Ask the Whiskey Hotline - Looking For Light, Refreshing and High Quality Spirits
Every day, the Whiskey Hotline answers real questions from customers seeking special releases, gift ideas, and expert recommendations. With hundreds of inquiries pouring in annually, we spotlight one question each month and share our answer in hopes it helps you, too. Email the Whiskey Hotline at spirits@binnys.com.
After a holiday full of rich and sweet food and drink, I want to still drink high quality spirits, but am looking for lighter and more refreshing options. What do you recommend?
We are in the same boat. After a few months of old fashioneds, Manhattans, rich brandies and egg nog, we are looking for lighter options as well. Here are some of our favorites.
Haku Vodka by SuntoryComing from the House of Suntory, this super clean vodka is perfect for any use. As clean as it is, it is perfect in a vodka soda with a twist of lemon, but plays in a Bloody Mary or a screwdriver just as well. |
Koval Distillery Thresh & Winnow Citrine GinA new favorite from Chicago’s Koval, the Thresh & Winnow line of gins are inspired by Japanese cuisine. We especially loved their Citrine, flavored with refreshing yuzu. It’s perfect in a gin and tonic and brings a citrusy kick to a martini. |
Teeling Whiskey Small Batch Irish WhiskeyWhen we are looking for something light and flavorful, but still reach for whiskey, Irish whiskey is one of our go-to options, and Dublin’s Teeling makes some of our favorites. Triple distillation results in a light, fruit driven style and their entry level Small Batch is perfect in a refreshing whiskey sour. |
G4 Blanco TequilaG4 distills some of our favorite tequilas on the shelf, and their blanco is layered with rich roasted agave, savory herbs and spicy peppercorn. Complex enough to drink on the rocks, it brings a lot of flavor to a classic paloma or a ranch water while still keeping things light and refreshing. |
Loch Lomond Original Single Malt Scotch WhiskyScotch is near and dear to our heart at the Whiskey Hotline, which is why we still reach for it when we are looking for a lighter and more refreshing quaff. Loch Lomond is perfect for this. Light on its feet and ridiculously affordable, it's fantastic in a high ball with a wedge of lemon. The oils from the lemon’s rind play well with the zesty pepper, roasted walnut and citrus present in a whiskey. |
