Light-bodied whiskies with notes of fruit and spice are perfect for temperate late summer nights. Andrew Kaiser, whisk(e)y whisperer and owner of the Emmet Ray (924 College, 416-792-4497, theemmetray.com), shares his top three warm-weather bottles.
The Tweeddale Aged 12 Years Blended Scotch Whisky
Rating: NNN
Why Kaiser likes this whisky because it’s light and versatile – well suited to summer sipping. It’s produced according to proprietor Alastair Day’s great-grandfather’s original whisky blend, and Kaiser likens Tweeddale batch three to an arugula pear salad – refreshing with a bit of spice.
Price 700 ml/$69.95
Availability Vintages 331066
Century Reserve 21 Years Old Rye Canadian Whisky
Rating NNNN
Why I wholly agree with AK: I adore this whisky and always get excited when it comes around. Its label, however, is misleading: there’s no rye distillate in the blend. This spicy and citric Canadian gem, produced by Alberta’s Highwood Distillers, is full-blown corn whisky at its most elegant, complex and delicious.
Price 750 ml/$47.80
Availability LCBO 182626
Mackmyra The First Edition
Rating: NNN
Why This young Swedish whisky shows a surprising amount of finesse given its years. Matured in small virgin Swedish oak casks, it rocks a fresh nose of vanilla, fruit and rose petals that translates gently on the palate. Kaiser calls it a ripe fruit salad.
Price 700 ml/$66.95
Availability LCBO 269639
