Burns Night is a moment made for whisky. Poured alongside haggis, neeps and tatties and savoured between readings of Burns, the right bottle adds warmth, rhythm and ceremony to this most Scottish of occasions. My curated guide brings together some of my favourite whiskies right now, spanning classic single malts, characterful limited releases and modern expressions. Consider this your shortcut to finding a bottle that feels fitting, memorable and perfectly timed for a Burns Night gathering.
Bowmore 12YO
A classic Islay single malt that feels entirely at home on Burns Night, Bowmore 12 Year Old is the classic expression of the distillery’s expressive house style. Matured in a combination of American oak ex bourbon barrels and European oak Oloroso sherry butts and puncheons, it offers a poised balance of fruit, smoke and gentle sweetness. The nose opens with fresh lemon and heather honey, grounded by soft, earthy peat. On the palate, warming notes of fresh fruit are layered with flakes of dark chocolate, while the finish lingers with a delicate puff of sweet smoke. Refined yet characterful, it offers broad appeal around the Burns night table.
Laphroaig 10-Year Old
For those who favour a more assertive style, Laphroaig 10 Year Old offers an unmistakable sense of intensity. One of the world’s most distinctive single malts, it is bold, peaty and unapologetically maritime. Aromas of peat smoke and seaweed are balanced by hints of honey, crème brûlée and orchard fruit. The palate is medium bodied and oily, opening with charcoal, grilled pork belly, sea salt and honeyed orange peel before evolving into ash, liquorice and sweet cereals. The long, drying finish is dominated by smoked meat, bitter dark chocolate and lingering coastal salinity, making it a memorable dram for the heart of the evening.
Ardray
Ardray brings a modern perspective to Burns Night. This award-winning blended whisky is the result of a unique collaboration between Scottish and Japanese blending teams, drawing inspiration from historic techniques while embracing modern refinement. The aroma shows hints of apple, pear and plum with a soft savoury smokiness. On the palate, gentle floral and citrus notes create lightness and elegance before giving way to silky vanilla custard and a rich, layered mouthfeel. The finish is long and mellow, with soft smoke and warming spice carrying through. Polished and versatile, it offers an excellent introduction to the art of blending.
Tomatin 18 Year Old
Tomatin 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry Cask
Tomatin 18 Year Old Oloroso Sherry is a whisky made for lingering over a glass. Matured in a combination of traditional oak and Oloroso sherry butt casks, it delivers generous layers of dried fruit, tropical sweetness and warming richness. Aromas of dried apricot, plum and nutty sherry lead into vanilla fudge and softly spiced pears, while the palate unfolds with marmalade, cooked apple, butterscotch and cocoa, finished with touches of salted caramel. Complex yet beautifully balanced, it pairs beautifully with the richness of a traditional Burns supper.
Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old
A whisky with a playful streak, Cù Bòcan 15 Year Old brings a spark of curiosity to the Burns Night table. Distilled only during Tomatin’s winter runs, this lightly peated single malt balances gentle smoke with layers of sweet spice, citrus and toasted oak. The nose opens with sun-dried fruit, marmalade and flamed orange peel, followed by hints of autumn bonfire and warm spice. On the palate, plum, cinder toffee, coffee and softly smoked meat come together with earthy depth, before a long finish of dried fruit, tobacco smoke, dark chocolate and rich fruit cake. Modern yet rooted in tradition, it suits an evening that celebrates both heritage and individuality.
Glen Scotia 12 Year Old
Glen Scotia’s 12 Year Old highlights Campbeltown’s distinctive maritime style. Matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon casks, it opens with fresh sea air, honeyed vanilla and tropical fruit, before unfolding into caramelised sugar, bright citrus and ripe pineapple on the palate. Gentle toasted oak leads into a long, warming finish touched with cinnamon and nutmeg. Its coastal character and balanced structure pair particularly well with savoury dishes and traditional fare.
The Antiquary 21 Year Old
An elegant way to close the evening, The Antiquary 21 Year Old is a beautifully composed blend that celebrates balance and maturity. Bringing together Highland and Speyside malts with carefully selected Lowland grains, it delivers layers of fruit, honey and gentle spice with effortless smoothness. Aromas of cut hay, burning heather, dark mocha and vanilla lead into a palate of spiced plum, wild strawberries, dark chocolate and a savoury hint of charred game. The refined finish lingers with sea salt and red fruits, making it an excellent final dram once the poetry is done.
Johnnie Walker Black Ruby
A contemporary option for a more relaxed Burns Night gathering, Johnnie Walker Black Ruby reimagines Scotch with a sweeter, fruit forward profile. Created by Master Blender Dr Emma Walker, it draws on malts matured in PX and oloroso seasoned casks alongside ex red wine and bourbon barrels. Expect notes of raspberry jam, blackberry pie and honeyed richness, layered with figs, plums and maraschino cherries, lifted by gentle spice and delicate smoke. It works well neat, with ice or as part of a simple cocktail, making it a sociable and versatile choice.
The Singleton
A reassuringly classic bottle that suits both newcomers and seasoned whisky drinkers, The Singleton of Dufftown 15 Year Old delivers a soft, Speyside style that complements a Burns Night supper without overpowering it. Baked apple, brown sugar and subtle spice lead into creamy milk chocolate, vanilla custard and butterscotch. Gentle notes of cinnamon, nutmeg and toasted nuts add warmth before a smooth, malty finish lingers. Dependable and easy-going, it is ideal for sharing around the table.
Old Pulteney 12 Year Old
A dependable classic with broad appeal, Old Pulteney 12 Year Old captures the character of Scotland’s northern coastline. Aged in American oak ex bourbon casks, it balances gentle coastal salinity with rounded sweetness. Notes of vanilla, honey, dark caramel and cream lead into soft fruit and fresh spice, before a subtle maritime note carries through to a long, warming finish. A fine choice for those who appreciate traditional Scottish whisky on Burns Night.
Bowmore 27 Year Old Timeless
And finally, for those looking to mark Burns Night with something truly exceptional, Bowmore 27 Year Old Timeless is a fitting centrepiece. This rare single malt mirrors the enduring legacy of Scotland’s national poet and the reflective spirit of the evening. Taken from Bowmore’s most expressive aged stocks and matured exclusively in first-fill sherry casks, it delivers remarkable depth, elegance and balance. The aroma opens with grilled orange peel, smoked seaweed and dark chocolate-covered coffee beans. On the palate, bittersweet orange, espresso and chestnut honey unfold alongside rich cocoa and coastal smoke. The finish is long and resonant, with lingering dark chocolate, gentle salinity and a slowly fading Islay smokiness. Bottled at 52.7% ABV, this is a statement dram designed for collectors and for moments that deserve to be remembered long after the final toast of the night.
