)
- 2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Garnish: Orange peel
Directions
- Place the sugar cube in your desired drinking glass and add the bitters. If you’re using simple syrup, combine it directly with the bitters before adding it to the glass.
- Then, muddle the sugar and bitters together until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the whiskey and a large ice cube or several smaller ones (depending on preferences).
- Stir gently until well chilled (usually a few passes around the glass).
- Garnish with an orange peel twist by expressing the peel's oils over the drink before adding it to the glass.
The Top 10 Whiskey for an Old Fashioned
Now, the most important part. Choosing the base of your cocktail, the whiskey. Here are our top 10 recommendations.
1. Russell’s Reserve 10-Year Bourbon
Russell’s Reserve 10-Year Bourbon is a tribute to the legendary father-son duo, Jimmy and Eddie Russell at the Wild Turkey distillery. This bourbon is aged a full decade in deeply charred American oak barrels. What sets it apart is its small-batch production and aging process.
Why it pairs well: This bourbon provides a balance of caramel sweetness, warm oak, and a hint of spice that pairs brilliantly with bitters and sugar of an Old Fashioned. A true classic.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml
Purchase Russell’s Reserve 10-Year Bourbon
2. Buffalo Trace Bourbon
Buffalo Trace Bourbon is produced at the historic Buffalo Trace Distillery in Kentucky, operating since 1792 and renowned as one of America’s oldest distilleries. This bourbon is crafted using a time-honored mash bill and distilled with great precision. Then aged in century-old warehouses, it draws character from carefully selected charred oak barrels.
Why it pairs well: Its smooth notes of vanilla and caramel effortlessly blend with the sugar. While hints of spice enhance the bitters to create a perfectly rounded Old Fashioned.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.0% | 750ml
Purchase Buffalo Trace Bourbon
3. Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon
Woodford Reserve stands out as a top choice for bourbon enthusiasts. It’s produced at one of Kentucky's oldest distilleries, the Woodford Reserve. Unlike many brands, this bourbon utilizes a unique triple-distillation method in copper pot stills. A technique known to enhance smoothness and add complexity. The bourbon is then aged in handcrafted charred oak barrels, which are toasted before charring.
Why it pairs well: Woodford Reserve’s rich and full-bodied profile has hints of dried fruit, nutmeg, and toffee that upgrade the sweet and smokey side of an Old Fashioned.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 45.20% | 750ml
Purchase Woodford Reserve Straight Bourbon
4. Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof
This rye whiskey is rooted in America’s distilling history. Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof is produced by Heaven Hill Distillery and adheres to the classic Bottled-in-Bond Act standards. Its journey begins with a meticulous mashbill of rye, corn, and malted barley. From there, it undergoes aging in charred oak barrels.
Why it pairs well: This rye's spiciness adds complexity to the cocktail. The notes of cocoa and dried fruit provide further balance to the robust profile of a classic rye Old Fashioned.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
Purchase Rittenhouse Rye 100 Proof
5. WhistlePig Piggyback 6 Year Rye 4
WhistlePig Piggyback Rye is crafted entirely from 100% rye grain to honor its roots. Piggyback Rye was created with input from legendary Master Distiller Dave Pickerell. It’s aged for six years and designed specifically with versatility in mind, making it perfect for cocktails or sipping neat.
Why it pairs well: Its bold peppery notes cut through the sweetness of sugar of the drink. From there, the slightly smoky undertone adds a layer of complexity.
Region: Vermont, USA | ABV: 48.28% | 750ml
Purchase WhistlePig Piggyback 6 Year Rye 4
6. Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon
Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon features a mash bill with a high rye content that adds a bold edge to its profile. It’s bottled at 114 proof making it stand out for its strength and rich connection to traditional bourbon-making. This bourbon appeals to modern enthusiasts seeking heritage and bold character.
Why it pairs well: Old Grand-Dad’s high proof ensures the flavors hold their own against bitters and mixers. This delivers a cocktail with intensity and character.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 57.0% | 750ml
Purchase Old Grand-Dad 114 Bourbon
7. Knob Creek Rye
Knob Creek Rye is all about the tradition of small-batch bourbon-making. Launched in the 1990s, this bottle reflects a dedication to pre-Prohibition style craftsmanship. This rye stands out with its high rye content and is then aged patiently in charred American oak barrels. The attention to detail in its creation ensures a whiskey that embodies heritage, quality, and bold character.
Why it pairs well: Knob Creek Rye’s bold rye spice and oaky undertones mix beautifully with the bitters and orange. Ultimately to deliver a fun twist to the classic formula.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 50.0% | 750ml
Purchase Knob Creek Rye
8. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
Blanton’s revolutionized whiskey with the introduction of the first-ever single-barrel bourbon in 1984. Each bottle comes from a single and carefully selected barrel at Buffalo Trace Distillery. It’s then hand-bottled and labeled for enjoyment. Its iconic horse stopper and unique warehouse aging process make each bottle a true collector’s piece.
Why it pairs well: Expect refreshing citrus and warm vanilla flavors that blend with the sugar and bitters. This results in a cocktail as elegant as this bourbon itself.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 46.50% | 750ml
Purchase Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon
9. Pinhook Bourbon Vertical Series Bourbon 9 Year
Each release of this top bourbon comes from a single vintage, perfect for enthusiasts to track the evolution of the spirit year by year. Pinhook Bourbon Vertical Series Bourbon 9 Year is part of an eight-year aging experiment that’s crafted from a carefully selected mash bill and distilled at Castle & Key Distillery.
Why it pairs well: This bottle’s matured caramel and cocoa notes pair excellently with the simplicity of an Old Fashioned. Amplifying the timeless taste.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 57.20% | 750ml
Purchase Pinhook Bourbon Vertical Series Bourbon 9 Year
10. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B524 11 Year
Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B524 11 Year celebrates the legacy of Elijah Craig, the pioneer of charred oak barrel aging in bourbon. This uncut and unfiltered bourbon is drawn straight from the barrel and offers its full proof and robust profile. The B524 release is a unique small batch that’s aged 11 years to perfection in Heaven Hill’s rickhouses.
Why it pairs well: Elijah Craig’s bottle pairs well with its deep toffee, oak, and cinnamon tones that come alive in an Old Fashioned. Creating a beautifully layered experience.
Region: Kentucky, USA | ABV: 65.30% | 750ml
Purchase Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B524 11 YearLevel Up Your Cocktails & Discover Whiskey Like an Expert
Finding the right whiskey that perfectly suits that special someone in your life or even your own palate, can be an exciting and rewarding experience. One fantastic way to explore whiskey is by joining the Whiskey Subscription Club from Taster's Club.
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Whisky Lovers, This Is Your Club
Join the club that brings you expertly selected whiskies you won’t find on every shelf. Discover something new every month.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the Best Budget Whiskey for Old Fashioned?
For an Old Fashioned, there are several great budget-friendly whiskeys that won't compromise the flavor. Brands like A. Overholt Straight Rye Whiskey or Wild Turkey 101 Rye offer rich, balanced profiles that both pair wonderfully with the drink's sweetness and bitters.
Or you can check out our expertly curated lists on the top whiskeys below $50 and top whiskeys below $100.
Overwhelmed with options? Check out our Whiskey of the Month Club, with 3-month and 6 month prepay options for the perfect gift!
Can You Use Crown Royal in an Old Fashioned?
In short, yes, Crown Royal can be a fantastic choice for an Old Fashioned. Crown Royal is known for its smooth and slightly sweet flavor profile, making it blend beautifully with the classic flavors of the cocktail. Its subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak complement the sugar and bitters.
What are Luxury Whiskies for an Old Fashioned?
When it comes to crafting a luxury Old Fashioned, a high-quality whiskey can truly transform the experience. Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon is a great choice, known for its smooth and full-bodied flavor. Another amazing option is Angel's Envy Bourbon Port Cask Finish Cask Strength. This unique bourbon brings velvety smoothness combined with hints of ripe fruit and subtle oak. A truly delightful blend of flavors in every sip.
How to Elevate Your Whiskey Cocktail Experience
Ice Matters
Use a single large and clear ice cube to chill your drink evenly while minimizing dilution. Fun fact, the larger surface area will help keep it chill and dilute the drink slower. Having crystal clear ice also makes it look impressive.
Fresh Citrus
Always garnish with a freshly cut orange peel, but don’t stop there—express the oils over the drink by twisting the peel over the glass before dropping it in. This releases the essential oils, enhancing the aroma and flavor balance.
Premium Ingredients
A great way to take your cocktail game to the next level is by investing in high-quality ingredients. Choose a high-end bitters like Angostura and consider replacing your standard sugar cubes with demerara or turbinado sugar for a richer, more complex sweetness.
Pro tip: Join the Whiskey Club and get new bottles each month to make awesome cocktails.
Discover the Other Best Spirits
- The Best Whiskey for a Whiskey Sour
- The Best Whiskey for a Manhattan
- Spice Up Your Life: Rum and Coke Recipe
- Best Tequila Sunrise Cocktail Recipe
Make Every Month a Whiskey Adventure
At Taster’s Club, pursuing the best whiskey becomes an exciting adventure, check out our extensive bottle shop, or if you want a more personalized whiskey experience, join our Whiskey Club!
Make Every Month a Whiskey Adventure
At Taster’s Club, pursuing the best whiskey becomes an exciting adventure, check out our extensive bottle shop, or if you want a more personalized whiskey experience, join our Whiskey Club!
