January 25th marks a significant date for whisky drinkers and Scots alike – Burns Night. Celebrated annually to honor the life and works of Robert Burns, the evening traditionally involves a hearty plate of haggis, convivial company, and, of course, a generous helping of single malt whisky. This year, Forbes has curated a selection of five exceptional single malts that will undoubtedly elevate your Burns Supper experience.
The Five Best Single-Malt Whiskies for Burns Night
These carefully chosen expressions represent a diverse range of Scottish distillery styles, each offering a unique dimension to the celebration. They’ve been selected not just for their exceptional quality, but for how well they complement the traditions of the evening.
1.
Glenmorangie 12 Year Old
: A cornerstone of the Glenmorangie range, this Highland single malt is renowned for its delicate balance and vibrant fruit flavors. The 12-year-old expression offers a harmonious blend of peach, orange zest, honeyed sweetness, and a subtle warmth from baking spices. It’s a consistently crowd-pleaser and a superb starting point for those new to single malt.
2.
Tullibardine Marquess Collection – The Murray Triple Port
: Located in the heart of Perthshire, Tullibardine is a respected name, and their Marquess Collection showcases a truly innovative approach. The Murray Triple Port is a standout, demonstrating a rich tapestry of flavors – dark chocolate, dried fruit, and a lingering port finish.
3.
Auchentoshan 12 Year Old
: This Lowland distillery’s triple distillation process yields a remarkably light and approachable single malt. The 12-year-old is matured in both bourbon and sherry casks, delivering a complex interplay of tangerine, vanilla bean, and delicate honey.
4.
Glengoyne 10 Year Old Sherry Cask Finish
: Founded in 1833, Glengoyne is one of the southernmost Highland distilleries, operating with a focus on traditional techniques. Their 10-year-old, finished exclusively in sherry casks, provides a warming, full-bodied experience with notes of ripe apple, pear, decadent toffee, and a touch of citrus.
5.
Ardbeg 10 Year Old
: No Burns Night celebration would be complete without a touch of Islay peat. Ardbeg’s 10-year-old is a powerful example, showcasing intense peat smoke balanced by bright citrus notes, subtle cloves, and a creamy butterscotch finish.
What This Means for Consumers
This selection provides a spectrum of flavor profiles, allowing attendees to discover new favorites. The range of distillery styles—from the light and approachable Glenmorangie to the robust Ardbeg—ensures there’s something to satisfy every palate. Each distillery offers a distinct journey through the art of Scotch whisky production.
Pros and Cons
*
Pros:
Offers a diverse selection of whiskies to complement the Burns Supper experience, highlights the breadth of Scottish whisky production, caters to different flavor preferences.
*
Cons:
Availability of certain expressions (like The Murray Triple Port) may be limited depending on retailer locations. Pricing can vary significantly based on bottle size and retailer.
