Discover the 5 best refreshingly light summer scotches, perfectly suited to warm weather and relaxing vacations.
As far as I can tell, Scotch drinkers tend to be divided in two groups. There are those who imagine drinking Scotch and a cigar in a cushy library armchair next to a crackling fire while the snow falls outside. (I am in this group.) Then there are those who envision relaxing in a rocking chair, sipping their scotch and cigar on a sun-filled veranda, watching the ocean waves crash in. (Note the ubiquitous cigar.)
The truth is, there are perfect scotches for both occasions: winter and summer.
Check out this winter scotch list for more seasonal suggestions!
Summery scotches tend to be lighter and fruitier, typically with notes of apples, pears, peaches, and honey. Just the sort of thing you want to pour in a glass with some chilled ice cubes.
Just learning about scotch? Here’s a beginner’s guide that includes my first suggestion on this list!
If scotch feels too heavy for your summer seafood, check out this list of the BEST wines for summer!
Glenfiddich 12
A classic light and sweet Speyside whisky, Glenfiddich has a reputation as a “beginner’s scotch.” While it is softer and more approachable than heavier drams, that’s exactly what I’m looking for on a humid, sticky New York afternoon!
To me this is a creamier, greener version of Speyside. And not just because the bottle is green! Glenfiddich 12 is full of creamy pear, green apple, golden toffee, honey, and whipped cream. If you add ice you’ll find a bit of a green grassy flavor too. It’s like walking through a shady orchard on a breezy summer day.
If you’re more a fan of golden apples than green ones, try Glenlivet 10 instead.
Dalwhinnie 15
Another lovely Speyside option, the Dalwhinnie has a touch more honey heather and spicy cinnamon. Dalwhinnie is a very clean, crisp, an elegant drink. It’s summery without needing to add ice, which is a bonus if you prefer your drinks neat.
Drink it for a custard-y, fruity flavor and a smooth finish.
Ardbeg 10
Perhaps an unpopular choice. But I maintain if you’re looking for a summer Islay peat, Ardbeg 10 is the way to go!
There’s something about the green, mossy, minty note in Ardbeg that makes it refreshing and light compared to spicy or more medicinal peats. You’ll definitely get a bit of medicinal iodine in the back palate with Ardbeg. But the intense crassy, earthy flavor keeps it from becoming overwhelming. And there’s a hint of smoked meat and fish that reminds me of camping – totally a summer activity.
Not everyone’s choice of summer dram, I’ll grant. It’s probably for those of us who imagine cooler summers, like June in San Francisco! But it’s perfect if you want something a bit heavier than the usual light summer drink.
Glenmorangie 10 Year The Original
Speaking of the usual light summer drink…this classic Highland malt is perfectly suited for a casual summer evening.
It’s bursting full of lemony sweetness with hints of honey covered apricots and malted cereal. There’s a bit of baked goods like apple crumble or banana bread. And a touch of earth mushrooms too. Delicious, light, but surprisingly layered and nuanced.
Highland Park 12 Viking Honor
The rebranding in 2007 didn’t affect the deliciousness of this Island classic and reputable dram. Highland Park Viking Honor makes a bright and happy sip full of honey sweetness.
Highland Park is full of heather and honey flavors with just a hint of smoke and brine. You’ll notice hints of dried fruits and orange peel as well. And maturation in a sherry cask adds a decent hint of spice. But there are subtler layers like malted toast, green tea, and cream.
Honorable Mention: Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14
One of the first bottles of scotch I ever tried and my favorite at the time. I can’t just leave it off this list!
The Balvenie distillery is located in Speyside, like Glenfiddich, so they create very light and appealing drams. In particular the Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14 is matured in rum casks, which adds to the summery, beachy flavor. You’ll get instant notes of tropical fruit, vanilla, and toffee. Think mangos, passion fruit, citrus, and strong vanilla character in the palate. I absolutely adore Balvenie on the rocks on a hot summer evening.
Bonus Not-a-Real-Scotch: Nikka Coffey Grain
Nikka is one of the top Japanese Whiskies made by the Suntory Company. And, no, it isn’t made from coffee. The name comes from the long-necked stills that are used in production.
Technically to make it on a scotch list, your dram has to be made in Scotland. But Nikka is just such a perfect summer drink, and they use nearly identical processes in Japan. So we’ll let it slide in this bonus section.
Nikka is a grain whisky made mostly from corn, which makes it softer and more approachable than some scotches. It’s full of tropical flavors like mango, papaya, coconut, and passion fruit. A light, fruity dram with just a hint of warm spice. This is my go-to after work drink when I need a treat after a hard day!
Bonus Blended Whisky: Compass Box Hedonism
You can’t have a list about summer scotches that doesn’t include a drink called “Hedonism.” Compass Box has been upping the game for blended whiskies in recent years and Hedonism is no exception. It’s a blended grain whisky. Pricey, but worth it!
This is the blend for bourbon lovers! Hedonism is a complex and layered blend with strong coconut notes, some vanilla cream and a hint of toffee.
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