There is a rumor floating around that sipping on great spirits, especially whiskies, in the warmer months is a bit of a no no. Of course, there is not a soul who can dictate when or where a whisky should be enjoyed, except certain legal and health parameters I guess. But when the weather gets hot and muggy and the air is filled with aromas of grilled corn, whisky neat seems like a distant request. But alas there is hope for us all. There are plenty of whiskies that have a lighter profile that seems to beg for backyard evenings and fireflies.

Before you stash away your winter warmers, make sure to give these bottles a shot and have a taste of summer.

Rozelieures Rare Collection

Matured in used Cognac barrels, ex sherry and finished in Sauternes cask, this single malt shows bright and lively dried fruits on the nose with a honeyed sweetness. On entry the ripe orchard fruits shine with peaches, pears, and a clear lavender honey. It finishes clean and dry expressing an approachable oak character and delicate sweetness and citrus.

Singleton of Glendullan 15 year

Fruit forward on the nose with assertive grain aromas, fruit topped muesli. The entry defines the fruit with loads of summer berries and orange zest, the grain character provides a balanced weight while the sweetness is honey back and subtle. The finish is subtle and elegant showing still more fruit in the way of apricot and overripe plums.

Glenmorangie 10 year, The Original

Vanilla bean ice cream is covered in fruit salad including apples, nectarines, lemon zest and even some banana. The palate goes to a vanilla cream and introduces more fruit like green grapes and fig bringing with it grain flavors of granola. This dram disappears leaving tons of fruit and a warm vanilla that lingers intently.