How it tastes
Whisky-forward. The sugar softens the alcohol bite. The bitters add the bridge between whisky and the orange peel oil that hits your nose with every sip. Drinks slow. Develops in the glass over 15 minutes as the ice melts. We've found this is the drink most people order to test how good a bar actually is.
Why it's on our menu
You can't run a bar with classics on the menu and skip the Old Fashioned. We make it the way our preferred bartenders do: bourbon by default (because it's the most forgiving base), demerara syrup instead of muddled sugar (cleaner texture), one large ice cube (slow dilution).
For something more layered, see our low-ABV coffee variants or the Scented Negroni.
Where to drink it
On the menu at Dissolved Solids, Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Reserve a table if you're coming in a group.
Frequently asked questions
What glass is the Old Fashioned served in?
A rocks glass (literally named after this drink, sometimes called an Old Fashioned glass) over one large ice cube. Short, heavy-bottomed, the big single rock chosen so dilution happens slowly across the 20 to 25 minute drinking window. The drink develops in the glass; the third sip is usually the best one.
Can I substitute the whisky in an Old Fashioned?
Bourbon is the modern default, rye is the historical original. Both work. Japanese whisky gives you a softer, gentler version. Aged rum gives you the related Rum Old Fashioned. Cognac was the original spirit in the 1880s before whisky took over. Avoid peated Islay Scotch; the peat fights the sugar and orange peel. The drink is a template more than a recipe.
How strong is the Old Fashioned?
Around 30 to 34 percent ABV in the glass before the big rock melts, dropping to around 24 to 28 percent across the drinking window. The 60ml of whisky is the alcohol load; the syrup and bitters add flavour but no extra spirit. Built to sip slow; one Old Fashioned is a real drink and rewards taking your time.
Where can I order an Old Fashioned in PJ or KL?
On the menu at Dissolved Solids in Damansara Kim, Petaling Jaya (43-1 Jalan SS20/11, Tue to Sun 15:00 to 01:00, WhatsApp +60 11-4008 7607). Also on request at Soluble Solids in SS2, Petaling Jaya (50-1 Jalan SS2/24, Wed to Sun 18:00 to 01:00, WhatsApp +60 11-1682 8651). Both bars are in Tatler Asia Top 20 Bars 2025/26. Bourbon by default; ask for rye or Japanese whisky if you prefer.
What food pairs with the Old Fashioned?
Steak, smoked meats, anything rich and savoury. Aged cheeses (parmigiano, manchego, aged cheddar). Dark chocolate after dinner. For Malaysian context, beef rendang or lamb shank curry both work because the whisky's vanilla-and-spice notes sit well with rempah. Avoid raw or delicate food; the drink is too dense.