Whiskey on the rocks is well-loved for different reasons. We particularly like how it brings out the complex flavor of the whiskey, making it very refreshing.
So what’s the best whiskey on the rocks? If you’re not sure which whiskey to pick, we’ve got you covered.
Top 10 Whiskeys That Taste Better On The Rocks
10. Buffalo Trace Bourbon Whiskey
Average Price: Around $35 based on Drizly
Distillery: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Alcohol Content: 45%
How It Tastes On Ice: Buffalo Trace bourbon whiskey has a rich and complex taste with hints of toffee, vanilla, and candied fruit.
It has a smoother finish that lingers on the palate, especially when you drink it on the rocks.
In addition, the solid bourbon has distinctive flavors and enough character, depth, and intensity for whiskey on the rocks.
9. Tincup American Whiskey
Average Price: Around $30 based on Drizly
Distillery: Lawrenceburg Distillers Indiana
Alcohol Content: 42%
How It Tastes On Ice: Tincup American whiskey has tasting notes of strong rye spice, cinnamon, and caramel.
Moreso, this whiskey is a high rye whiskey, so it is spicy and peppery [1]. However, it mellows out a little when consumed on the rocks.
8. Berkshire Mountain Bourbon
Average Price: Around $44 based on Drizly
Distillery: Berkshire Mountain Distillers
Alcohol Content: 43%
How It Tastes On Ice: Berkshire Mountain bourbon on the rocks has smooth and balanced notes of vanilla, spicy rye, and matured fruit.
It has a lingering finish of toasted nut and caramel that is pleasing to the palate.
Moreso, Berkshire Mountain bourbon is easy on the tongue and quite smooth when consumed over ice.
Read: Top Whiskeys For Mixed Drinks
7. Penelope Four Grain Bourbon
Average Price: Around $40 based on Drizly
Distillery: Lawrenceburg Distillers Indiana
Alcohol Content: 40%
How It Tastes On Ice: Penelope Four Grain bourbon is fruity and grainy with forwarding notes of slight leather, cherry, and candied cream.
When consumed on the rocks, it has savory vanilla notes with a fruity and citrus flavor profile.
6. George Dickel #12 Tennessee Whiskey
Average Price: Around $35 based on Drizly
Distillery: Cascade Hollow Distillery
Alcohol Content: 45%
How It Tastes On Ice: George Dickel #12 is remarkably smooth with a unique blend, thanks to the Lincoln County Process of the Tennessee whiskey [2].
Try to drink this Tennessee whiskey with ice, and you will taste the whiskey’s rich, smoky oak and subtle vanilla flavor.
5. Henry McKenna 10-Year Single Barrel Bourbon
Average Price: Around $69 based on Drizly
Distillery: Heaven Hill Distillery
Alcohol Content: 50%
How It Tastes On Ice: Henry McKenna has a mellow flavor of honey, spices, and smooth oak on the ice with a long, spicy, and sweet finish.
It is a perfectly balanced bourbon, slightly spicy with herbal, caramel, and oak notes. But how do you drink whiskey without the burn?
4. Jameson Irish Whiskey
Average Price: Around $30 based on Drizly
Distillery: Jameson Distillery (Dublin) and Midleton Distillery (County Cork)
Alcohol Content: 40%
How It Tastes On Ice: Jameson Irish whiskey can be your go-to-sipping whiskey because of its smoothness, but its complex flavor will shine when consumed with ice.
The ice perfectly balances the whiskey’s vanilla, nut, sweet sherry, and spicy notes. But is Jameson whiskey good?
3. Ardbeg 10
Average Price: Around $61 based on Drizly
Distillery: Ardbeg Distillery
Alcohol Content: 46%
How It Tastes On Ice: Ardbeg 10 on ice tastes great because it will tone down its strong smoky taste and highlights the sweetness and dried fruit notes.
If you are a smoky-peated Scotch whisky fan, drinking Ardbeg 10 on the rocks will not disappoint you. But what’s a Scotch on the rocks with a twist drink?
2. Teeling Small Batch
Average Price: Around $40 based on Drizly
Distillery: Teeling Distillery
Alcohol Content: 46%
How It Tastes On Ice: Teeling Small Batch whiskey is more complex when consumed on the rocks.
The ice highlights its sweet brown butter, cream, caramel, and brown sugar notes with light pepper, balancing the taste.
Read: Recommended Scotch Whiskies Below $200
1. Wild Turkey 101 Proof Rye Whiskey
Average Price: Around $25 based on Drizly
Distillery: Wild Turkey Distillery
Alcohol Content: 50.5%
How It Tastes On Ice: If you want to drink whiskey on the rocks, you can never go wrong with Wild Turkey 101.
The ice will bring out the rye whiskey’s more complex flavor and highlight the liquor’s warm and smoky notes.
Moreso, Wild Turkey is sweet, smooth, and bold with a finish of spices and orange peel.
Read: Recommended Whiskeys For A Bartesian
FAQs Related to What’s the best Whiskey On The Rocks?
What is whiskey on the rocks?
Whiskey on the rocks is a popular way to enjoy this classic spirit. Essentially, it involves serving whiskey poured over ice cubes, typically in a rocks glass (also known as an old-fashioned glass).
The ice cubes chill the whiskey, which can mellow its flavors and aromas while also diluting it slightly. This method of serving whiskey is favored by many for its ability to enhance the drinking experience by providing a refreshing, cold beverage with a smoother taste.
What types of whiskey are best for serving on the rocks?
The best types of whiskey for serving on the rocks largely depend on personal preference and the specific characteristics of the whiskey itself. Generally, whiskeys with robust flavors and higher alcohol content can stand up well to the dilution from the melting ice.
Bourbon and Tennessee whiskey are popular choices for serving on the rocks due to their rich, caramel sweetness and robust flavor profiles. Their higher corn content can make them more approachable and enjoyable when chilled. Similarly, rye whiskey, with its spicier and more assertive flavor profile, can also be excellent when served on the rocks, as the chill can help tame its intensity.
Scotch whisky, particularly blended Scotch or those with milder flavors, can also be enjoyed on the rocks. However, some Scotch enthusiasts prefer to drink it neat (without ice) to fully appreciate its nuanced flavors and aromas.
Ultimately, the best whiskey for serving on the rocks is the one that you enjoy the most. Experimenting with different types and brands can help you discover your personal preferences.
How should whiskey be served on the rocks?
To serve whiskey on the rocks properly, start by selecting a suitable rocks glass or old-fashioned glass. Then, add two or three large ice cubes to the glass. Larger ice cubes melt more slowly, which helps prevent the whiskey from becoming overly diluted too quickly.
Next, pour the desired amount of whiskey over the ice cubes. The amount can vary depending on personal preference, but a standard serving is typically around 1.5 to 2 ounces (45 to 60 milliliters).
Allow the whiskey to sit for a minute or two to chill and slightly dilute before enjoying. Some people prefer to give the glass a gentle swirl to mix the whiskey and melt the ice slightly, but this is optional.
Finally, savor your whiskey on the rocks slowly, allowing its flavors to evolve and unfold as the ice melts. Enjoying whiskey in this manner can be a delightful and refreshing experience, particularly on a warm day or as a relaxing evening treat.
Should I use special ice cubes for serving whiskey on the rocks?
While regular ice cubes work perfectly fine, some enthusiasts prefer using larger ice cubes or whiskey stones to chill their whiskey without diluting it as quickly.
Can any whiskey be served on the rocks?
Yes, technically any type of whiskey can be served on the rocks. However, some enthusiasts argue that higher quality or more complex whiskies are best enjoyed neat or with a splash of water to fully appreciate their flavors.
Are there any whiskey cocktails that can be made with whiskey on the rocks?
Yes, many whiskey cocktails can be adapted to be served over ice. Classics like the Old Fashioned, Manhattan, and Whiskey Sour can all be enjoyed on the rocks by adjusting the recipe slightly.
What are the benefits of serving whiskey on the rocks?
Serving whiskey on the rocks can provide a refreshing and cooling experience, particularly in warmer weather. The ice cubes can also help mellow the whiskey’s flavors, making it more approachable for some drinkers.
So, What’s The Best Whiskey On The Rocks?
Based on our taste tests and research, Wild Turkey 101 Proof Rye whiskey is the best whiskey on the rocks. Its high rye content gives a bold presence that you will find easy and enjoyable to drink on the rocks.
Also, Wild Turkey 101 is an affordable whiskey option because you can score a bottle at roughly $25 in online retailers like Drizzly.
There are many different types of whiskey. Some people prefer a smooth, mellow whiskey taken on the rocks, while others want a bolder, more flavorful option.
But in the end, the best whiskey on the rocks is the one with a flavorful and bold taste that will not fade as the ice melts.
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