6 Scottish whiskies for a Burns Night bonanza

A cherished ritual of poetry, bagpipes, haggis, a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne and whisky-fuelled fun, Burns Night is a brilliant way to banish those January blues.

Celebrated the world over, besides marking the birthdate of Robert Burns ‘The Bard’ with a Sunday evening of song, dancing and ditties, this Scottish shindig showcases how to bring its rich flavour map to life with a wee dram or two.

To kick-start the festivities and raise a glass to Scotland’s national poet, these amber beauties will rally your tavern friends together…

1. Tesco Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky, £18.75, 1L, Tesco

For a budget Highland whisky, we’re toasting the master blender behind this sweet, mellow, heroes’ drink. Matured in oak casks for a minimum of three years, it’s easy going with a creamy texture, gentle fruity notes, hints of honey, vanilla and trace of spicy oak on the finish.

2. No1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £29, 70cl, Waitrose

Known as the ‘Queen of the Hebrides,’ the picturesque Isle of Islay is famous for its peaty, smoky single malt – and this new expression more than delivers with its maritime notes of seaweed and salt, peat smoke and hint of heather; smooth on the palate with a subtle medicinal sweetness, smoke and sea spray underscore the long, warming finish.

3. Tomatin 10 Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £29.50, 70cl, Waitrose

A delectable dram with a distinct bourbon influence, this new expression’s matured in bourbon casks for 10 years and its sweet, fruity, character opens up on the nose before expanding on the layered palate. Complex with rich fruitcake notes and a honeyed sweetness, creamy buttery notes interplay with spice, nuts, caramel and touch of toffee on the lingering finish.

4. Glen Scotia 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £45, 70cl, The Whisky Shop

Cited as a classic Campbeltown malt with its maritime character, this rich, fruity, vanilla-scented malt gets its sweet, spicy notes from ageing in first-fill bourbon barrels; with ripe tropical notes giving way to tangy citrus, caramelised sugar, toasty oak, baking spice and subtle coastal influence on the lingering finish.

5. Glendronach Ode To The Embers Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, £57.25, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange

From the eastern edge of Speyside, the warming, peated notes of this ‘ode’ are perfectly placed for Burns Night suppers – and plate of spicy, peppery haggis, neeps and tatties. Aged in a combination of oloroso and pedro ximénez sherry casks, aromas of spiced fruitcake, peat smoke and heather honey lead to dried fruit, chocolate, sweet spices, roasted nuts, gentle smoke and pepper on the finish.

6. Loch Lomond 18 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, £90, 70cl, Loch Lomond Whiskies

A multi-award winning single malt with an IWSC 2025 Gold Outstanding medal under its belt, this Southern Highlander is packed with flavour. Full bodied, rounded and exceptionally smooth, it’s aged in three types of American oak casks and features notes of baked apple, toffee, honeysuckle and toasted oak; rich and fruity with a creamy texture, soft peatiness and oak influence driving the finish, it’s hugely enjoyable… worth splashing out for.