Mule 2.0 "Old Fashioned Mule" RTD Cocktail Review

 

While I’m a connoisseur of whiskey, I don’t engage much with cocktails – mostly because I enjoy drinking whiskey neat, and cocktails, well, just aren’t. The times I have cocktails are primarily due to one (or more) reasons:

The bar’s whiskey selection is lacking, or their prices are outrageous.

The bar’s handwritten sign suggests today’s Bourbon specials are Jameson and Johnnie Walker.

A friend is already making cocktails.

I’m the designated driver.

 

When I do order a cocktail, it is either a White Russian, an Old Fashioned (not the Wisconsin way), or a Moscow Mule. Much like drinking whiskey neat, I prefer a cocktail’s simplicity over some fancy presentation.

 

This past Memorial Day weekend, Mrs. Whiskeyfellow and I went day camping with friends who were legitimately camping. Mrs. Whiskeyfellow brought some fizzy canned adult beverages with her, one of which was an Old Fashioned Mule produced by Mule 2.0. For the record, I brought whiskey to share, but after a few pours, I wanted something lighter, so I cracked one of these open to see if it was any good. You know, the whole #DrinkCurious thing.

 

Now, you know me. I enjoy learning the story behind the brand. Mule 2.0 is a 100% woman-owned and operated entity. It was founded in 2015 by CEO Lisa Marlow, who loved Moscow Mules but disliked their inconsistency when she ordered one. A geologist by profession, Lisa created a recipe based on the original 1941 cocktail and mass-produced her Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Moscow Mule to ensure the same quality every time. Her daughter, Alissa, heads up the brand’s marketing.

 

In 2020, Lisa developed four additional Mule canned cocktails: a London Mule to appeal to Gin drinkers, a Mexican Mule for tequila lovers, a Caribé Mule designed for Rum fans, and the Old Fashioned Mule for Bourbonites. Mule 2.0 is distributed to 30 states, and you can also order its RTDs online at https://mule20.com.

 

Now that you know all about the story of the Old Fashioned Mule, let’s get to the critical part: Is it any good?

 

• Beverage Type: RTD Cocktail
• Producer: Mule 2.0
• Age: N/A
• Mashbill: The can indicates Bourbon whiskey, orange bitters, and natural ginger flavor
• Cooperage: N/A
• Alcohol Content: 5% ABV (10°)
• Price per 355mL: $2.75 (based on $11 for a 4-pack)

 

Appearance: Normally, I’d drink a canned RTD without a glass. However, for this review, I used a Canadian whisky glass. Also, I served it chilled because I’m not a monster. The cold frosted up my glass, yet it was crystal clear overall. There was carbonation; the bubbles were small and slowly rose to the top.

 

Nose: The ginger component was unmistakable, and I also discovered zests from limes and oranges. Beyond that, there was no evidence of Bourbon in the aroma. I drew the air into my mouth; ginger was the only thing I encountered.

 

Palate: Much of the texture was contributed by the carbonation, while something buttery added to the mouthfeel. I tasted plenty of ginger, with subdued notes of orange peel, cinnamon, and tart lime. A dash of caramel and vanilla rounded things out.

 

Finish: Beyond the ginger, lime, and orange peel, the Old Fashioned Mule possessed a muted peppery component – or was it smoke, or both? It was challenging to nail down. I timed the whole thing at 0:36, which, honestly, is about what I’d expect from a Moscow Mule, an Old Fashioned, or otherwise.  

 

Bottle, Bar, or Bust: Today was warm and humid, and I found Mule 2.0’s Old Fashioned Mule incredibly refreshing and a pleasure to sip. It went down a bit too fast, and that’s entirely on me – I’ll chalk that up as evidence of my enjoyment.

 

One of the reasons I don’t purchase many RTDs is how proud some of these companies are about their wares; they’re crazily expensive considering what they are. Mule 2.0 sells theirs at a fair price, and that’s greatly appreciated.

 

When all is said and done, I would buy the Old Fashioned Mule again, crack it open on my deck on a summer’s day (like today), and that, my friends, is the makings of my Bottle rating. Cheers!

 

 

My Simple, Easy-to-Understand Rating System

• Bottle = Buy It
• Bar = Try It
• Bust = Leave It

 

Whiskeyfellow encourages you to enjoy your whiskey as you see fit, but begs you to do so responsibly.