Bourbons that really SHINE with ice and water

[boneuphtoner]

Like most of you (from what I surmise at least), I like to drink my bourbons neat, or very carefully watered for a product like Stagg, etc. I have tried most of my stash with a handful of ice and water at least once with much higher dilution, and nearly all of them fell apart in the process. Except two of them. Two of my bourbons absolutely SHINED in ice water, maintaining their structure amazingly even at high dilution, and they are ETL and Jim Beam White Label. ETL was not a surprise as I saw a TV documentary showing that Elmer prefers his bourbon at 60 proof. The Jim Beam White was a bit of a surprise at first, but when you think about it, this is designed as a mixer bourbon, so maybe it is designed to stand up to the ice water.

What else really shines in dilute ice water?

[nivto]

On a really hot summer day (which rarely happens in Seattle, but were plenty of when I lived in Tallahassee) I enjoy OGD 114 with a cube... about the only bourbon I enjoy with ice.

[Tucker]

Old Forester Signature does well over crushed ice. I keep a bottle in the refrigerator during the summer months just for this purpose.

[squire]

Old Grand Dad BIB, Barton and Old Forester.

[TheNovaMan]

It's not quite a bourbon, but I've been told Mellow Corn is quite tasty on the rocks on a hot summer day.

[WAINWRIGHT]

I would agree with OGD BIB,114 in addition add to the list EW BIB and HH BIB as well.I would also have to include Mellow Corn though not a bourbon,a great summertime pour on the rocks and one of my favorites during the warmer months.

[Special Reserve]

The first PHC is really wonderful over crushed ice.

[squire]

I think the flavor of Bourbon generally is strong enough to stand up to ice.

[Pieface]

Not a bourbon as such but I like Ritt BiB on a cube as much as I like it without...which is quite a lot.

[bllygthrd]

I think the flavor of Bourbon generally is strong enough to stand up to ice.

Squire ...

Spring has sprung and the "men of the block" congregation out front for our first "share a bottle" night of 2013 ... Most are Scotch drinkers, I am a Bourbon proponent. I had the opportunity to quote your post above as we were discussing the merits of whisky, ice and water ... while I didn't ask permission, I did give you (and SB) proper credit.

Terry W

[squire]

Just trying to be a member of our supportive community Terry.

[P&MLiquorsEric]

If you need more than an ice cube or touch of water, just to all out and fill up with ice and add coke too.

[petrel800]

Practically ice, but I light the lightness of 4RSmB for Mint Juleps.

[Danger]

I take almost everything neat - but I drink Booker's (which I love) as a triple pour with two rocks. In warmer weather I take my non-premium bourbons with 2-3 whiskey stones that I keep in the freezer.

[callmeox]

If you need more than an ice cube or touch of water, just to all out and fill up with ice and add coke too.

If I paid for the bottle I can drink it any way I like.

[tigerlam92]

GTS would be one. I always drink it on the rocks and usually let it melt some as well.

Cheers

Hugh

[geereg]

Not a bourbon as such but I like Ritt BiB on a cube as much as I like it without...which is quite a lot.

^ I concur with Pieface.

[wadewood]

I think most 100+ proof bourbons hold up well to be served on the rocks. My favorites include VOB 100 proof, WT 101, Weller 107

[squire]

I have noticed print ads from the late 1950s emphasize their new 86 proof bottlings are "lighter and smoother" and usually display a glass with ice as well.

[stiffchainey]

OGD 114 4cl two cubes, and Baker's, just 5-10 drops of still water, opens up the whole thing.

[unclebunk]

On a hot summer day, any bourbon with an ice cube will do, especially the BIB's and higher proof bottles. My favorites though (as others have mentioned) are VOB BIB, OF Signature, Old Fitz BIB and OGD114. You really can't go wrong with any of them.

[Flyfish]

Normally I start neat, then add just a drop of water, and finish with some ice. For some inexplicable reason, last night I had my VOB in reverse order. Had not planned it but what I discovered was that, after drinking it on ice, the VOB was even more pleasant than usual taken neat and had a fantastic mouthfeel. This may have been an anomaly. Must conduct more scientific experimentation today. Clearly more data is required.

Edited April 10, 2013 by Flyfish

[Halifax]

I enjoy EW BiB on the rocks. I also prefer Handy over an ice ball.

[unclebunk]

I enjoy EW BiB on the rocks. I also prefer Handy over an ice ball.

Man, I forgot about the ice ball molds that MM sent me a while back. I gotta dig those out of the cabinet and give your suggestion a whirl.

[MrAtomic]

Standard FRSB is terrific over ice, as are many of the merchant-selected single barrel FRs. I also like to keep a bottle of HH 6 YO BIB in the freezer. And often, when I get close to finishing a bottle of rye recipe bourbon, I'll pour the last bit into the HH bottle. It's a constant vatting in process. So far, so good.