The best 5 whiskeys to sip on a warm summer evening

The best 5 whiskeys to sip on a warm summer evening

To be avoided

Any corn-based whiskey is too heavy and sweet, then no to most bourbons and Tennessee whiskeys. And of course all 100% corn whiskeys like moonshines.

I would never drink sherry the port on a very hot evening, then I would discard all those whiskeys that have one of these finishes.

Having to drink the drink with ice which therefore inevitably dilutes the aromas and flavor of the whiskey, I would discard all those products with a minimum alcohol content of 40%, to orient myself on something more "intense".

Our tips for the summer

Lagavulin 8 Anni

La distillery Lagavulin It certainly needs no introduction, if you are a single malt whiskey drinker, you certainly don't discover it today.
Lagavulin 8 years is a newly implemented single malt in the Islay distillery range.

Smoke of peat on the nose. Brine. Tar. Eraser. 
Phenolic. Motor oil. Smoked meats. Fruity, especially pears.

At the first tasting, alcohol emerges, which, having to dilute it, is not negative at all.

Lots of Islay peat notes accompanied by tar, bonfire and smoked meats. Minerals and sea shells, algae and sea water. 
Drupacee. Pears and candied apples. Cigar leaf. Leather. Toffee.

Port Askaig 100 Proof

Staying on Islay, we find this very interesting NAS from an independent bottler, the Port Askaig 100 Proof, bottled at an alcohol content of 57,1%.

The nose is soft and surprisingly gentle, lemon, delicate smoke, fruit, pears, barley sugar. After a few minutes some freshly baked pasta and bread and lemon zest.

On the palate sweet peat, pears and peaches, but initially little soot and ash, even if they appear as a second wave, tingling and spiciness with lemon, coal, cereals.

In the finish sweet peat, long but relaxed, persistent with a little soot and coal, lemon and peaches.

Balvenie 12 Anni Single Barrel

This single malt bottled at 47,8% was aged in bourbon barrels, indeed it is more correct to say in bourbon barrels as it is "single barrel“, Therefore coming from a single barrel.

The scent is fresh, clean, sweet, modern, young. With a great candied sweetness: pear drops and lemon candies. Vanilla. It's not all sweet, though, as freshly sawn oak and accompanying spices (cinnamon and ginger) are clearly present. Even a slight hint of yeast.

On the palate there are many malty notes, a little honey and a little coconut. 
Baked apple and cinnamon sugar. Blend onto a delicate citrus and oak zest.

Talisker 15 Anni

A single malt from Diageo's 2019 special releases, bottled at 57,2% alcohol, aged for 15 years in freshly charred American oak hogheads, presumably ex bourbon.

The nose is powerful, typical talisker nose, with a further explosion of sweetness. Notes of vanilla dark chocolate, caramel popcorn, chewing gum, salty sea breeze and sea washed wood. Chocolate and mint candies. Black pepper. A pinch of peat. Cherry syrup. Wonderful.

On the palate it is spicy and sweet. Lots of salt and pepper. Oily texture. Complex, with a wide range of flavors. Sweet vanilla cream and light caramel sauce. Brown sugar, white chocolate, dried mango, banana liqueur. 

Peat smoke is a little more noticeable than in most Talisker expressions, although it is certainly not a peat monster. Just a wonderful balance of flavors.

Teeling single grain

The only Irishman on our short list of 'summer' whiskeys. Teeling single grain is whiskey obtained with 95% corn and 5% malted barley with triple distillation (as per Irish tradition) and aged in oak barrels former California cabernet sauvignon.

On the nose sweet, floral, cleaning products, pink flowers, a hint of spice towards the end, a touch of unmalted barley with time lemon curd.

On the palate it has a silky smooth mouthfeel, with a touch of spice and deep berry notes that balance the sweet undertones.

The tannic influence of the red wine creates a unique, short but dry finish, encouraging another sip.

Even if your preferences fall on something else, the important thing is to find the product you like and offer you a few moments of pleasure.
If you decide to try one of our suggestions instead, write us your opinion below in the comments.