For our Scottish friends and beyond who celebrate the life of the great poet Robert Burns on Burns Night (25 January), I have curated the aptly titled Editor’s Burns Night Bar, which should aid you in your whisky selections.
Below are recommendations for six Scotch whiskies I’d suggest picking up for the occasion, whether it’s to pair with a plate of haggis, to share with friends and family, or to raise a dram at the end of the night.
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Arran, Robert Burns Single Malt
“A good entry dram for a beginner. Very easy to drink and would go down a treat in a number of fruity cocktails.”
Having friends and family over who aren’t the most esteemed and experienced whisky drinkers? This is the perfect introductory dram to kickstart the evening and ease in those who aren’t typically dram enthusiasts.
Tasting notes: On the nose, oranges, satsumas, melons, mango, lime. On the palate, blackcurrant, strawberry, orange, lemon, and lime. The finish is medium in length with a lingering sharpness.
Buy now: The Whisky Exchange, £40.25 | Master of Malt, £36.00
Tamdhu, 18 Years Old
“A good showing that showcases a fine balance of two pleasant flavour profiles.”
The combination of fruitiness and nuttiness creates ample warmth, ideal to pair with a quiet sit next to the fireplace or radiator to keep away from the freezing January evening temperatures, particularly if the snow is back with a vengeance.
Tasting notes: On the nose, a combination of Nutella chocolate-hazelnut spread, lime, and pear. On the palate, a balance of fruit and nut. Lemon, lime juice, pineapple, toasted almonds. The finish is medium in length with a lingering nuttiness.
Buy now: Master of Malt, £175.00
Glengoyne, 12 Years Old
“I’m impressed that this continued to surprise me with every taste. Good amount of complexity.”
Needing a dram to pair with that delicious Burns Night supper, haggis and all? This is perfect for complementing those flavour notes, while also bringing a palate-refreshing sweetness
Tasting notes: On the nose, foam banana sweets, lemon sherbet, peach, mango. On the palate, coconut, mint, peaches, apricots, lemon sorbet. The finish is relatively short with a minty note sticking around.
Buy now: Master of Malt, £37.90
Bladnoch, 16 Years Old
“A really impressive complexity to this whisky. The balance of gingerbread and fruit works better than it has any right to.”
Finished your Burns Night supper, but there’s still dessert to come? This Lowland expression is the perfect accompaniment to a cool dessert, thanks to its gingerbread and cinnamon notes.
Tasting notes: On the nose, raisins, sultanas, orange peel, clementine, gingerbread. On the palate, gingerbread, cinnamon pretzels, wood. Orange and blackcurrant after a few sips. The finish is medium in length.
Buy now: The Whisky Exchange, £138.00
Highland Park, 18 Years Old
“The combination of dark chocolate and cherry is a strong one.”
This is a classic that’s sure to capture the attention of the whisky aficionados in the room. The combination of dark chocolate and Orkney peat makes this a Burns Night showstopper.
Tasting notes: On the nose, caramel, dark chocolate, Victoria sponge cake, cookies in the oven. On the palate, the warmth of the nose. Dark chocolate, cherry pie. The finish is medium in length with a late cherry note.
· More info: Highland Park
Man O’Words, 10 Years Old Fresh Ex-Bourbon Cask #125
“Don’t be afraid to add water.”
An aptly named whisky to end the night, this expression has a real punch to it that’s perfect for toasting the evening’s end. Water will soften if needed.
Tasting notes: On the nose, caramel sweetness, vanilla, a hint of honey. Green apples follow. On the palate, a combination of fruit and spice. Apples and blackberries combined with hot peppers and cumin. The finish has a lingering spice, but not difficult to cool down with water.
Buy now: The Whisky Exchange, £84.95
