As colder weather approaches, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the delightfully warming effects of an Old Fashioned. This classical cocktail appeals to many with its characteristic blend of bitters with multifaceted notes of baking spice and the hearty, comforting tones of whiskey.

The Old Fashioned carries simplicity at its core, comprising only a trio of elements - whiskey, bitters, and sugar. Each of these plays a crucial role in shaping the final taste. The bitters of choice may vary from the most frequently used Angostura to alternatives like Peychaud’s or Fee Brothers’ Old Fashion Bitters. Even the sweetener in use can alter the cocktail’s profile. But the key player in this timeless creation is the whiskey.

Many enthusiasts swear by the spicy kick of rye or high-rye bourbon to counterbalance the cocktail’s inherent sweetness. But with an overwhelming variety available, making a choice isn't easy. To help guide your decision, we present a collection of 11 remarkable American rye whiskeys that promise to significantly elevate your next Old Fashioned experience.

Championed by industry professionals, Old Overholt is a premium choice that won’t break the bank. Noted for its versatility across classic cocktails, it has a 19th century-inspired blend with an 80% rye and 20% malted barley base, giving it a pleasing blend of sweetness and spice.

The Chicken Cock whiskey introduces a rich rye variety boasting a resurrected brand from the 19th century. It imparts an enchantingly complex taste with tones of cherries, orange peel, and caramel, balanced with a sweet yet woodsy hint of spice.

Elijah Craig's novel product offers an interesting blend. A toasty rye whiskey with a robust 94 proof that won’t demand adjustments in your sweetener ratio. Subtle and sweet undertones of chocolate mint, butterscotch, and candy corn contribute to a drawn-out, enjoyable finish.

The newly released Fortune’s Fool Whiskey, a straight rye whiskey crafted by a woman-owned distillery, provides a heady Old Fashioned with coffee and cacao tones, best enjoyed when generously diluted.

With a taste profile comprising candied ginger, pink peppercorns, and tobacco, the bound rye from the High West Distillery makes a slightly more expensive, but ultimately rewarding Old Fashioned.

Hudson Whiskey's Calvados cask-finished rye acquires a nuanced flavor with a superior seven-year aging process. Enjoy autumn with an Old Fashioned featuring this whiskey, paired with a cinnamon simple syrup for complete satisfaction.

Distilled and aged in Brooklyn, NY, the New York Distilling rye whiskey offers a rousing blend of caraway, cracked peppercorn, and tropical fruit, all for an impressive value at around $50.

Developed by New Riff Distilling, their four-year-old rye has a unique mix of grains. The intricate aroma gives way to a lingering finish marked by flavors of ripe plums, brown sugar, and honey-soaked toast.

The high-rye mash by Off Hours Spirits makes for an impressively textured whiskey, given its suitability to any home bar cart. It presents a rich balance of spice, honey, and nougat that's perfect for any Old Fashioned.

In a departure from traditional whiskey making, the redemption by Deutsch Family Wine & Spirits results in a marvelous hint of cream that suits the addition of a rich syrup to the Old Fashioned. Enjoy a luxurious blend of honey and caramel-infused sips.

Manufactured from pure Texas-grown rye, the Still Austin Whiskey Co's product is a genuinely sweet variation of the spirit. It's an indulgent base for any Old Fashioned, especially when paired with a spritz of orange oils to harmonize with the whiskey's inherent flavors.