The 8 Best Bourbons and Ryes For Summer Sipping

Summer calls for whiskeys that are flavorful yet approachable — pours you can enjoy neat, over ice, or in a cocktail. Whether you’re relaxing on the porch, grilling out, or looking for a good bottle to mix into a refreshing cocktail, these bourbons and ryes are well suited for warm-weather sipping. Some are lighter in body, some are bold enough to handle mixers, and others just have the kind of bright, approachable flavors that work well when the temperature rises. These are the bourbons and ryes I’ve personally reviewed and enjoyed — and they all earn a spot on my summer list.

Larrikin Rosewater Bourbon

Proof: 86 | Price: $70
The Larrikin Rosewater Bourbon blends 5- and 6-year-old Kentucky straight bourbons proofed with house-brewed rosewater tea. Light-bodied and well balanced with floral notes and subtle spice, it offers a unique twist for summer sipping. Due to it’s relatively light body, it is probably best enjoyed neat or with a cube, rather than in a cocktail. Read our full review here.

Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde

Proof: 95 | Price: $69.99
Chicken Cock Ryeteous Blonde marks the return of a well-received 2020 release, brought back by popular demand. Chicken Cock’s core rye whiskey is finished in blonde ale barrels from Goodwood Brewing and bottled at 100 proof. The flavor profile blends malty sweetness, rye spice, and citrus into a balanced pour with a pleasantly dry finish. While it’s a fitting choice for a “Ryeteous Summer,” its well-rounded character makes it enjoyable any time of year. This rye has quite a bit of body, so can be enjoyed neat, with a cube or in a cocktail. Read our full review here.

Old Forester 86 Proof Bourbon

Proof: 86 | Price: $22-$26
Old Forester’s 86 Proof Bourbon is one of Old Forester’s flagship whiskeys. It’s got plenty of fruit and classic bourbon flavors, is relatively low in alcohol, and quite enjoyable to drink. Due to its lower proof, it is probably best neat or with a cube. It could get lost in a cocktail, unless that is what you want. Read our full review here.

Best Summer Bourbons and Ryes

Knob Creek 9 Year Bourbon

Proof: 100 | Price: $35-$40
Knob Creek’s 9 Year Bourbon is a solid bourbon. It has the classic bourbon flavors, albeit, with a bit of a “bite” to it, with its spicier and drier finish. At 100 proof and with lots of body, this bourbon made my summer list for its ability to stand up to almost any cocktail mixer. It’s great neat or on a cube, too. Read our full review here.

Michter’s US*1 Bourbon

Proof: 91.4 | Price: $45
Michter’s US*1 Bourbon delivers rich flavor at a relatively low proof, making it approachable for summer sipping. It is a well-balanced, true small batch bourbon, making it a flavorful, yet easygoing, choice for warm days. Even though it is relatively low in proof, this bourbon holds up well in a cocktail. It’s enjoyable neat, on a cube or in a cocktail. Read our full review here.

Best Summer Bourbons and Ryes

Green River 1885 Bourbon

Proof: 85 | Price: $21.99 / liter
Green River 1885 Bourbon was “blended with classic cocktails in mind, and is the ideal combination of flavor and value”, according to National Brand Ambassador Caryn Wells. That’s why it made the list. At 85 proof, it’s not overbearing on a hot day, and it holds up well in cocktails. It’s a bit light alone or with a cube, but some people may enjoy that on a hot day. Read our full review here.

Barrell Seagrass Rye Whiskey

Proof: 119.3 (varies) | Price: ~$85
Barrell Seagrass Rye blends rye whiskeys finished in a combination of Martinique Rum, Madeira & Apricot Brandy barrels. The result is a vibrant, fruit-forward rye with tropical fruit notes, ideal for adventurous summer sipping. Its higher proof gives it intensity, but it remains bright and refreshing. It can be sipped neat, on a cube or in a cocktail. Read our full review here.

Willett 4 Year Rye Whiskey

Proof: varies–~105-~115 | Price: $57-$80
Willett’s 4 Year Rye is a bold yet refreshing choice for summer. While the proof might seem high for a summer pour, it offers lively spice, citrus, herbal notes and caramel that make it quite the enjoyable pour on a hot day. With its full flavors and relatively high proof, it’s at home neat, on a cube or in a cocktail. Read our full review here.

Conclusion

There’s no single style that defines a good summer whiskey — that’s part of the fun. Whether you’re looking for something floral and lower proof like Larrikin Rosewater, or something full-flavored and versatile like Knob Creek or Michter’s, there’s a summer pour here for every preference. The key is balance — flavor without overwhelming heat and complexity without heaviness. Hopefully this list gives you a few ideas for what to pour during the hot days ahead. Cheers!

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