Last Updated on December 29, 2022 by Lydia Martin
The classic Old Fashioned co*cktail remains relevant today despite its recipe being first published in 1862. It is easy to make, having just four ingredients – whiskey, bitters, sugar, and water. Bourbon and rye whiskey has always been the go-to liquor option for the famous co*cktail.
But really, is rye or bourbon better for Old Fashioned? Keep on reading to find out!
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Which Is Better For Old Fashioned, Bourbon, or Rye?
Bourbon is better for an Old Fashioned than rye because it is mellow and has a balance of flavors perfect for a simple and classic co*cktail. It also has a strong profile that can hold up to the flavors of bitters and sugar even after dilution.
What we like about bourbon is that it doesn’t have the burn despite having a strong alcohol taste.
However, as rye whiskey has complex flavors and a little bit of spice, it will still be great in an Old Fashioned.
Face-Off
Tasting Notes
Rye whiskey has a distinct flavor profile that makes it stand out. You’ll taste notes of vanilla or caramel against its lively spiciness. It’s also smooth and accentuates an Old Fashioned’s silkiness.
On the other hand, bourbon has vanilla, toasted oak, chocolate, caramel, cloves, peppers, and nutmeg tasting notes.
Quality
A quality rye whiskey or bourbon doesn’t always have to be expensive. There are many factors to consider to tell if the liquors are high-quality, like flavor, age, texture, aroma, and drinkability.
Both rye whiskey and bourbon are great base spirits for Old Fashioned co*cktails because each has unique flavors that cater to every person’s preference.
Sweet or Spicy?
Sometimes, a little bit of spice tastes good in an Old Fashioned. Rye is spicy, while bourbon somehow tastes sweet.
Rye whiskey packs a punch that keeps you wanting more glasses of the classic co*cktail. Its spiciness stands out among the flavors of bitters and sugar. It also has a low sugar content and is low in calories.
Smoothness Level
Bourbon is smoother and lighter than rye because it uses more wheat and corn [1] than rye. It also has caramel, oak, and vanilla notes that balance the flavors. Meanwhile, rye has bitter flavors with a strong kick that light drinkers may not like.
Alcohol Content
Bourbons and rye whiskeys should be distilled to no more than 160-proof or 80% alcohol by volume. According to U.S regulations, they should be bottled with at least 40% ABV.
However, different brands offer different alcohol content, so it’s up to you to decide whether you’re up for a higher-proof spirit or not. But which rye whiskey brand is good for Old-fashioned co*cktails?
Budget
Both bourbons and rye whiskeys are affordable. You can purchase a bottle of these liquors for as low as $20. However, since rye production is lower than corn and it is harder to distill, the price of rye whiskey is a little higher than bourbon. But what’s the cheapest bourbon for Old Fashioned?
Taste Test: Old Fashioned co*cktail Recipe
This recipe may help you determine which tastes better for Old Fashioned co*cktails. You may use either bourbon or rye whiskey for this recipe.
Prep Time: 3 mins
Total Time: 3 mins
Ingredients:
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 2 dashes bitters (We use Angostura bitters.)
- 1 teaspoon water
- 2 ounces bourbon
- Orange slice for garnish
Instructions:
Pour the sugar, water, and bitters into a rocks glass. Stir to dissolve sugar. Add ice cubes and pour bourbon. Stir to combine and garnish with an orange slice.
Serving: 1
FAQS
Which is more commonly used in Old Fashioned, rye or bourbon?
Bourbon is more commonly used in Old Fashioned co*cktails because it has a more mellow flavor and a sweeter taste than rye whiskey. Rye whiskey is a little spicy and has distinct bitter flavors that others are not fond of. However, both are excellent choices as base spirits for co*cktails.
Is it okay to use cheap rye or bourbon for Old Fashioned?
Yes, it’s okay to use cheap rye or bourbon for Old Fashioned. Regardless of the price, picking a base spirit should be based on your preferred flavor. Also, the Old Fashioned co*cktail is pure, ensuring that the taste of the whiskey used will still be highlighted.
Key Takeaways
Bourbon is better for an Old Fashioned because it is strong yet pleasant, perfect for light drinkers. It doesn’t give off heat in the throat. Because Old Fashioned is known for its simplicity, the bourbon’s mellow flavors and sweet roundness taste great in this co*cktail. Price-wise, the bourbon is also a little less expensive than rye.
While bourbon and rye have distinct flavor profiles, both are great as base spirits for co*cktails. Determining the characteristics you like in your whiskey is important so you can zero in on the perfect bottle that suits your palate.
So, which of the two spirits do you prefer, bourbon or rye? Tell us in the comment section below!
Reference:
- https://www.cnbc.com/2015/06/04/5-rules-that-make-it-bourbon.html
Lydia Martin hails from Redmond, Washington, where you’ll find some of the best co*cktail bars and distilleries that offer a great mix of local drinks. She used to work as a bar manager in Paris and is a self-taught mixologist whose passion for crafting unique co*cktails led her to create Liquor Laboratory. Lydia can whip up a mean Margarita in seconds! Contact at [emailprotected] or learn more about us here.
