Your pure impulse come summertime could also be to seize a low-proof whisky and also you wouldn’t be alone. The sometimes low ABV of blended scotch specifically makes for excellent summertime sipping, approachable by itself, or in a chilly, refreshing cocktail just like the Penicillin. In case you are imbibing in the summertime solar, it’s at all times sensible to tempo your self, and low ABV whiskies will allow you to just do that.
However there’s something interesting a few cask energy pour in the summertime months as properly—letting the warmth in your glass match the warmth outdoors. Excessive-proof whiskies can deal with a pleasant giant ice dice, because the whisky slowly dilutes and flavors start to vary. In case you are the kind to seize one thing excessive proof regardless of the season, these cask energy whiskies all scored between 88 and 92 factors in our Summer time 2022 Shopping for Information. Some underwent ingenious cask finishes, whereas others are age acknowledged single barrels. All of them pack a severe punch although, starting from 55.4% to 65.41% ABV.
Embrace the Summer time Warmth With These Excessive Proof Whiskies
MacNair’s Lum Reek 10 yr previous Cask Power (Batch 1)
92 factors, 55.4%, $100
No half measures from the Islay whisky parts on this one. Toffee, brownies, vanilla essence, and chocolate-dipped orange slices infused with aromas of heathery peat smoke and antiseptic bandages, plus plum, pencil shavings, and cinnamon. Darkish chocolate, baked orange, and damsons adopted by a peak of clove, pepper, and mild smoke, backed by ginger loaf, sticky toffee pudding, and licorice. Could possibly be the very best hundred bucks you’ll ever spend. (600 bottles for the U.S.)—Jonny McCormick
Fortunate Seven 6 yr previous The Proprietor Single Barrel
91 factors, 60.4%, $85
Nutty and spiced on the nostril, with salted peanuts, apple cider, tart pears, and lemon juice. Water brings out caramel-covered pralines, peanut-butter crackers, and Apple Jacks. The palate is fiery, with extra cider notes and baking spice. Water makes it extra palatable however much less dynamic; flavors turning to wax and wooden. A giant flash of spice highlights the end together with lemon zest. Brace for warmth or add water sparingly.—Ted Simmons
Uncle Nearest Grasp Mix Version
91 factors, 59.2%, $150
Created from a particular number of barrels chosen by grasp blender Victoria Eady Butler. The nostril is fruity and candy with sweet apples, raspberry danish, and iced lemon pound cake. Water brings out dried leaves and chocolate brownies. There’s extra sweetness on the palate within the type of raspberry lemonade in addition to a refined tartness. These qualities carry over to the end. Nicely-made, with tasty concentrated flavors all through.—Ted Simmons
Catoctin Creek Roundstone Cask Power Hickory Syrup Barrel Completed
90 factors, 60%, $90
The nostril up entrance conveys a sure austerity, like dusty vintage furnishings, with notes of grape Kool-Assist, honey cake, and vanilla icing rising over time. With water, Golden Grahams and citronella candles emerge. The palate is honeyed and scorching, with honey-roasted peanuts overtop a chewy and viscous texture. The end reveals nice size and viscosity; a lip-smacking finale. There’s numerous wooden and warmth right here, however a warming honeyed sweetness as properly. (240 bottles)—Ted Simmons
Exhausting Fact Candy Mash Barrel Power
89 factors, 57.6%, $70
An ode to dessert, this can be a deluge of decadent flavors: pie crust, apple pie, baked apples, cinnamon sugar, and banana bread waft up from the glass, all joined by the faintest trace of pickle juice. Such indulgence carries on to the palate, the place there’s French toast dusted with powdered sugar, balanced by a pleasant kick of cinnamon spice. The end, led by pickles and pumpernickel, sizzles at first, however subsides sweetly into softer flavors. (66,000 bottles)—Julia Higgins
Barrell 16 yr previous Gray Label Seagrass
88 factors, 65.41%, $250
A number of international locations play a job on this whisky, which is distilled in Canada, completed in a mixture of Martinique rum, madeira, and apricot brandy casks, and bottled in Kentucky after growing older in each Canada and the U.S. It’s pale in shade, with a light fruity aroma. It’s spicy and a bit scorching on the palate, with an herbaceous bitterness and a rooty character that’s overly earthy, with a persistent tangy citrus word.—David Savona
