Winter Whiskeys for Coping with the Cold

It’s January, and there’s no way around it: winter is here. Outside it’s dark, cold, windy, icy, and just generally unpleasant. The holidays are over, no more parties sparkle on the horizon, and the possibility of ever wearing sandals again can feel distressingly distant.

But don’t worry: there’s a whiskey for that. Few things take the chill off like a good dram, perhaps improved by being served in great company. So next time you feel yourself succumbing to the chill, dust off your glassware, invite your friends over, and consider this list your virtual St. Bernard, ready at the rescue with a restorative barrel of something to warm you up from the inside out.

Balcones True Blue 100

Take a mental journey to the hot, sandy climes of Eastern Texas. Balcones uses blue corn to make its True Blue whiskey, and its 100-proof offering is spicy enough to cut through the ice without overpowering the fruity, tropical corn flavors.

Amrut Fusion

Made in Bangalore, India, a place where the average annual low temperature can plummet to a bone-chilling 60F (almost cold enough to put on a sweater!), Amrut has totally transformed how the world sees Indian whisky. Amrut’s Fusion release is made from 25% peated Scottish barley and 75% unpeated Indian barley, but it’s totally delicious, and 100% like nothing else.

Four Roses Single Barrel

This high-rye, 100-proof bourbon embodies the sweltering South with its sweet, spicy aroma and mellow flavor. It’s great on its own, but not so spendy that you’ll cringe dosing it into a luxe toddy to warm up after shoveling your sidewalks.

Laphroaig 10-Year-Old

You know where it never gets warm? Islay. Laphroaig 10-Year-Old is tailor-made made for blustery days and frigid nights. So why fight the way things are? Get a fire going, snuggle up with your favorite blanket, pour yourself a hearty dose of this peaty single malt, and give in to winter. Spring will be here soon enough.