Nobody will blame you if you tend to steer towards refreshing beers like pilsners, light lagers, and wheat beers during the warmer months. But if you’re letting your single malt Scotch whiskies collect dust in your basement while you enjoy the sunny, seemingly endless days, you’re really missing out on some complementary flavors. That’s because there are countless single malt whiskies well-suited for summer days and evenings spent sitting around a campfire.
Personally, while I enjoy a thirst-quenching Gose-style beer or West Coast IPA on a hot day, I never completely rule out single malt Scotch whiskies from the spring and summer equation. A lighter, softer, balanced whisky is the perfect base for a summery whisky highball and as a neat sipper on an unseasonably cool evening. This brings us to one important question: why are single malt Scotch whiskies a great choice for the warmer months?
Why are single malt Scotch whiskies great for the summer?
There are a variety of reasons why single malt Scotch whiskies are a great choice for the summer months. This is especially true if they’re light, fruity, soft, and well-balanced. Specifically, whiskies from the Highland, Lowland, and Speyside regions are known for being softer and more approachable. Unless you’re a seasoned whisky drinker, you’ll probably want to steer clear of Campbeltown and Islay malts as they tend to be bolder and often feature peat-smoked barley.
The best single malt whiskies for summer drinking
Now that you’ve learned a little about the appeal of single malt Scotch whiskies from May through the Fall, it’s time to find some to drink while you sit with your feet dangling in the water off a dock on a summer evening.
How I pick my summery single malt whiskies
Picking summery single malt Whiskies is easier than it seems. I simply look for reasonably-priced, well-balanced, light, soft, fruity expressions. If they have these quantifiers, they’ll find a permanent space on my home bar. Keep scrolling to see all of my selections.
Glenmorangie The Original 12 Year
If you’re looking for a light, highly approachable single malt whisky for spring and well into the summer, look no further than Glenmorangie The Original 12 Year (formerly 10 Year). Made with simple ingredients like pure spring water, yeast, and malted barley, this popular expression is matured for a minimum of 12 years in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. This results in a nuanced, complex expression that begins with a nose of candied orange peels, orchard fruits, clover honey, toasted vanilla beans, and oak. The palate is centered on notes of ripe fruit, honey, sticky toffee pudding, citrus zest, cinnamon candy, and woody oak. The finish is long, warm, and ends with a mix of honey sweetness, vanilla, and gentle spices.
The Macallan 12 Year Double Cask
When it comes to light, flavorful single malt whiskies, it’s difficult to beat the appeal of anything in The Macallan’s portfolio. But one of the best is The Macallan 12 Year Double Cask. This Highland single malt gets its name because it’s a mix of whiskies matured for at least 12 years in a combination of American and European Oloroso sherry-seasoned oak barrels. The final product begins with aromas of sticky toffee pudding, orchard fruits, toasted vanilla beans, brown sugar, and candied orange peels. Sipping it reveals flavors like sweet honey, citrus zest, cinnamon, vanilla beans, and oak. The finish is medium, warm, and ends with a balance of orange peels and wintry spices.
Glenfiddich 12 Year
There aren’t many single malts as timeless as Glenfiddich 12 Year. There’s a reason it’s the best-selling single malt whisky in the world. This Speyside classic is matured for a minimum of 12 years in a combination of American oak ex-bourbon and Spanish sherry casks. This creates a sublime, sippable whisky that begins with scents of toasted vanilla beans, citrus peels, caramel apples, and oak. The palate features hints of candied pears, toasted vanilla beans, toffee, sweet treacle, and woody oak. The finish is lingering, warm, and ends with caramel and fruity sweetness that leaves you craving more.
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year
If you only purchase one whisky on this list, make it The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 Year. This highly acclaimed single malt is aged for at least 14 full years in American oak ex-bourbon casks before being finished in barrels that held The Balvenie distiller’s proprietary blend of West Indian Caribbean rums. This creates a multi-layered, unique whisky that begins with a nose of toasted vanilla beans, tropical fruits, sweet rum, caramelized sugar, and gentle spices. The palate is a symphony of flavors, including notes of butterscotch, candied orange peels, honey, toffee, and island fruits. The finish is long, warm, and ends with island spices, oak, and caramel.
