Old Overholt is an old, cheap American rye, and my Old Overholt review is a measured one. It’s light, simple and fine in a cocktail.
Old Overholt: what you are buying
It’s a rye whiskey made by Beam Suntory, bottled at 40%, aged at least three years in new charred American oak. The brand dates back to 1810 and a Pennsylvania farmer named Abraham Overholt, which makes it one of the oldest in America.
It’s a historic name with a modest bottle.
Old Overholt tasting notes: nose, palate and finish
Rye spice, vanilla and caramel on the nose, with a hint of oak and some light mint. It’s fairly light and a bit thin.
On the palate it’s smooth and mild, with rye pepper, vanilla, caramel and a bit of oak. The finish is short and a little dry. It’s a pleasant, simple rye, and it lacks body.
Old Overholt: neat, with water or in a drink
It’s a cocktail rye. A Manhattan, a Sazerac or an Old Fashioned all work, because the rye spice is enough to cut through the mixers. Neat, it’s a bit thin.
Is Old Overholt worth the money?
About £32 for 70 cl. That’s fair for a cheap rye, though at 40% it lacks punch, and for a few pounds more Rittenhouse Bonded Rye is far better. It’s why my score is only 65. Prices change, so treat the figure above as a guide for Old Overholt and check the link on this page for the current cost.
Old Overholt alternatives
Rittenhouse Bonded Rye is the better cocktail rye, Bulleit Rye is spicier, and Sazerac Rye is the classic.
Who should buy Old Overholt?
Cocktail makers on a budget, and anyone who wants a light, easy rye.
Old Overholt: my verdict
A light, simple, inexpensive rye that’s fine in a cocktail and thin on its own. Rittenhouse is the better buy. Caskable score: 65 out of 100.
Rye spice, vanilla and caramel, with oak and light mint.
Smooth and mild, with rye pepper, vanilla, caramel and a bit of oak.
Short and a little dry.
A light, simple, inexpensive rye that is fine in a cocktail and thin on its own.
Thomas Grønvold is the founder of Caskable and a whisky enthusiast who believes the best way to learn about whisky is simply to drink it, compare it, and stay curious. From supermarket favourites to bottles from distilleries around the world, he writes about what he actually tastes and experiences, without pretending you need to be an expert to enjoy a good dram.
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