When choosing a budget whiskey for an Old Fashioned, the key is to look for something with a higher proof (around 45% to 50% ABV / 90 to 100 proof) and a robust flavor profile. Since the cocktail adds sugar and dilution from melting ice, lower-proof or overly subtle whiskeys tend to get washed out.
Here are a few widely available, budget-friendly options that perform exceptionally well in supermarkets:
1. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon: This is often considered the gold standard for budget cocktails. At 50.5% ABV, it holds up wonderfully against ice and simple syrup, providing rich notes of vanilla, caramel, and baking spice.
2. Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond (White Label): If you want maximum value, this 100-proof bourbon usually costs very little but punches far above its weight with traditional sweet corn, oak, and caramel notes.
3. Rittenhouse Rye (Bottled-in-Bond) or Old Overholt: If you prefer a spicier, less sweet Old Fashioned, rye whiskey is the traditional base. Rittenhouse is 100 proof, affordable, and provides black pepper, citrus, and mint notes that balance the sugar and Angostura bitters beautifully.
4. Buffalo Trace or Elijah Craig Small Batch: If you can find either of these on sale at your local hypermarket, they make very smooth, approachable Old Fashioneds with classic toffee and oak profiles.
For the best result on a budget, I would recommend starting with Wild Turkey 101 or Evan Williams Bottled-in-Bond.
