Best Summer Bourbons

[@007JRP1]

You are not lying with respect to regular Makers Mark on ice. It’s awesome and refreshing. During other seasons I’ll drink cask strength MM and MM46 neat. Wild Turkey 101 is another favorite on ice for me. I’ll also drink Old Forester single barrel, barrel proof. To be honest, that one normally drinks too hot in my opinion and ice helps a lot.

[@NateW-e4h]

Wild Turkey 101 works well over ice. Save the better bourbon to drink neat.

[@joeschoeneck1512]

You can’t beat Barrel Seagrass on a cube in the summer!!!

[@ShawnBenker]

1792 Full proof is great with ice. The proof and viscosity hold up really well.

[@frankd.506]

I just picked up two bottles for my collection for 49 bucks each that made me a happy boy .🥃

[@AdAce21]

I've just found I'm able to get more of the flavors/tasting notes out of high-proof bourbon when I'm drinking it over ice. As much as I try, it's just more enjoyable for me cooled down (I think the ice helps with the calming the alcohol vapors so it doesn't overpower the rest of the spirit and let's the oils come through). My go-to's over ice: Larceny BP (B523 or C922), Elijah Craig Barrel Proof (B520 or C923), and King's County Barrel Strength

[@josesanchez5920]

Russells 10 with Ginger Ale and a twist of lime over ice! Summertime

[@DaveVogelsang-b8v]

I drink all my bourbon in a rocks glass over an ice ball. From Buffalo Trace to Van Winkle 12 Year Lot B to Russell’s Reserve 15. 🥃

[@thomasboyd7515]

Same.

[@markbrooks6788]

Amen

[@dane5896]

Bourbon 🥃 & Ice 🧊 = Magic 🪄

[@spitefulbumm]

Thanks for answering the question, Fred.

[@FredMinnick]

great Q

[@bigreb62]

This summer it’s Green River Wheat

[@kirklandeche937]

Often I find myself envying the bourbon tasters that I see on line, thinking about how nice it must be to have such a wealth of offerings. On the other hand, I can imagine having to taste some things that are far less desirable. I can imagine having to adhere to certain protocols that people who aren't tasters impose upon y'all. As for me, when I sit in front of a sports event on the TV, or tend the barbecue grill, I will always have a nice glass of sweet iced tea with lemon in it on the side of a pour of bourbon. After a sip of the tea, I'll pause for a short time, then enjoy a sip of the bourbon. Somehow, the coolness of the tea and the lemon sets up my appetite for the sip of bourbon. It's like being in heaven. Great show as always! Cheers!

[@josephclites6971]

Also, that Jiu Jitsu is doing you well!! You look great man!!

[@ThreeToesofFury]

seconded! looking good!!!!

[@moguy1973]

Awesome to see that you are giving some love to Holladay. Missouri is bringing it in the near future...

[@mattschmitt9924]

I'm from near STL so I may be partial, but I freaking love Holladay!

[@spitefulbumm]

I have to say my go-to bourbon with ice this summer has been Early Times BIB blacktop.

[@lancewilks9624]

I have 4 bottles of the black top I can’t bring myself to drink.

[@user-yg1os9xu3h]

Nice if you can get it, and if you get it, won’t you tell me how?

[@spitefulbumm]

@@user-yg1os9xu3h you just have too look for it. It’s out there.

[@borgcutus5780]

Wish I could get it here is PA. FWGS doesn't even have ET BiB in their database...

[@mackal]

Honestly, I LOVE Maker's with ice. Not sure why, but I just love all their offerings on the rocks.

[@bigcheeze68]

#1 Elijah Craig small batch - it's flavor does change a bit, but it's still enjoyable just different. I think it holds up pretty well all the way through the cube should it melt. #2 Wild Turkey 101... it's what I take or pick up when I'm in Cabo. Great on ice! Best to drink in an insulated cup however as I don't think it takes the watering down as well as does EC. But cold it holds it original flavors better.

[@WhiskeyDoghouse-so4vp]

I have to say that I love the Benchmark full proof with a large cube. That seems to be my go to on those hot days of summer.

[@crow468]

My favorite bourbon with ice is Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered. I think it really gives you a lot even when cold and the notes that come out are big and bright and have some dynamic to them that keeps it interesting.

[@KurtFogleman]

Had Green River Full Proof with a big cube after golf. Very nice.

[@Bourberic]

I love the 1920 with a sphere! Also, Woodford Reserve Double Oak with ice really expresses the notes. The Ben Holladay Rickhouse with ice is better than neat. Have yet to try my Jack Single Barrel Barrel Proof, since it is 133 proof I will have plenty of ice on hand.

[@jenslanger477]

Thx for the reminder. Had ice kinda deleted from the whiskey enjoying regions of my memory. Hot here in Germany right now and I had a delicious Sagamore CS Rye over ice as my sunday afternoon tea 👍

[@leroyboy5228]

Makers 46 cask strength over a large cube is wonderful.

[@randc47]

Had Seagrass with ice over the weekend. Was delicious! It did go flat after a while, but the first 10-15 min was quite nice.

[@whiskyboyz8462]

Dude thanks for the idea Seagrass with 2 small cubes was GREAT🥃

[@89sooner]

I must admit. I never worry a lot about the summer bourbon thing. When I feel hot and summery and un-air conditioned, I am down for a gin cocktail, with a nice modern gin.

[@89sooner]

…no vodka involved.

[@whatsthepoint170]

Agreed 100%. However, I recently discovered a high ball, and that’s a great summer drink

[@89sooner]

@@whatsthepoint170 Oh, I agree on a a good highball…ginger ale, Diet Coke, or Dr. Pepper is a good mixer as well….or the Turkey classic…Mountain Dew.

[@whatsthepoint170]

@@89soonerI keep it simple. Whiskey, soda water and a lemon. Crisp!!

[@89sooner]

@@whatsthepoint170 I’ve definitely tried the classic highball. If we’re going that bare, it gets me back to gin as my base spirit, but thankfully there is something for all of us.

[@scags365]

I just turn into stone cold in the summertime. I crush beers

[@rhino22186]

OGD114, WT101, and 1792 Full Proof. I got into Bourbon with ice at the beginning, but only occasionally now. When I do it’s one large cube that helps it not to melt to fast, usually in a 10oz Yeti Tumbler.

[@zacgreive1676]

My favorite is Rabbit Hole Dareringer with a few cubes. A little lower proof for ice, but damn tasty!

[@JBond-fm1wb]

This one is dangerous in the summer, goes down too easy! My favorite summer whiskey along with sagamore sherry.

[@MrWildbill60]

I do it a little different. I have stainless cubes so I can chill the Bourbon without any water. I just finished the grass now I need to go see what I want to pour.

[@MrWildbill60]

and the pour was Knob Creek 12 - with a stainless cube.

[@bambam2x905]

Thank you Fred! What I drink depends on the season, for summer bourbon it’s always larceny all day long! Great video

[@jeffm0518]

Before I even listened to your video, my first thought was Bookers. When I read Fred Noe's book he said his dad, Booker Noe, said the best way to drink bourbon was with a little water or with ice so..... Of course he also liked a very high proof bourbon. TY Fred for ALWAYS bringing us GREAT videos!

[@mattschmitt9924]

I've been enjoying Green River Wheated a bunch recently. Super easy drinking for me. I can't drink bourbon when I'm hot though.

[@shaunfarrier9060]

Love the channel Mr. Minnick. Glad you're on The Tube.

[@Luchenbach84]

Old Grand Dad 114 is great with ice, for similar reasons that Booker’s is good with ice. The high proof point can withstand the dilution well. I enjoy the evolving taste difference as the ice melts. I will take a quick sip immediately after filling the glass and enjoy the evolution in flavor until it is gone. In order to keep it from diluting too fast, I will refrigerate the bottle before hand and will use a double walled glass. I like the smaller glasses, that are normally used for espresso. There are several different types sold on Amazon.

[@richkilburn2580]

Stagg (Jr). Very nice with ice.

[@gatorwight]

Pretty much any barrel proof will do. But my favorites are Elijah Craig Barrel Proof, Wild Turkey Rare Breed for bourbon, and Willett 4yr rye and any Catoctin Creek for rye! I use big round cubes so that it melts slowly and from start to finish it like drinking 3-4 different whiskeys!

[@patgleason2993]

Man I'm glad you are covering this. I used to have ice with all bourbons. Now I'm not into any ice....but then...I decided to throw a cube at some hot on the tongue bourbons and see how it panned out. Nulu straight bourbon, as well as Weller Reserve...even though it's not hot, really was nice, ...completely agree, 1920...a cube tames it, and make is much more enjoyable. Finally, don't hate me....Stagg 23C, with a small cube, actually pretty good. Frey Ranch barrel strength Rye...with a cube, is good if you catch it within the first few minutes before it dilutes.

[@j.martin5504]

I tried some Benchmark Full Proof on ice the other day. Really good!

[@midnitekreapa8372]

Suprised no one mentions these... Rebel 100 with ice cube... By itself it's off putting but with ice, it's a game changer. Also Evan Williams 1783 and knob Creek Rye, 👌 try it and I agree people said 1792 Full Proof and wild Turkey 101

[@Rocky-cx6qz]

Elijah craig barrel proof single barrel store picks on ice usually slap. Bardstown disco on Ice as well. Im also not against making whiskey smashes with differnet homeade syrups and cheaper bourbon .

[@roberthazard7539]

Evan Williams Bottled in Bond works great for me with a cube.

[@bobbyjones7756]

FR single barrel 100 proof; Weller SR; OF Birthday Bourbon 2020 (just emptied mine 😥); Jack Daniels SBBP (bourbon or rye; same reason Fred mentioned for Bakers; ice really helps it quite a bit, imo); Seagrass; honorable mention to OWA, when I have it.

[@leeknowlton7303]

I agree that OF 1920 is very fragile when you change it with water or ice. Even from a neck pour to bottle finish it seems to have a narrow window to savor.

[@coffeecan7440]

Fred, great topic. I love Ice in whiskey at times, particularly in summer out on the patio with my wife as well as indoors year round as a nightcap. Neat is how I try a whiskey when I first crack a bottle. However, I always try them both ways. You never know what I e can bring out in a Whiskey.

[@kay_jay_em]

Just tried the soft red wheat with ice and I have to agree. Very pleasant. My go to is normally OGD 114 or WT101.

[@borgcutus5780]

I HAVE to cube up OF 1920, it's just too hot for me neat. Just one cube though (Maybe two smaller ones), I don't heavily ice it as it would thin out too much. 1910 is a bit more in my wheelhouse. I also prefer regular Buffalo Trace with a cube rather than neat, not due to proof, but to me it tones down the oak note I get from it. I've been drinking bourbon for about 10 years, and have increased my proof tolerance, but I still top out at about 110 pf for drinking neat.

[@clmartin22]

My top 3 with ice are: Maker Cask Strength, Jack Daniel’s Barrel Proof, and not a bourbon but Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask.

[@Okiefrommn]

For once, I can get all you listed in Oklahoma . Have the apprentice batch from 2-23 . Wonder if that works too

[@francoj8751]

Stranahan's sherry cask finish is great with 2 cubes of ice. Also, bourbon slushy sounds amazing.

[@dawson0000]

Early Times BiB and Tin Cup 10 with ice are my go to whiskies when the weather gets hot.

[@trackvol]

Believe it or not, the standard white label 80 proof Penelope in the summertime. Either over ice, or in a 2:1 ratio with lemonade. So good in the summertime. Once the weather cools off in the fall, im back to 100 proof or higher usually.

[@korgs1302]

Weller Special Reserve & ice is my go to in the Summer. Green River Wheated is a good substitute. A also enjoy a Tandy (BT & 7up on ice) now and again. IYKYK. 😃

[@jamiebrandon8475]

Jefferson’s Ocean (salty) extra sprinkle of pink sea salt, a splash of a grapefruit soda (I use Fresca) very light and refreshing cocktail

[@Stewburner771]

I actually prefer Berheim on the rocks. The proof carries over, but it lets the wheat shine. I do agree with this list. Especially Makers. I will have to try the 1920.

[@tjvbham5831]

My summer bourbon experience is slow cooking outdoors, sitting in the shade with a bourbon over a large ice cube. I don't spend much and like Rebel 100 Wheat. Cheers.

[@pepegon-zals7606]

I’m not the world’s biggest 1920 fan, so I’ll definitely be trying it over ice. I rarely use ice but it always brings out more vanilla for me so I get the rum comparison!

[@davidg5308]

Yup yup - Makers CS or even the 45 proof on ice. Great with BBQ and summer! Cheers!

[@markbrooks6788]

Thanks for the video for all us bourbon geeks that enjoy their bourbon with ice! KC 12 and ECBP are two of my favorites with an ice ball.

[@thomaswilson9407]

That 23-4 with ice was very good

[@motohead077]

How about putting the whiskey in the fridge or freezer, so it melts the ice slower, to not get diluted as fast?

[@58lukum]

Haven’t had bourbon on ice in a pretty long time. I think I’m gunna go make some cubes right now for later. Just got a JD single barrel pick from work. Hope it brings that banana note out more.

[@jamesbrunk9817]

Love your choices!

[@chrisnorris3834]

I am fairly new to bourbon and have tried less than a dozen, I like Rare Breed best. I have a 1920 but haven’t tried it over ice yet. I sure will try it now.

[@risinbison1106]

Makers Mark is the bourbon that got me into bourbon when I was younger and I still love it with a big ice cube on a hot day. Michter’s 10 year is another one I sip on hot summer evenings, on ice of corse.

[@tommowry82]

Thanks for the tip on the Old Forester 1920 it is now my to buy list. My favorites on ice anytime. Old Forester Signature. I love this bourbon but it can be a bit like a randy teenager learning how to French Kiss, kind of awkward but not unpleasant. I think the ice tames it just enough. Old Forester 1870., the price point makes it more approachable as a daily drinker. Two fingers two rocks please. Old Granddad Bonded and Wild Turkey 101. Both work for me but I think the 101s rye notes hold up better to a cube or two. I will give you a Rye also. Old Forester 100 Proof Rye. I bought it because my store was out of the Signature. It is quickly becoming my go to for many things. Thanks for the video.

[@andrewwesterberg8701]

Kentucky mule. Barrett’s ginger beer, quartered lime squeezed, and mint sprig muddled, Early times BiB

[@daltonoswald2824]

Some other high proofers I like on ice: Rare Breed & Jack Daniels Single Barrel Barrel Proof!

[@ianreynolds494]

I feel like wheaters do really well with ice for some reason. Used to love Weller green label when you could get it for msrp. Makers 46 is my upgrade pick, Sazerac rye if you want to get spicy.

[@hoobeydoobey1267]

My fav for ice is Larceny batch proof.

[@matthewdaly7423]

Does Peerless always have bottles for sale at their gift shop? Wasn’t sure and I figured someone on here has been recently. Thanks👍🏼

[@egajdzis]

Penelope Rose neat is perfect in the summer

[@Noah6692]

Four roses?

[@michaelcassidy4566]

Thanks, Fred!

[@frankd.506]

I will drop a small cube in my cask strength/ full proofs occasionally but I always have ice water by my side in fact I prefer a mineral or sparkling water. 🥃

[@cliffordcawthon3916]

I used JJ Bowman in a yeti full of ice and float the river. It melts very slow and lasts a very long time.

[@mikehintenach2503]

Just wondering how much ice you’re talking about? I like to drop a cube or 2 just to chill my pours a little bit in the summer. Haven’t really ever added more than that to my drink.

[@FredMinnick]

I am a 2 piece kind of guy myself

[@McGolf]

1792, peerless rye, bourbon barrel foundation, LOl I was typing in Peerless when you called it out then old fashion mix from the bottle handy and -----

[@Skins5]

OF 1920 , Knob Creek , Bookers and Four Roses single barrel are a few off the top of my head

[@jimsandor3321]

My favorite summertime bourbon with ice is Wild Turkey 101.

[@eventyoursofspirits]

Makers Mark is a staple on my bar!

[@brianritchey7597]

Just bought Bookers yesterday at James Beam distillery.

[@durzagon88]

Distilled water is cheap and makes great ice ballls. Great list btw.

[@brianritchey7597]

The Elijah Craig toasted barrel tastes better with water.

[@bourbonapprentice]

I never add ice, but you sold me on the Peerless rye with ice. I’ll try it now

[@tillersbourbonchallenge]

Old Forester Single Barrel Barrel Barrel Proof 🧊

[@trackvol]

Oh, that's a good one. I bet it's even better with the 100 proof.

[@greggulden]

Great stuff! I’m going to try a couple of those tonight.

[@jefferybowen5321]

Thanks Ralphie! Still love the advice and content...just picked up a michters barrel proof rye! Finally

[@dshindo1837]

I spoiled my self and now I only use clear ice if any at all . I make my own ice balls.

[@christopherfleser3886]

Maker's Barrel Proof, 4 Roses Single Barrel, WT Rarebreed, Eagle Rare

[@jacksontd7757]

Makers 46!!

[@sierrastriker77]

This was great, totally agree on the Makers but haven't tried the others on ice yet but definitely going to now!

[@thebigcor]

OGD 114 with a little iceball is alright on a hot night

[@dusiokas]

Bowman's Port Finished Bourbon

[@Cap10Chunks]

Sagamore Double Oak

[@r.hartmann7628]

I agree - but I would add: Makers 101 is best with ice !!!

[@brettmchan2855]

So i am on a beach in florida right now on clearwater beach and i am enjoying 1792 full proof am i a weirdo for enjoying it without ice or anything. I have been here insce sunday and i am running low!

[@jbbourbon178]

Jack Daniel’s Single Barrel Barrel Proof over ice. Best there is period. Oh yeah, and Old Forester Barrel proof 😂

[@daleszajek2999]

Makers Mark, Wild Turkey 101, Old Forester 1920

[@btowndarby]

I truly haven’t found a bourbon I like with ice. But I’ll tolerate it when I want to drink in the heat. I did just enjoy a bottle of seagrass neat at the beach. I can do that bottle in the heat.

[@whiskyboyz8462]

2 small cubes will expose you to Super Seagrass. The flavors are 🤯

[@btowndarby]

@@whiskyboyz8462 I’m going to give that a try next time!

[@timothyd.franklin9076]

Old Grandad BIB

[@prettyontop]

Booker’s, Elijah Craig Barrel Proof - you know, classics.