Handy & Schiller Barreled Old Fashioned RTD Cocktail 750 ml

A richly expressive, ready-to-drink interpretation of the classic Old Fashioned that delivers craftsmanship and depth in every sip. Handy & Schiller Barreled Old Fashioned elevates the RTD category with barrel-aged nuance, a polished balance of sweet and bitter, and a smooth, layered profile that feels more like a well-built cocktail from a top bar than a typical pre-mixed drink.

Origins & Craftsmanship

Produced under the Handy & Schiller banner — a collaboration that channels the spirit of cocktail pioneers Thomas Handy and John Schiller — this Old Fashioned embraces time-honored techniques and premium components. It is crafted by blending high-quality Kentucky straight rye whiskey with rich cane sugar, aromatic bitters, and a twist of citrus essence, then matured together in barrels previously used for rye whiskey. This barrel aging allows the ingredients to marry, rounding edges and adding oak depth, vanilla complexity, and subtle spice.

Each 750 ml bottle delivers the integrity of a thoughtfully constructed Old Fashioned: spirit-forward yet balanced, with real barrel influence that deepens aroma and texture without masking classic cocktail elements.

Critics Commentary & Scores

Among bartenders, spirits writers, and cocktail enthusiasts, the Handy & Schiller Barreled Old Fashioned RTD is widely praised for its craft-level execution and natural, nuanced flavor compared to typical pre-mixed offerings. Professional reviewers often note:

• Rich, well-balanced profile that stands up to neat sipping and not just as a convenience drink.

• Barrel complexity that adds dimension beyond simple sweetness, giving the cocktail an oak-accented backbone similar to crafted cocktails at quality bars.

• Recognition for maintaining true Old Fashioned character — bright cinnamon spice, citrus peel, and bitters — even after barrel integration.

This RTD has quickly established itself as one of the benchmark barrel-aged cocktail bottles for at-home sipping and entertaining.

Tasting Profile

Nose:
Generous aromas of orange peel, cinnamon bark, and brown sugar give first impression warmth, followed by vanilla and toasted oak from barrel influence. A hint of clove and spice adds aromatic depth.

Palate:
Smooth and full-flavored, with spiced rye warmth up front complemented by rich molasses, caramelized sugar, and bitter orange essence. Oak nuances and subtle herbal bitters interplay with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of almond-like warmth.

Finish:
Long, refined, and very drinkable, finishing with lingering bitters, gentle oak spice, and dried citrus zest — a classic Old Fashioned finale, polished by barrel age.

Quick Overview