What barrel proof whiskey do you enjoy neat, no water added.

[ccleve23]

I usually do all of them neat. On occasion I may put in one tiny cube of ice just to give a little water and chill on it.

[Paddy]

I second the recommendation for Barrel Bourbon batch 5, neat.  I think I said it somewhere here before, but definitely my sleeper bourbon of the year.  Probably in my top 5 of the year as well!  Drinks like candy, with a very long and rewarding finish...

[GeeTen]

Came home last night after a 10-hour shift at Total Wine with a bottle of Barrel Bourbon #006 and rewarded myself with a taste - lovely as before.  Now to do a blind tasting between #005 and #006 tonite after the Pats beat up on the Broncos.  Once again, if we win I deserve it - if we lose I need it!   

 

Edited January 24, 2016 by GeeTen

[GaryT]

Depends a lot on the bourbon.  I at least take the first sip or two of anything neat (even 140+ proofers), as I am a firm believer that I should at least sample it as it was bottled.  And I take my cue from there if I'll continue that way.  Typically, things that are 120+ I will start to add a bit of water to - and continue until I'm happy.  Some I'm happy with right from the bottle.  Some private picks (like FRSB) that come in at or under 110 often don't need any water - although I'll usually try a bit of water just to see what happens (while I might like it neat, how do I know I won't love it more with a bit of water?)  

[mbroo5880i]

Finishing up a bottle of GTS 14 (138.1) tonight.  It certainly tastes "richer" neat but I am enjoying it proofed down to around 115 and then adding a really small cube.  Final proof probably closer to 110.  Regardless of what the barrel proof is, if it is greater than 110, I try to get it into the 100 to 110 range.

[amg]

I love that a lot of the SAOS and Four Roses barrel proofers are under 55%. Makes them easy to sip without dilution.