It doesn’t matter whether you’re throwing a Burns’ Night supper, or just fancy a drop of something strong to keep the winter chills out, every chap should have a bottle of Scotch in his alcohol armoury. Purists drink it neat, others like a cube or two of ice, while some add a dash of water to ‘open it up’. Whatever you like to do to yours, here are five great whiskies to try…
Highland Black 8 Year Old Scotch Whisky
Proof that price isn’t always an indicator of quality, this is a multi-award winning biscuitty tipple. Blended from grain and malt whiskies throughout Scotland, it has a great complexity and tastes fantastic. £12.99, aldi.co.uk
Glen Moray Port Cask Finish Whisky
Soft on the palate with warm butterscotch flavours and a raisin and berry finish. Crack this one open with a hot chocolate pudding for an extra comforting end to a meal. From £23.95, royalmilewhiskies.com
The Glenrothes Select Reserve Malt Whisky Speyside
A blend of vintage malt whiskies from Glenrothes, this has a silky character with hints of vanilla, warm spice, rich fruits and citrus. A sure-fire hit! £37, waitrose.com
Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The bottle reads ‘light and delicate’ and that’s certainly true. A smoky whisper lies throughout, with light crisp-fruity notes and a mellow honey sweetness. Great value. £20.50, sainsburys.co.uk
Bowmore Single Malt Scotch Whisky Black Rock
Crammed with everything you’d want to smell around a bonfire, this warming whisky is big on flavour. Treacle, cocoa, burnt orange and hints of smokey peat create a smooth and rounded spirit. £52.65, thewhiskyexchange.com
Burns’ Night, the annual celebration of acclaimed Scottish poet Robert Burns, is on 25 January.
Find out more at robertburns.org
