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Top 10 Burns Night Whiskies (Reviewed)
With this dark and chilly January dragging its feet, Burns Night couldn't come quicker. With suppers, ceilidhs, tastings, and other events, there are plenty of ways for us all to celebrate ol' Rabbie Burns' birthday, and all of them include the best tradition of all, Scotch whisky.
So whether you're serving up a Burns supper with haggis, neeps and tatties (that's haggis, turnips and potatoes for the non-Scots!), or having a quieter, celebratory dram, we've got a spectacular selection of Scotch whiskies to choose from! Below, we've compiled a list of expressions which have a special connection to The Bard or to Burns Night.
1. Arran Single Malt Scotch Whisky - Robert Burns Malt
Of course, no Burns Night drams list would be complete without this bottling! The only single malt Scotch whisky endorsed by the Robert Burns World Federation, this is an exclusive version of the Arran single malt whisky, crafted with a selection of the finest bourbon and sherry casks to create a rounded, smooth, malty and sweet expression perfect for toasting the Bard.
Featuring a stunning label design with the now world-famous painting of old Rabbie's face, this is both an ideal expression for drinking and showing off to friends on the big night!
2. Lochlea Our Barley
Based in the heart of Burns Country, Lochlea Distillery opened in 2018 on the very farm where Robert Burns lived and worked from 1777 to 1784. 'Our Barley' is Lochlea's first ever core single malt expression, made using barley grown on their own land.
The liquid was matured in both ex-bourbon, ex-Oloroso sherry casks, and barriques which were shaved, toasted and re-charred, making it a complex and classy dram. Aromas of pear, boiled sweets, fresh cut grass and orange peel before a peppery palate of macadamia nuts and baked rye bread, finishing up long, orangey and waxy.
3. Benriach The Original Ten
The Original Ten is the flagship expression of Benriach Speyside single malt. Matured in sherry casks, bourbon barrels and virgin oak casks, this expression is married together under the expert care of Master Blender, Rachel Barrie. Inspired by the very first single malt released by Benriach in 1994, this 10-year-old has a smooth and multi-layered profile that is the perfect introduction to the Benriach range.
The nose is rich in orchard fruits, with honey and warm toasted oak notes. The fruits continue in the palate with pear and nectarine atop a malty sweetness. The finish has almonds and spiced vanilla lingering on.
4. Glen Scotia 12 Year Old
Glen Scotia 12 Year Old is a distinguished single malt that embodies the maritime character of Campbeltown. Matured in first-fill bourbon casks, it was bottled at 46% ABV. This expression stands as a proud tribute to Glen Scotia’s heritage and the enduring spirit of one of Scotland’s most historic whisky regions.
Expect a profile rich in tropical fruit, vanilla, and gentle coastal influence. Hints of citrus and caramelised sugar unfold on the palate, complemented by subtle oak and warming spice on the finish.
5. Balblair 15 Year Old
Matured in American oak bourbon casks, and finished in first fill Spanish oak butts, this 15-year-old Balblair is a part of their stunning core range. Bottled at 46%, free from chill filtration and at natural colour.
Expect notes of leatherwood honey and gingerbread on the nose, with hints of juicy prunes and fresh lemon peel. The palate bursts with dark chocolate, tropical fruits and mixed spice flavours, leading to a long and mellow finish of creamy vanilla and citrus.
6. Glenturret 15 Year Old 2024 Release
We know that Burns liked Highland whiskies best, and as the oldest distillery in that proud whisky-making region, The Glenturret is the obvious go-to for enjoying some of Rabbie's favoured drams.
Notes of raisins and sultanas on the nose, alongside touches of ginger and burnished oak. The palate brings sweet wood spices and brandy snaps, with a soft yet spicy rich fruit finish.
7. Glenkinchie Distillers Edition
Glenkinchie is known as 'The Edinburgh Malt', as its serene distillery is located just twenty miles from the hustle and bustle of the capital. The light, fresh and floral whisky is a brilliant example of a Lowland expression. Edinburgh is the place where Burns found fans and fame, after travelling from his home in Ayrshire to publish his works in the big city. To this day, marks that he left on the city can be seen by the hundreds of thousands of tourists that make the journey to Edinburgh: from Burns monument to the Writers Museum.
On the nose, dry notes from the wine and sweet, nutty notes of barley and wood intertwine. The palate brings a lightly oily mouthfeel, with sweet malt, dried fruits, white grape and warming wood spice flavour, before a long finish full of oak and white pepper.
8. Arran 10 Year Old
Arran 10 year old captures the fresh and unique island style of the western isle's eponymous distillery, located just across the water from Robert Burn's birthplace.
Rich vanilla sweetness gives way to cinnamon on the nose, the soft and sweet texture taking on a spicy edge. The palate is sweet with apple and citrus against a background of oak. A perfect accompaniment to a dessert or cheese board.
9. Talisker 10 Year Old
A recommendation from regular Whiskeria contributor and industry giant, Charlie Maclean, is the Talisker 10 Year old, for its absolutely perfect pairing alongside the traditional centre of the Burns Night feast - the "Great Chieftain o' the Puddin-race!" (aka Haggis):
My favourite, without a doubt, is Talisker 10 year old - because it's sweet and lightly smoky, then spicy in the finish. Pour it on (anoint) the haggis or drink alongside.
10. Timorous Beastie Blended Malt
One of Douglas Laing's range of iconic outputs that include Scallywag and Big Peat, Timorous Beastie is a blend of Highland whiskies inspired by Robert Burns' poem 'To a Mouse'. Although the name may suggest a shy and timid dram, this bottling is anything but!
"Wee, sleeket, cowran, tim’rous beastie,
Robert Burns, 'To a Mouse' On Turning her up in her Nest, with the Plough, November 1785.
O, what a panic’s in thy breastie!"
Happy Burns Night, everyone!
