Bourbons that really SHINE with ice and water

[Yeti]

I usually only drink bourbon on ice when I'm with my father-in-law. He often has a combination of WT101, KC, KCSB, Baker's or Booker's and they all take ice very well. It's the only way he drinks bourbon, so at least he has a selection that fits the bill.

[JPBoston]

I haven't been happy with any bourbon that I've added water/ice to, even KCSB at 120 proof.

[humchan2k]

Wow, I must be completely weird...I love a fair amount of my bourbon with a King Cube/Iceball....my faves are Buffalo Trace, Rittenhouse, and definitely Handy.

[squire]

I haven't been unhappy with any Bourbon over ice.

[Alden]

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.

[squire]

And may we profit by your example.

[jonhalter]

I thought Jeffersons small batch did well with an ice cube.

[black mamba]

I prefer rye whiskey or high rye bourbon over ice, so the aforementioned 4R, RittBIB, OGD all work well. Obviously the higher the proof the better, but even 90 pf rye stands up to ice/dilution better than standard 12-18% rye bourbons. The spiciness keeps the flavors sharp, even when diluted.

[Grain Belt]

Having a OGD BIB on the rocks with a splash of water right now. I think it is outstanding. It will happen again.

[tehbeardman]

I'll echo some of the 4R suggestions specifically the yellow label. Especially if I'm out or at a party WT101 or EW black label on the rocks are solid too.

[guiness187055]

I have come to the conclusion that either neat, on the rocks, in an old fashioned, or in a manhatten, all of the BIB's old up pretty well.

[Yeti]

all of the BIB's old up pretty well.

This reminds me that HH White is pretty good on rocks.

[TheNovaMan]

I prefer Ten High (straight) as a 2-3oz pour on one ice cube. Taken neat, it's a bit harsh because it's young, even though it's only 80 proof. One ice cube seems to do an excellent job of smoothing out the sharp edges on this one.

Sadly, Ten High straight is no longer available in MI, unless you go dusty hunting.

[Alden]

I'm planning to try some 4R smB on the rocks this afternoon.

I will report back with my findings.

[ratcheer]

My very favorite bourbon on-the-rocks is Wild Turkey Rare Breed.

Tim

[deathevocation]

I'll echo some of the 4R suggestions specifically the yellow label. Especially if I'm out or at a party WT101 or EW black label on the rocks are solid too.

Yeah, EW Black goes ok with some ice.

[Yeti]

My very favorite bourbon on-the-rocks is Wild Turkey Rare Breed.

Tim

I always buy a bottle of Rare Breed before the first VA Tech football game each season. I think pretty much all of WT lineup takes ice really well.

[BigBoldBully]

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.

most obnoxious post of the year so far?

[MyOldKyDram]

Personally I've never had one that "shined" on ice. I may like it well enough for a sip or two but always end up regretting the decision. Just not to my taste I reckon. Now, you will certainly find a bottle in my fridge.

[boneuphtoner]

Personally I've never had one that "shined" on ice. I may like it well enough for a sip or two but always end up regretting the decision. Just not to my taste I reckon. Now, you will certainly find a bottle in my fridge.

Yes, I felt the same way until I started some experiments with everything I had, and Beam White and ETL came out as ahead of everything else when it comes to shining in water. And I don't just mean an ice cube or two, I'm talking heavy dilution with ice/water! Since I started the thread, let me add Beam Black to the list.

[Borchard]

One that i did NOT like over ice was MM. I ordered one at a Thunder game and it just tasted like weak, bourbon-flavored water.

[justataste]

Fans can drink bourbon at Thunder games?

Wow. No wonder the place is packed for every game!

[Borchard]

Fans can drink bourbon at Thunder games?

Wow. No wonder the place is packed for every game!

[camduncan]

Most bourbons I've owned have been tried with ice or water at some stage, but it's usually the higher proof or burning finish bourbons that I prefer to add ice or water to. Old Charter 13yo or Fighting Cock come to mind as ones I prefer over ice or watered down.

[mosugoji64]

Yeah, EW Black goes ok with some ice.

My drink of choice used to be EWB on the rocks. I still occasionally pour one. The BIB does hold up better to ice, but I'm less inclined to enjoy it that way since I can't get it here. I had a SB EC12 that was a vanilla bomb on the rocks. That was some good stuff!