Robert Burns is sometimes referred to as the poet laureate of whisky. His love for the water of life has been well storied and often appears in verse so Burns Night is the evening is a great excuse to get into the spirit and raise a dram. Higher proof whisky works well with rich foods such as haggis (a dash of water will open up the flavours and aromas). But if an Islay malt laced with dense, peaty smoke makes you want to run to the hills, don't despair, there are plenty of mellow malts to sling back with beef stew, neeps and tatties, and inspire a night of dance and ditties.
Here are four of our favourite single malts...
1. Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt (£17.49, 70cl, Aldi)
Tasting note: Smooth and fruity with orange, toffee, vanilla, oak and traces of spice on the lingering finish. The light palate and combination of dried fruits and buttery, biscuity notes will appeal to a broad range of drinkers.
Food match: This is the perfect snifter to serve with cock-a-leekie soup or smoked haddock chowder.
2. The Glenlivet Founder's Reserve Speyside Single Malt (£32, 70cl, Sainsbury's)
Tasting note: Signature fruity flavours with sweet orange, pear and hints of candy and toffee on the long, smooth, creamy finish, with delicate woody notes on the nose.
Food match: When it's time for the main event and you want to try something different to haggis, Glenlivet suggest a plate of braised lamb shank pie with mushy peas. Simply delicious, the Glenlivet's citrusy fruits and zesty orange with sweet, citrusy aftertones have the depth of flavour to marry well with the lamb.
3. Port Askaig 100° Proof Islay Single Malt (£43.95 online only, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange)
Tasting note: Scotch from Islay packs a punch with its smoke and peat, and this pungent, smoky, cask strength (undiluted, straight from the barrel) bottle more than delivers with its enticing mix of sweet fruits, iodine and seaweed.
Food match: A Burns Night celebration wouldn't be complete without haggis. The smoke, sea salt and citrus notes in Port Askaig will compliment the earthy flavours of Scotland's national dish and you can always add a smidgen to the gravy before pouring it over the neeps and tatties (swedes and mashed potato).
4. Bowmore 15 Year Old Islay Single Malt (£49.95 online only, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange)
Tasting note: The Whisky Exchange Whisky of the Year 2018, the peat takes a back seat with sweet sherry notes at the fore, along with spiced fruit, wood, treacle toffee and Bowmore's trademark smoke.
Food match: A full bodied malt for pairing with cranachan (the Scottish dessert made from whipped cream, honey, fresh raspberries and oatmeal), it's a beautiful expression from one of the few distilleries left that was making whisky during Burns' lifetime – and should inspire a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.
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