Summer Lovin' (Whisky)

Summer Lovin' (Whisky)

There is a peculiar law of nature that says whisky belongs to winter.

The moment the mercury drops, out comes the tartan blanket, the crackling fire, and the "wee dram" to go with it, I'm all for that of course! it's just that in pubs and bars across the land, the second the sun appears, it seems like whisky gets unceremoniously benched to gather dust until the next cold snap. So, here's my case for whisky as a summer drink...

Whisky's reputation as a cold-weather drink comes largely from association rather than actual chemistry. Yes, a heavy, sherried, cask-strength monster is probably not going to tick that 'summer sipper' box, but the truth is that a lighter, brighter style of whisky — something clean, citrusy, maybe with a touch of sea air about it — is exactly what a summer evening calls for. Go for proper whisky, with a decent abv, 46% or more, and it will be punchy enough that a splash of water or a big chunk of ice isn't going to over-dilute it, and will probably only serve to prise out a bit more of the fruity elements of the whisky, 

Which brings me to two drams that make a very good argument for whisky's summer credentials.

Glencadam 10 - The Understated Overachiever

Glencadam doesn't shout about itself, which might be why it doesn't get invited to as many summer garden parties as it should. The 10 Year Old is light, fruity, and refreshingly uncomplicated — think orchard fruits, a bit of citrus zest, and a clean, slightly floral finish. It's the whisky equivalent of a linen shirt: unfussy, breathable, and entirely appropriate no matter how warm it gets.

Kilkerran 12 - A Postcard From the Coast

If Glencadam is your linen shirt, Kilkerran 12 is your slightly salty, windswept walk along the harbour. Distilled by Glengyle in Campbeltown, it carries a gentle maritime character — sea spray, honeyed malt, a touch of spice — without tipping into full smoky, peaty intensity. It's coastal without being combative.

This is where the "coastal dram meets summer weather" argument really writes itself. There's something wonderfully fitting about drinking a whisky that tastes faintly of the sea while you're sitting somewhere warm, and relaxing, ideally within top-dipping distance of water.

Why Coastal and Light Whiskies Work So Well in Summer

The logic here isn't just poetic, it's practical:

  • Bright, saline notes mirror the season. Sea salt, citrus, and orchard fruit flavours feel intuitively "warm weather," in the same way a gin and tonic does.
  • They take dilution well. A splash of water or ice actually opens these whiskies up rather than drowning them, which is handy when you want something long and slow rather than short and serious.
  • They're brilliant with food. Light coastal whiskies pair surprisingly well with seafood, salads, and barbecue smoke, making them a legitimate alternative to wine at a summer table.

Longer Serves

If sipping neat still feels like too much commitment, whisky cocktails are having something of a renaissance, and not the syrupy, novelty kind. Here are a couple of classic ways to enjoy Whisky as a longer drink.

The Highball, Properly Done Ice, a generous measure of light, grassy, Bourbon cask Speyside, or fresher-style coastal whisky, and good quality soda water, built tall in a chilled glass with a lemon twist. Simple, endlessly refreshing.

Penicillin, Summer Edit. The modern classic — whisky, honey-ginger syrup, and fresh lemon juice, shaken and poured over ice. Traditionally finished with a float of smoky whisky, but a coastal dram like Kilkerran 12 works beautifully here, lending a gentle brine instead of full peat smoke.

However you are taking your whisky this summer, be rest assured that if you already have one in hand, you are already a furlong ahead of the summer drinking game. Enjoy out there!

Summer Selection

Three bottles worth having to hand this summer: