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With Burns night just around the corner (25 January), we take a look at some whiskies that won’t break the bank.
From blends to single malts, all of these whiskies are £50 or under, and they’re ideal to toast Burns with.
Many of Scotland’s most famous malts hail from Speyside, known for their approachable, fruity style and floral complexity.
Berry Bros. & Rudd’s Classic Speyside Malt (ABV 44.2%) captures the very essence of the region, balancing subtle, honeyed fruit aromas with easy-going yet complex aromas.
This Speyside is available to purchase via Amazon, Masters of Malt, Whisky Exchange
At the end of last year, Lidl GB unveiled a Ben Bracken, 19-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (70cl, 43% ABV) for only £39.99.
Of this whisky, writer and consultant Blair Bowman said: “This is another cracker of a whisky from Lidl. It's rich, fruity, and sooty, best served by a roaring fireplace on a cold, winter’s night. You can’t go wrong with this warming, wintery malt.
“The bright amber liquid has a nose reminiscent of indulgent s’mores, with malty digestives and marshmallows, while the palette features dark chocolate and lashings of black cherry jam.”
Buy in store.
The Glasgow Distillery brought whisky distilling back to Scotland’s biggest city in 2018 and has been going strong ever since. Their Original whisky is an ideal dram for Burns given its fruity and light flavour profile.
The team said “Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered and natural in colour, The Original is a true representation of the whisky we produce at The Glasgow Distillery and showcases our production philosophy and dedication to quality.”
Buy here, via Masters of Malt.
Uhuru’s first release is a 10 year-old blended malt Scotch Whisky. This cask was chosen for its balance of sweet vs. smoke.
The team said that “It’s the first whisky to have an analysed measurement of sweetness identified through a revolutionary process. The whisky is defined as having 019 SPPM within it, which gives it the perfect balance of peat vs sweet.”
This whisky from Glen Moray is not only a great whisky to try if you’re new to the spirit, it’s also a bargain to boot.
The whisky is aged for around seven years in ex-bourbon casks and, and it’s a light, fruity and sweet dram - delicious.
Buy here, via Masters of Malt.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask has the signature smoky taste of the classic peated whisky, however you'll also find notes of coconut, vanilla and banana that are imparted by close contact with American white oak.
Find this classic Islay whisky at The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop
Aged for 12 years in oak casks and using the unique spring water of the island of Orkney.
Intensely malty and fresh at first, and then the lingering smoky depth adds weight, fabulous bitter-sweet balance which pans out on the sweet side with a gentle build-up of honey.
Buy here, via the Whisky Shop.
Aged solely in sherry-seasoned casks, this Speyside whisky has notes of vanilla, melon, banana and cinnamon.
Buy The Glenrothes at The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, The Whisky Shop
Established in 1790, Balblair distillery is tucked away in the ancient heart of the Highlands near the Dornoch Firth.
It’s one of the oldest working distilleries in the Northern Highlands, and the 12 Year Old (ABV46%) has been matured in a combination of double-fired American oak casks and ex-bourbon casks.
This means the whisky is complex with sweetness and spice, and a hint of fruit with lots of vanilla.
Buy here via The Whisky Exchange.
Located in Campbeltown, Scotland’s smallest whisky producing region and once the Victorian Whisky Capital of the World, Glen Scotia Distillery is renowned globally for its whisky making abilities, achieving several coveted accolades, including being named Distillery of the Year at the Scottish Whisky Awards and Best in Show at San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
The Glen Scotia Double Cask ‘Rum Finish’ showcases the quality and versatility of Glen Scotia’s no-aged-statement single malt whiskies.
This rich and exotic whisky is matured in the finest American oak barrels and has tasting notes of cooked sugar, molasses and tropical fruit notes.
Buy here via the Whisky Exchange.
An ideal representation of Loch Lomond Distillery’s signature style, Loch Lomond 12 Year Old Perfectly Balanced Single Malt is created using a combination of the distillery’s unique straight-neck pot stills, and more traditional swan neck stills.
The result is a timeless spirit with notes of fruit, honey, and soft smoke that can only be found in Loch Lomond Signature Malt Whisky.
Buy here, via Masters of Malt.
Morrisons have some great deals on Scottish produce for Burns night, including on a classic blended whisky - The Famous Grouse.
The Famous Grouse is a blend of malt and grain whiskies, the result of which is a rich, smooth flavour.
