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Rye Whiskeys to Enhance Your Old Fashioned Experience

An Old Fashioned is a cocktail that delights year-round, but its allure seems to amplify as the temperatures drop. The blend of aromatic bitters, sugar, and the warming essence of whiskey creates a drink that’s particularly comforting during the colder seasons.

With only three core ingredients—whiskey, bitters, and sugar—the quality of each is paramount to crafting an exceptional Old Fashioned. While Angostura bitters are a popular choice, alternatives like Peychaud’s or Fee Brothers Old Fashion Bitters introduce unique flavors. Similarly, the type of sugar used, whether a cube, simple syrup, or a specific variety like demerara, significantly influences the drink’s flavor profile.

However, the most critical element of this classic cocktail is undoubtedly the whiskey. Many enthusiasts lean towards rye or high-rye bourbons to balance the sweetness of the drink with some spice. With a plethora of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are eleven American rye whiskeys that can elevate your next Old Fashioned.

1. A. Overholt Monongahela Mash Rye Whiskey

Esteemed by bartenders, Old Overholt is celebrated for its exceptional value and versatility in cocktails. This modern interpretation honors an 80% rye and 20% malted barley recipe, offering a balanced sweetness complemented by spicy notes and hints of honey and cereal.

2. Chicken Cock Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

This rich offering from Chicken Cock features notes of yellow cherries, white raisins, and orange peel, creating a flavor profile that enhances an Old Fashioned. It provides a sweet yet earthy spice that retains its character, even as the drink dilutes.

3. Elijah Craig Toasted Rye Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

This 94-proof rye is a new favorite among Elijah Craig fans. Its subtle sweetness features flavors of butterscotch and chocolate mints, making it an excellent choice for dilution on the rocks while maintaining a satisfying finish.

4. Fortune’s Fool The Overture Straight Rye Whiskey

This woman-owned distillery produces a powerful rye with an ABV of 54.7%. Aged for three years, it boasts rich coffee and cacao flavors that create a bold Old Fashioned, especially when correctly diluted over ice.

5. High West Bottled-In-Bond Straight Rye Whiskey

While on the higher end of the price spectrum, this bottled-in-bond rye is a luxurious addition to an Old Fashioned. Its profile is rich with flavors of candied ginger, leather, and pink peppercorns, leading to a sophisticated drinking experience.

6. Hudson Whiskey NY Calvados Cask Rye

Aged for a minimum of seven years, this rye whiskey has a distinct caramel-apple note, which can be emphasized further with cinnamon simple syrup, making it a perfect choice for autumn cocktails.

7. Jaywalk Straight Rye Whiskey

Distilled in Brooklyn, this approachable whiskey is made from a mash bill primarily of rye and corn, delivering a flavor profile of caraway and roasted pineapple cake. It offers excellent value while crafting a luxurious Old Fashioned.

8. New Riff High Note Collection Kentucky Straight Rye Whiskey

This four-year-aged rye offers an intriguing grain mix that includes biscuit malt, enhancing the maltiness in both aroma and flavor. Expect notes of honey drizzled multigrain toast followed by a lengthy finish of ripe plums and brown sugar.

9. Off Hours Straight Rye Whiskey

This well-priced rye features a high-rye mash bill that creates a luscious texture, showcasing flavors of cooked honey and nougat. Its balanced spice makes it a delightful option for crafting an Old Fashioned.

10. Redemption Sur Lee Straight Rye Whiskey

Innovative in its approach, this rye incorporates winemaking techniques by adding lees back into the barrels. The result is a creamy texture that complements a rich syrup in an Old Fashioned, creating a decadent experience.

11. Still Austin Straight Rye Whiskey “The Artist”

This Texas-distilled whiskey surprises with its sweetness and layered flavors reminiscent of Honey Nut Cheerios and grilled fruit. It pairs beautifully in an Old Fashioned when enhanced by a spritz of orange oils that highlight its inherent notes.

Whether you prefer a classic recipe or are eager to experiment with these selections, each of these rye whiskeys brings unique characteristics to the ever-popular Old Fashioned, enriching the drinking experience.

Source
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