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WHISKY JOURNAL
WHISKY JOURNAL
Top 5 whisky’s for Burns Night 2023
Top 5 whisky’s for Burns Night 2023
- January 24, 2023
Burns Night is a traditional Scottish celebration that has been held annually since the late 1700s to honor the life and works of the renowned Scottish poet, Robert Burns. Born on January 25, 1759, Burns is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland.
It’s a time to gather with friends, family and loved ones. And what better way to do so than with a traditional Burns Night Supper, a piping hot haggis, a splash of neeps and tatties, and of course, a wee dram of whisky?
To add a little extra fun and festivity to the evening, we’ve curated a special 5-piece whisky line-up to raise a glass and toast to the man himself. Each whisky has been carefully chosen to showcase the best of Scotland’s whisky heritage, and to add a touch of warmth and merriment to your Burns Night celebration.
Spearhead Single Grain Scotch Whisky
This year's Burns Night we tend to do something else and this Spearhead Single Grain Scotch whisky definitely has the looks to celebrate this special day. It is admittedly made of 100% malted barley, but due to the use of a coffey column it still is a single grain whisky. We believe this dram is an absolute original, it pairs so well with cullen skink because of its smooth and buttery notes. Try to pour this one as an appetizer. Extra bonus: You can also use this whisky for spicing up your cocktails!
Nose
Green soap, vanilla and rice pie. A wood workshop with metal and glue. A nice hint of fresh linen to lure you into taking a sip!
Palette
A smooth palate. Buttery and grassy. With popcorn, flowers, rice and bread.
Finish
The finish has some candle wax, vanilla and apples, but has some metallic hints too. It resembles red meat, or tuna on bread. But all in a very elegant way.
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|---|---|
COUNTRY | Scotland |
REGION | Highlands |
TYPE | Single Grain |
AGE | NAS |
ABV | 43% |
Glencadam 10yo
If you're having friends and family coming over for Burns supper, you have to make sure you're pouring a whisky everyone can enjoy. We think this Glencadam 10 years old is the one you are looking for! It is perfectly balanced to satisfy the advanced connoisseur and not to scare off people who stand at the beginning of their whisky journey. They did an excellent job to fit all of that in this bottle. This one is best enjoyed as an appetizer or in between courses!
Nose
Very buttery and greasy on the nose, with papaya, wine gums and macadamia nuts. Minnow, orchard fruits and chestnuts.
Palette
Sweet and creamy dairy at first, juicy orchard fruits and a bit earthy towards the finish.
Finish
Dry and oaky notes on the finish, dairy, peaches, nuts and banana for a fruity and dry finish.
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|---|---|
COUNTRY | Scotland |
REGION | Highlands |
TYPE | Single malt |
AGE | 10yo |
ABV | 46% |
Mortlach Special Release 2022
You surely want to impress your friends and family during Burns Night, but what if your cooking skills are not from a Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsay level? You have to improvise or simply bluff your way through. Luckily, we selected an extraordinary whisky which will blow everyone away. This Mortlach Special Release 2022 is one hell of a dram but be on the look-out, this might not be everyone's cup of tea! Be sure to pour this dram for anybody who can enjoy an elegant but strong and complex whisky. We believe this definitely is an after-dinner dram!
Nose
A nice, sweet nose, with lots of creamy fruits. A bit hoppy too, like craft beer. Plums have the upper hand, with Mortlach's well known layers of meat. It has some portobello and Italian spices, as well as a hint of haggis, fresh from the kitchen.
Palette
The palate is salty, drying and sweet, with raisins and nicely integrated oak. The aromas from the nose are in here as well, only in a very subtle and elegant way
Finish
A long and sweet finish with soft oak and raisins, it's dry and juicy at the same time, with a hint of garlic.
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|---|---|
COUNTRY | Scotland |
REGION | Speyside |
TYPE | Single Malt |
AGE | NAS |
ABV | 57.8% |
Deanston 2008 12yo Oloroso Cask Matured
Introducing the fourth whisky in our Burns Night line-up, an Oloroso matured Deanston. If you liked the Mortlach before, or if you want your whisky a little bit more traditional, this after dinner dram of a Deanston is for you. This rich and robust whisky has been exclusively aged in Oloroso Sherry casks, the resulting notes of dark fruit and spices, makes it the perfect after-dinner dram to enjoy while reflecting on the poetry of Robert Burns. Sip it slowly and savor the smooth finish that lingers on the palate. Let this whisky transport you to the rolling hills of Scotland, and raise a glass to the great bard himself.
Nose
Warming and sweet, with surprising notes of rhubarb and bacon soaked in maple syrup. Lovely sweet hints of raisins, peaches and cake.
Palette
Drying, woody and bittersweet at first, but it opens up with smooth sweet waves of soaked raisins.
Finish
Here’s where it shines, with sugary barley, raisins and a hint of garlic bread. Dark chocolate, wood shavings and a wonderful long aftertaste of sherry and spices make this the dram you and your loved ones deserve after a great Burns Night supper.
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|---|---|
COUNTRY | Scotland |
REGION | Highlands |
TYPE | Single malt |
AGE | 12yo |
ABV | 52.7% |
Lagavulin 8yo
This Lagavulin is the perfect way to end a memorable Burns Night celebration. The peated Islay single malt is known for its strong smoky and peaty flavours. Its bold and robust flavor profile makes it the perfect companion for a cozy night by the fireplace. As the fire crackles and the room warms, allow the Lagavulin 8 Year Old to envelop your senses and transport you to the rugged landscapes of Islay. Enjoy it neat, or with a drop of water to fully appreciate its unique character.
Nose
A complex symphony of flavors, savory notes of salted meat and cooked ham mingle with a soft blow of peated barley. A hint of cooked apple adds a touch of sweetness, with just a whisper of sulfur adding depth.
Palette
The palate is a creamy and salty. The liquorice root adds a rich, earthy depth while juicy citrus brings a pop of freshness. It has a very gentle mouthfeel.
Finish
The finish is a playful mix of liquorice, salted meat and a hint of sulfur that lingers, with a zing of lime and the sweet crunch of apples and breadcrumbs.
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|---|---|
COUNTRY | Scotland |
REGION | Islay |
TYPE | Single malt |
AGE | 8yo |
ABV |
From smooth and peaty to bold and rich, these whiskies will take you on a journey through Scotland’s whisky regions and traditions. So gather your clan, dig in to some haggis, and raise a glass to the man who gave us “Auld Lang Syne” and so many other classic works.
Happy Burns Night!
