The Best Whisky for an Old Fashioned
Arguably one of the most classic whisky cocktails – and one of the easiest to make – there’s nothing quite like an Old Fashioned. It’s elegant. It’s refined. And it emphasises the subtle flavours and tasting notes of a favourite whisky. Traditionally, most recipes will advise you to stick with a bourbon for an Old Fashioned. Why is that, and can you use other whiskies?
Why is bourbon the classic choice for an Old Fashioned?
A solid bourbon – like Bulleit - is a traditional choice when crafting an Old Fashioned. This is because bourbon offers a balanced, smooth and sweet profile when mixed into the drink, which creates a final sip that is mellow and accessible.
Can you make an Old Fashioned with rye whiskey?
If you prefer a bit more spice in your Old Fashioned, rye whiskey is a great choice and Bulleit also offers a formidable rye for a fiery twist. Bulleit's Rye Whiskey offers rich oaky aromas, while the taste brings hints of vanilla, honey and spice.
What about a Scotch Old Fashioned?
If we’re going to be pedantic about it, when you make an Old Fashioned with a single malt or blended Scotch whisky, some enthusiasts will point out you’re not drinking an Old Fashioned at all, you’re actually drinking a Rob Roy. But what’s in a name, as another ‘old fashioned’ favourite once wrote? When you swap out a bourbon for a blended or single malt Scotch, you can really play with flavours and get something unexpected from the traditional cocktail. Consider something like a peated Scotch for a smoky twist, though it's a significant departure from the classic recipe.
Old Fashioned recipes
Could we call ourselves experts without imparting our knowledge of two of our go-to Old Fashioned recipes? We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
TRADITIONAL
The classic Old Fashioned
Keeping it traditional, the bourbon Old Fashioned is not old – it’s classic.
You'll need:
60ml bourbon
10ml 2:1 sugar syrup (two parts sugar dissolved over heat into one part water)
Two dashes of aromatic bitters
A slice of orange peel and a maraschino cherry
To make:
Fill a rocks glass with ice
Pour in your whisky, syrup and bitters
Stir and finish with an orange peel and cherry garnish
FIERY
The Talisker Old Fashioned
If you like your whisky cocktails with a bit more fire – smoke, pepper, peat – the rugged flavours of Talisker are the perfect base.
You'll need:
50ml Talisker Skye Single Malt
5ml 2:1 sugar syrup (two parts sugar dissolved over heat into one part water)
One dash of aromatic bitters
A slice of orange peel and a maraschino cherry
To make:
Fill a rocks glass with ice
Pour in your whisky, syrup and bitters
Stir and finish with an orange peel and cherry garnish
The final word
So what are you waiting for? Pick up that bourbon (or whisky, we don't judge) and mix yourself a beautifully simple Old Fashioned because you've earned it. While sipping, if you're looking for more cocktail inspiration, you may enjoy our guide to the best whisky cocktails ever, which takes you beyond the Old Fashioned into plenty more recipes. Enjoy.
Explore the world of Malts
The Beginner’s Guide to Different Whisky Types
Whisky Flavours Explored
