The Beginner-Friendly Rye Whiskey Experts Reach For In An Old Fashioned

The Old Fashioned is one of the world's best-known cocktails, appreciated for its satisfying flavor and simple yet customizable construction. One of the most important decisions in creating an Old Fashioned is selecting the whiskey that lies at its boozy core. Although the number of whiskey styles and brands can seem daunting for those exploring the category for the first time, there's one that experts point to as an ideal choice for newbies. That's Rittenhouse Rye, a top pick among our 11 best whiskeys for making your next Old Fashioned.

To understand why Rittenhouse and Old Fashioned are such a beginner-friendly pairing, it's crucial to understand both the whiskey and the cocktail it's being used in. Rye whiskey is created with a mash bill (the grains used in the distillation process) of at least 51% rye. It tends to have a spicier herbal element, compared to sweeter whiskeys like bourbon. 

"If I want that spicy, snappy kick, I'm reaching for a sturdy rye like Rittenhouse," says Simran Bakshi, co-owner of INDN restaurant and bar in New York City. With sugar, a dash of bitters, and fruit garnish being the only other Old Fashioned ingredients, rye's taste profile plays a prominent role. Notably, Rittenhouse's mash bill contains the minimum-allotted 51% rye (supplemented by corn and malted barley), so the rye flavor shouldn't be too overpowering for those still getting their palates used to the spirit.

Rittenhouse's appeal goes beyond its status as an expert-approved entry point to the world of rye. It's also quite affordable, with 750-milliliter bottles available for under $30. Rittenhouse Rye is a bottled-in-bond whiskey. This federally enforced designation certifies that it's the product of a single distiller and distillery, produced in a single distillation season, and aged four years before being bottled at 100 proof (50% alcohol by volume) – higher than many other varieties of whiskey.

Although rye might not be the most common choice for modern Old Fashioneds, this wasn't always the case. "Originally, the Old Fashioned cocktail was designed to use rye whiskey," says Dave Weglarz, owner and distiller at StilL 630 Distillery. Rye was a common whiskey in America's early days, one produced in far larger numbers than bourbon through much of the early and mid-19th century, when the Old Fashioned was first becoming a trend. 

Numerous varieties of rye and other whiskeys can lend unique tasting notes to simple drinks like a classic Old Fashioned. There are familiar stalwarts to choose from, like Wild Turkey 101, favored for its rich, full-bodied taste, and more niche options such as High West Midwinter Night's Dram, a high-end label finished in port barrels for extra complexity. However, when you consider its affordable price, higher proof, and classic rye profile, Rittenhouse is both an ideal entry point into rye whiskey and an excellent choice to build your Old Fashioned cocktail around.