10 Whiskeys I'm Reaching for This Summer

The summer heat is officially here, and my goodness, it's been hot in Colorado. We've had next to no rain, and lately I've found myself reaching for water a lot more often than whiskey.

While golfing, I'm more likely to grab a beer or canned cocktail. At home, I've been making more cocktails than usual. But I'm certainly not putting away the whiskey.

These are 10 bottles I've found myself reaching for this summer. Some are lighter and easy drinking, while others bring enough flavor to stand up beautifully alongside a cigar. They're not all low proof, but each one drinks especially well for me during the warmer months.

Most are under $100, and several should be relatively easy to find depending on where you live. There are a couple that may require a little more searching, but nothing here is meant to be an impossible unicorn bottle.

And for my fellow cigar lovers, don't worry. I'll be sharing a list of my favorite cigars and the whiskeys I most enjoy pairing with them in a future newsletter.

This is an easy, classic wheated bourbon that always hits. It's good, dependable, and doesn't require much thought. I can pour a glass, relax, and simply enjoy it.

This is probably the best cigar blend I've ever had. I truly love it, with or without a cigar, but it pairs especially well with a Room101 Johnny Tobacconaut 10th Anniversary. The whiskey has plenty of flavor and holds its own beautifully alongside the cigar.

This is another great, classic bourbon that I don't have to overthink. It's approachable, easy to drink, and something I can enjoy just about anytime. That makes it a perfect summer pour.

I love how unique this whiskey is. It really feels like summer in a glass without being overly sweet or tasting too heavily finished. It's balanced, interesting, and the whiskey itself still shines through.

I love this bottle, and it's something I'll reach for no matter the season. It's got the spice, light oak, caramel, and subtle cherry flavors I love. It delivers plenty of character while still being easy to enjoy.

This one's definitely crushable. It's a little sweet and offers something different for summer, but the honey never feels overwhelming. To me, it doesn't taste like a flavored whiskey. It also makes some really great cocktails.

Yes, I know it's Tennessee whiskey. It's making my list anyway.

I love this neat, I love it with Coke Zero, and I really love it in an espresso martini. It's easily the most versatile bottle on this list.

This is a bourbon I'll always love and enjoy, no matter when or where I'm drinking it. I love that it has a lower proof without sacrificing flavor. It's also my go-to hiking pour.

These bottles are loaded with flavor and consistently deliver. I've never had a bad Knob Creek Single Barrel, and the price-to-quality ratio is off the charts. This is my favorite pour for camping or sitting around a fire pit.

Russell's Reserve Single Barrel is consistently good, easy to drink, and full of flavor without blowing out your palate. I've never had a bad single barrel from this line either. It's sweet without being too sweet and always incredibly enjoyable.

Here's one bonus bottle and, yes, a shameless plug.

Bill and I had the opportunity to create a blend for Onyx & Amber, and I'm incredibly proud of how it turned out.

“After tasting through more than 30 barrels at Onyx & Amber, Bill and Dara spent months building Guest Blend Batch 2 from the base up. Their goal was never to make just another 10-plus-year bourbon. They wanted to create a whiskey with depth, warmth, and personality, the kind of bottle that makes you slow down, take another sip, and want to share it with someone else.”

On the nose, Guest Blend Batch 2 opens with buttermilk waffle, rich French vanilla oak, and blueberry-blackberry jam. The palate is layered with brown sugar, butter, light cinnamon, vanilla wafers, and dark berries, followed by a subtle tingly effervescence reminiscent of cream soda. The finish is long and satisfying, with a full mouthfeel and lingering French vanilla oak.

Onyx & Amber Guest Blender Batch 2

You can grab a bottle directly from the Onyx & Amber website.

These are the bottles I've found myself reaching for this summer, but I'm always looking for something new.

Hit reply and let me know what's been in your glass lately. Whether it's a daily sipper, a hidden gem, or a bottle you think everyone should try, I'd love to hear your recommendations.

Have a great day!

Dara | The Average Drinker

P.S. Bill says hi.