Bourbon - Neat or Mixed

"do you mix, have straight on the rocks, or drink neat"

Yes to all.

I normally drink my bourbon neat (probably 90%). On a hot summer evening I have been known to throw and ice ball into a rocks glass and pour some Makers Mark into it while we sit around the firepit. When my wife gets me out and on the dance floor it's not uncommon for me to order a Bourbon and 7. I always enjoy a great cocktail (Knob Creek is not high on my list of bourbons I like to drink, but I have found it to be excellent in cocktails). Usually I order Manhattans or Sazeracs, but I really enjoy when the bar/restaurant has their own unique cocktails (I learned about Knob Creek in cocktails trying some of Gary Danko's specialty drinks).

Tom

If it's really good stuff, pour a shot and put it in the freezer for a couple of hours, then sip it. No dilution and for me, it seems to enhance the flavors somewhat.

Well, I drink bourbon neat most of the time, but as I grew up in Arizona, when it's 45 degrees Celsius (113F), I drink it on the rocks.

Also, I have a real passion for quality cocktails, and so a lot of my bourbon intake is in Manhattan's and Old Fashioneds (although I do prefer Rye in those two drinks).

I drink most of mine neat, with water added for research purposes (especially for those bottles >45% abv). Maker's Mark is great in a whiskey sour.