Top 10 Scotch whiskies for Burns Night
On 25 January, poetry fans from across the world will celebrate the life and work of Robert Burns – here are 10 whiskies to raise to one of Scotland’s most revered literary figures.
We look to the drams from the Highlands and Lowlands, Speyside and Islay, to list out top 10 whiskies for Burns NightHeld on the poet’s birthday, Burns Night will see not only Scottish patriots, but Burns fans from across the world come together to take part in poetic recitals, eat a traditional Scottish supper of haggis and, of course, enjoy a spot of Scotch whisky.
Indeed, the 18th Century poet himself, who lived from 1759 to 1796, was not unacquainted with the delights of his national spirit, writing: “O Whisky! soul o’ plays an’ pranks! Accept a Bardie’s gratefu’ thanks!”
Our pick of 10 Scotch whiskies to celebrate Burns Night have been selected for their exemplification of the diverse regional variations of Scotch whisky – from Highland to Lowland, Islay to Speyside – and also their representation of Burns’ life.
So, raise a wee dram to Robert Burns and celebrate his legacy with one of these excellent Scotch whiskies.
Auchentoshan Virgin Oak
A fine example of a modern Lowland Scotch, Auchentoshan ventured into little-travelled territory with its use of barrels which have never contained another spirit.
With a deep orange colour, the expression is said to have an aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg and candied orange, and notes of spiced apple, chocolate caramel and maple candy on the palate.
Price: £69.99
Click here for more information about Auchentoshan Virgin Oak.
Glenmorangie Companta
Glenmorangie’s fifth annual private edition, Companta, exemplifies the taste of Scotch whiskies which originate from the Scottish Highlands.
Since Companta means friendship in Scottish Gaelic, the woody expression is fitting for a jovial gathering such as Burns Night.
Price: £69.99
Click here for more information about Glenmorangie Companta.
The Glenlivet 15 Year Old
Matured in ex-Cognac casks, The Glenlivet 15 Year Old embodies the light and sweet notes of Speyside whiskies.
The whisky is described as having a rich and oaky aroma, with notes of winter spice, cinnamon and cloves on the palate.
Price: £37.24
Kilchoman 2007 Vintage
The youngest distillery on Islay, this whisky embodies the peaty, smoky notes inherent to the region.
Described as having a smoky vanilla and caramel nose with cooked lemon, citrus fruits and butterscotch on the palate, the 2007 Vintage (46% abv) joins Kilchoman’s relatively small portfolio which also includes Machir Bay,Loch Gorm and 100% Islay third edition.
Price: £52.99
Click here for more information about the Kilchoman 2007 Vintage.
Talisker Storm
Branded the “smokiest whisky” ever produced by the Isle of Skye distillery, Talisker Storm is a single malt matured in heavily charred oak casks.
It is described as possessing flavours of “blackcurrant, liquorice and powerful smoke”.
Price: £42
Click here for more information about Talisker Storm.
The Macallan Amber
Crowned ‘Whisky of the Year’ by The Whisky Shop in 2013, The Macallan Amber is an ideal bottle to celebrate the best of Scotch whisky.
Part of the popular 1824 Series, this whisky is said to carry notes of flowers, citrus, vanilla and cinnamon on the nose, and apples, lemons, ginger and oak on the palate.
Price: £44.99
Click here for more information about The Macallan Amber.
Glenfiddich 12 Year Old
One of the world’s best selling single malts, Glenfiddich 12 Year Old is an ideal choice for a whisky novice celebrating Burns Night.
With light, floral and spicy notes, the whisky is a more mellow expression to introduce a spirits beginner to the single malt category.
Price: £27.07
Glenfarclas 15 Year Old
On to an ideal whisky to enjoy with traditional Scottish Haggish (a pudding made of minced sheep’s heart, liver and lungs), Glenfarclas 15 Year Old has the sweet and honeyed notes which perfectly complement the rich, spicy and peppery taste of the dish.
The popular bottling was also crowned ‘Whisky of the Year’ by The Whisky Exchange.
Price:£43.21
Click here for more information about Glenfarclas 15 Year Old.
The Belvenie Caribbean Cask
Reports have long circulated among historians and Burns fans that the poet had intended on leaving his native land for the Caribbean with his sights set on becoming a sugar plantation owner.
This 14-year-old malt is therefore fitting for a celebration of the poet’s life. Matured in traditional oak casks before being transferred to Caribbean rum casks, The Balvenie Caribbean Cask is regarded for its notes of citrus fruit and vanilla.
Price: £42.50
Black Bottle
A perfect choice for those who want to celebrate the evening with a blended Scotch brimming with its own history.
Inspired by the taste and look of the original Black Bottle Scotch created by 19th century master distillers the Graham Brothers, this recently relaunched blend is said to have floral and oak aromas and a fruit, smoke, honey and nutmeg flavour.
Price: £17.00
