There have been a plethora of whisky releases and we're not even through the summer of 2024 yet.
While it may not seem like it with our current weather, summer is in full swing. If you’re looking to try a lighter dram for the light nights, here is our pick of the best.
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It might not be a heatwave but it’s not chilly, which is when peated whisky can come into its own. Really peaty whiskies can seem too much in the summer - they almost cry out to be enjoyed by a fire when there’s a storm raging outside.
If you are a peat fan, having a heavily peated whisky in a highball as a lighter drink in the summer is an ideal way to enjoy these whiskies.
But if you fancy a dram over summer, this new release from the GlenAllachie distillery team will appeal to peat lovers. This is the second annual Turbo limited release from Meikle Tòir name says it all really. It was created by owner Billy Walker to showcase the intense smoke character, which has been achieved by cutting the spirit with a high phenol level during distillation.
Being a Speyside whisky, the peat here isn’t the same as that on Isay, giving it a sweeter taste. But it is a peated dram (the phenolic content is 70 parts per million).
This is a rich dram, with hints of chocolate, dark cherries, toasted nuts, manuka honey, smoked vanilla and spice.
Again, sherried whiskies tend to be favoured in colder months, given how festive they can be. But, they also work well in summer cocktails much like a peated whisky can.
Released in late may this whisky builds upon the classic, smooth Tomatin 12 year old but this one has been, as the name suggests, matured entirely in sherry casks.
Tasting notes here include citrus zest, sultanas, orange peel, caramelised apples and pears, aged leather, chocolate fudge and cinnamon spice.
It’s available now priced at £52, and you can buy it here.
Earlier this year family-owned independent bottlers, Douglas Laing & Co launched their first distilled whisky to the global market – Strathearn Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Made without automation, and using one of Scotland’s smallest mash tuns in one of Scotland’s smallest distilleries, the fermentation process for the liquid is a long 144 hours - allowing for a fruity character.
This is a whisky that’s a bit like drinking some baked goods, which is a weird thing to write, but there’s an oaty, butteriness to this dram that’s really decadent and delicious.
The ABV is maybe a bit high for some, but that sweet, syrup palate needs a bit of spice from the alcohol. I can see this being a summer favourite that gets used in old fashioneds in the autumn.
