Burns Night Whiskies: A Toast to Rabbie, Haggis and the Heart of Scotland

Burns Night is one of those rare Scottish traditions that manages to be both deeply ceremonial and wonderfully chaotic. Every 25th of January, kitchens across the country fill with the comforting aroma of haggis, neeps and tatties, dining rooms are set for a feast, and glasses are polished in anticipation of a good dram. It’s a night for poetry, laughter, music, and celebrating the life and legacy of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national bard and the man whose words still echo through pubs, festivals and family tables today.

A Wee Word on Rabbie Burns

Robert Burns wasn’t just a poet; he was a chronicler of ordinary life, a champion of the working class, and a master of capturing the messy, joyful, heartbreaking bits of being human. From Auld Lang Syne to Tam o’ Shanter, his work is woven into Scotland’s cultural DNA. Burns Night began as a gathering of friends shortly after his death, and it’s grown into a global celebration, a night where Scots and Scotland‑lovers alike raise a glass to the bard who gave the world some of its most enduring lines.

“Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race!”

Haggis, Neeps and Tatties: The Holy Trinity

No Burns Supper is complete without the iconic trio:

• Haggis - Scotland’s national dish, rich, peppery, savoury and comforting.

• Neeps - sweet, earthy turnips (or swede, depending on where you stand in the great debate).

• Tatties - buttery mashed potatoes, the perfect soft counterpoint to haggis’ boldness.

Together, they create a plate that’s humble, hearty and deeply satisfying, the kind of food that begs for a dram alongside it. And that’s where this year’s whisky recommendations come in.

Here are my recommendations of where to eat the BEST Haggis Neeps and Tatties in Edinburgh - www.tartanspoon.co.uk/toppicks-haggis

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot, And never brought to mind?”

Recommended Whiskies for Burns Night 2026

Featuring some of the freshest Scottish releases from the past few months and some old favourites.

Highlands & Islands

• Tomatin PX Sherry Single Cask Year of the Horse Edition

  Sticky dates, raisin loaf and polished oak. A sherry bomb with Highland finesse, perfect for toasting the Immortal Memory.

• Torabhaig 2018 Scottish Oak Single Cask

  Integrated smoke, baked apples and earthy oak. A rugged, maritime Skye whisky with real personality.

• Edradour 2014 Lagrein Michael Eppan Finish

  Rich red fruits, dark chocolate and a wine‑tannin grip give this dram a decadent, dessert‑like quality. Ideal for those who like their whisky bold, warming and a little indulgent.

Speyside

• Glenallachie 12yo

  Layers of honey, sultanas, and gentle spice that feel properly celebratory. The sweetness plays beautifully with a Cranachan dessert.

• Experimental Aultmore 15yo by Tailored Spirits

  Orchard fruits, almond and light marzipan with a ginger snap. A dram for the moment the room quiets and the speeches begin.

• Cutty Sark Burns Night Edition (2026)

  Light citrus, vanilla fudge and gentle grain sweetness. Approachable, easy‑drinking and perfect for sharing with a crowd.

Islay

• Kilchoman Loch Gorm

  Deep sherry‑soaked richness wrapped in earthy Islay smoke, giving a bold, dark‑fruit depth that stands up beautifully to the peppery warmth of haggis at a Burns Supper.

• Isle of Harris Single Cask (Golden Globes Gift Bag Release)

  Floral, honeyed and lightly smoky with a mineral finish. A modern island style that feels elegant and celebratory.

• Bruichladdich Burns Night Selection (2026 Event Bottlings)

  Creamy malt, toasted oak and subtle sea spray. A dram that feels like a warm hug on a cold January night.

Campbeltown

• Springbank 8yo Local Barley

  Hefty with a bright cereal sweetness, making it the perfect dram to cut through the richness of haggis while lifting every bite of a Burns Supper.

• Glen Scotia Victoriana

  A modern, bold expression of dark caramel, charred oak, blackcurrant, cocoa nibs, and a warming maritime finish. Perfect for pairing with haggis or for raising a glass during the Immortal Memory.

• Kilkerran 12yo (Glengyle Distillery)

  A beautifully balanced, slightly old‑school Campbeltown malt. Lemon zest, vanilla cream, gentle peat, chalky minerality, and that signature Campbeltown oiliness.

Lowlands

• Glenkinchie 12yo

  Light, floral and grassy with lemon zest, honey, malt biscuits and a soft, creamy texture. Great aperitif dram before the haggis is piped in

• Daftmill 2007

  Orchard fruit, creamy malt and gentle Lowland elegance make it a perfect Burns Supper companion, lifting the richness of haggis while keeping the whole plate feeling light and balanced.

• Bladnoch Vinaya

  Orchard fruits, vanilla, soft spice, a touch of grassiness and milk chocolate, perfect for guests who want something smooth, characterful and not too heavy.

Slainte! Raise Your Glass to the Bard

Burns Night is about connection to Scotland, to tradition, to each other. Whether you’re hosting a full‑blown supper or simply pouring a quiet dram at home, these whiskies bring a little extra magic to the table.

Whatever you’re up to on the 25th January, make sure you raise a toast to Burns

“Some hae meat and canna eat, And some wad eat that want it; But we hae meat, and we can eat, Sae let the Lord be thankit.”

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