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The Scotch
Malt Whisky Society have brought their
global experts together to share tips on
how to enjoy whisky in the Summer.
As the temperature soars this summer
here in the UK, but unfortunately
accompanied by some torrential down
pours of rain since August many whisky
drinkers turn away from whisky in favour
of a cold refreshing tipple so I thought
that you may be interested in a few
suggestions from folks from The Scotch
Malt Whisky Society around the globe
which you can serve up as a refreshing
summertime dram.
Whisky is a drink that’s often
considered most appropriate by the
fireplace in winter. However, The Scotch
Malt Whisky Society’s experts from
hotter countries around the world prove
that it is far more versatile and should
be sipped in the sunshine.
The world’s leading whisky club and
authority on single cask whiskies has
partner bars and ambassadors from the
USA to Australia. The Society’s experts
can offer advice and insight into how to
savour their endless variety of whiskies
during this summer’s record-breaking
temperatures across the UK and Europe.
Lighter and brighter flavours
Much like other spirits, whisky drinking
habits often change due to the weather
and consumers tend to choose flavours
that are lighter and more refreshing,
leaving more peated and smoky whiskies
for winter.
The Society categorises its single cask
whiskies by 12 unique flavour profiles,
including ‘Peated’, ‘Spicy & Dry’ and
‘Oily & Coastal’, to encourage the focus
to be on the significance and
development of flavour.
Matt Bailey, the Society’s ambassador in
Australia, said: "The flavour profiles
that people end up reaching for changes
quite a bit.
"In summer the Young & Spritely and
Sweet, Fruity & Mellow kind of profiles
sit just nicely in hand. Brighter
flavours for brighter weather."
Ice and water
Another way in which whisky drinking
changes in summer is that consumers tend
to enjoy their drams more ‘informally’,
with a splash of water or a block of
ice.
Freddie Xiang, Scotch Malt Whisky
Society ambassador in China, said:
"Drinking whisky neat decreases in
summer, however the total volume is
unlikely to drop as we enjoy it in
different ways."
Matt Bailey added: "Whisky takes on a
bit more 'summer informality' as the
heat sets in and messes with your taste
buds a bit. You might sometimes go for a
tumbler instead of a copita, or you
might add a bit more water, or even a
bit of ice to a nice brisk dram."
Refreshing cocktails
The ever-growing trend of whisky
cocktails also proves popular in hotter
climates, with the SMWS’s variety of
flavour profiles providing versatile
base spirits for some delicious mixed
drinks.
Cyrille Girard, Scotch Malt Whisky
Society ambassador in France, said: "A
good barman or mixologist can always
create a refreshing whisky drink, even
if it uses Heavily Peated flavours.
"In our cocktails we aim to celebrate
and showcase the whisky rather than
hiding it."
These cocktails can be sampled at The
Scotch Malt Whisky Society’s
Kaleidoscope Bar, 28 Queen Street,
Edinburgh, including their twist on a
classic Whisky Sour and a
thirst-quenching Whisky Collins stirred
with lemon juice and topped with soda.
One of Matt Bailey’s favourite cocktails
to sip on the beautiful beaches of
Australia is a ‘Summer Peated Highball’.
He said: "Start with an SMWS single cask in the ‘Lightly Peated or
‘Peated’ flavour profiles, add a lemon
zest, and fill with soda. Perfect hot
weather dramming!"
For the latest Outturn from The Scotch
Malt Whisky Society, which is specially
designed to be enjoyed throughout the
warmer months, visit:
www.smws.com
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