Burns Night takes place each year at the end of January, celebrating Scotland’s culture and the remarkable life of the esteemed poet, Robert Burns. This festive occasion, often regarded as Scotland’s unofficial national day, is steeped in tradition and joy.
The inaugural Burns Night is believed to have occurred in 1801, just under five years following Burns’ passing. A gathering of friends and fellow poets met in his birthplace, Alloway in Ayrshire, on January 25, the poet’s birthday, to read his poetry and delve into discussions about his notable works, including the famous “Address to a Haggis.”
It is said that this first gathering featured a haggis supper accompanied by the now-classic neeps and tatties (which are swede and potato, respectively), alongside generous helpings of Scotch whisky. Over the years, this small celebration has blossomed into a global event, celebrated in various forms for over two decades.
With numerous Scotch whiskies available today and a growing number of craft distilleries emerging, selecting the perfect whisky to pair with haggis can be daunting. To simplify the process, we recommend leaning towards some timeless favorites for your festivities.
If this piques your interest, here are a few recommendations.
The Classic Blend
Johnnie Walker 12 Years Old Black Label
Johnnie Walker is the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky, outselling its closest competitor, Ballantine’s, by a margin of more than two-to-one, moving an astonishing 22 million cases annually.
Key to this success is the Black Label, introduced by John Walker & Sons in 1909. Together with the Red Label, these are the two top-selling expressions. The Black Label boasts a careful blend of whiskies, each aged for a minimum of 12 years, sourced from various regions of Scotland. It remains a perennial favorite among whisky enthusiasts.
Expect harmonious notes of vanilla, honey, and sweet toffee apple, artfully mingling with flavors of poached pear, butterscotch, and a hint of cinnamon. A soft, sweet peat smoke embraces it all, giving a lovely added depth.
The Speyside
The Balvenie 12 Years Old Doublewood
Located just outside Dufftown, the Balvenie distillery is situated in the heart of the Speyside region. This small town is notable for housing six distilleries, including Glenfiddich, Kininvie, Dufftown, Mortlach, and Glendullan, making it a remarkable hub of whisky production.
Since its founding in 1892, the Balvenie has maintained ownership within the same family, giving rise to its rich and traditional heritage. The 12 Years Old Doublewood stands out as one of the greatest whiskies from the region, ideal for enjoying a quiet moment.
With maturation in both ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks—hence the name Doublewood—it offers a splendid depth of flavor. You’ll find enticing notes of vanilla, toffee, and fresh coconut, along with peach, marzipan, and nutmeg. Subtle hints of cocoa powder and sultana complete this wonderfully balanced whisky.
The Highlander
Dalwhinnie 15 Years Old
Established in 1897, the Dalwhinnie distillery is set against the majestic backdrop of the Cairngorms National Park, making it one of Scotland’s most remote distilleries. Positioned at the highest altitude of any single malt distillery, it reaches 326 meters (1,070 feet) above sea level and is home to the UK’s coldest weather station, averaging a yearly maximum temperature of just 10.2°C (50.4°F).
Dalwhinnie 15 Years Old has been part of the whisky landscape since the mid-1980s and is a key member of Diageo’s renowned Classic Malts series. Characterized by a distinct malty note that forms a sturdy backbone, it offers a cozy, full-bodied experience.
Savor flavors of honeycomb, baked apple, and juicy sultanas, beautifully complemented by muscovado sugar, candied lemon peel, and oak. Hints of earthy ginger and a touch of cocoa create a delightful finish.
The Sherried One
The Macallan 12 Years Old Sherry Oak
The Macallan distillery is celebrated as one of the finest Scotch single malts and consistently ranks among the top five for global sales. Renowned for its ground-breaking methods, it is an absolute favorite among whisky connoisseurs and collectors alike.
This premium single malt was also famously associated with James Bond during the Daniel Craig era, making it a cherished choice for many.
The 12 Years Old Sherry Oak is iconic, having matured entirely in sherry casks from southern Spain. Anticipate bold and rich flavors of toffee, plum, raisin, and prune, layered with caramel, toasted almonds, hazelnut praline, and milk chocolate. Additional hints of crystallized ginger, warming wood spices, and candied orange peel complete this luxurious experience.
The Islay
Laphroaig 10 Years Old
There are few flavors as evocative in the world of spirits as that of peat smoke. Laphroaig reigns supreme among Scotch single malts in this category. Nestled on Islay, the renowned whisky island at the southern edge of the Hebrides, Laphroaig excels in crafting bold, peated whiskies.
The 10 Years Old is a quintessential representation of this style, forming the cornerstone of Laphroaig’s offerings and showcasing its signature peated character with finesse.
Indulge in layers of creamy vanilla custard and sweet milk chocolate that interact beautifully with the assertive smoke, imparting a sooty bonfire ash profile that transitions into seaweed and damp moss notes. A touch of green chili heat adds a thrilling finish, making this a remarkable choice for daring palates.
In conclusion, Burns Night is a cherished tradition that offers an excellent opportunity to immerse oneself in Scottish culture while enjoying classic Scotch whiskies. Whether you opt for the classic blend, a smooth Speyside, or a bold Islay, the right whisky can greatly enhance your celebration. Cheers to Robert Burns and the joy of good company!
