Burns Night is one of the most festive dates in the Scottish calendar – a celebration of poetry, heritage, and good food, all brought together with a dram of exceptional Scotch whisky.

Whether you’re hosting your first Burns supper or want to learn more about Scotch whisky, this guide explores Scotch whisky recommendations for every style of celebration.

Explore Scotch Whisky at Hackstons

The Best Scotch Whiskies for Burns Night

For Burns Night 2026, the best whiskies balance rich malt sweetness, gentle spice, and savoury depth – flavours that pair beautifully with haggis, neeps, and tatties.

• Sherried Speyside malts add warmth and fruit to savoury dishes
• Lightly peated Highland whiskies echo traditional smoky notes without overpowering food
• Classic single malts offer approachability for learners and versatility for toasts

If you’re unsure, a balanced single malt Scotch, especially those from the Speyside and Highland whisky regions, is the safest – and most celebratory – choice.

What Is Burns Night?

Burns Night is celebrated annually on 25th January, marking the birthday of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. Traditionally observed with a formal supper of haggis, neeps and tatties, the evening includes:

• The ‘Address to a Haggis’ reading
• Readings of Burns’ poetry
• Toasts to the poet, friendship, and Scotland
• Plenty of Scotch whisky

Today, the annual event has become a way for people around the world to honour and connect with Scottish heritage. And with Scotch taking a star role, it is also the closest thing we have to a national whisky day!

Why is Scotch whisky traditionally served on Burns Night?

Scotch whisky has long been woven into Burns Night tradition. In Burns’ time, whisky – also known as ‘the water of life’ – symbolised Scottish independence, rural life, and hospitality – themes central to his writing. Burns referenced the drink often in his poetry, celebrating it as an integral part of Scottish life and culture.

While not mandatory, Scotch remains the most authentic and meaningful choice for a Burns supper.

What is Scotch whisky?

Scotch is a whisky that is legally required to be matured in oak casks in Scotland for at least three years and bottled at a minimum of 40% ABV.

There are five recognised whisky regions in Scotland according to the Scotch Whisky Association, each producing Scotch whiskies with unique characteristics. However, within each region there are a number of distilleries that produce Scotches with their own distinct flavour profiles. So, deciding what is the best Scotch whisky for Burns Night comes down to a matter of personal taste. 

One thing you can be certain of is that the best Scotch whiskies balance flavours that pair beautifully with haggis, neeps, and tatties. 

The five Scotch whisky regions

• Speyside: the most densely populated whisky region in the world, these spirits are full of fruit and honey spices.
• Islay: this beautiful Scottish island is home to a number of distilleries, famous for their fiery, peat-heavy whiskies.
• Highland: a diverse region that produces diverse Scotch whiskies, from lighter flavours all the way to salty coastal malts.
• Lowland: these whiskies from southern Scotland are equally diverse in structure and flavour and are fast growing in popularity.
• Campbeltown: varied and full of flavour, these robust and rich whiskies have hints of salt, smoke, fruit, vanilla and toffee.

Some enthusiasts also consider the Islands to be a sixth, unofficial category, due to their diverse, maritime-influenced whiskies from islands like Skye, Orkney, Jura, and Arran, often featuring coastal, smoky, or peaty notes. 

Explore Scotch whiskies from every corner of Scotland to discover the different styles.

Best Scotch whiskies for Burns Night 2026

Here are some Scotch whisky recommendations from each region of Scotland, that would receive a warm welcome at any Burns Night supper.

The Macallan 12 Year Old Sherry Oak

Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt

Talisker 25 Year Old Single Malt

Bruichladdich Black Art 11

Daftmill 15 Year Old Fife

Glen Scotia 25 Year Old Single Malt Whisky

How to choose the right Burns Night whisky

For first-time hosts: Choose a balanced Speyside single malt

For food-focused dinners: Opt for a robust and flavoursome Campbeltown whisky

For traditionalists: Select a Highland or lightly peated style

For adventurous palates: Explore rugged, coastal Island whiskies 

Explore our full range of Burns Night whiskies for your celebration.

Burns Night Whisky FAQs

What whisky should I drink on Burns Night?

A single malt Scotch whisky with balanced sweetness and spice is an ideal Scotch for a Burns Night supper. Speyside and Highland styles are especially popular.

Is Scotch mandatory for Burns Night?

No, Scotch is not mandatory for Burns Night but it is traditional and culturally significant, making it the most authentic choice for toasts and the ‘Address to a Haggis’.

What whisky pairs best with haggis?

Sherried Speyside whiskies and lightly peated Highland malts pair best with haggis, offering richness that match the strong flavours of haggis without overpowering the dish.

Should I serve more than one whisky?

If hosting a Burns Night supper, it is a nice touch to offer more than one whisky – a more versatile dram for the meal and another bolder option for after dinner.

Celebrate Burns Night 2026 with style

Burns Night is about embracing tradition and celebrating with loved ones – and the right whisky enhances every moment. Whether you’re raising a glass during the poetry or savouring a dram after supper, a well-chosen Scotch brings tradition to life. Explore our Scotch whisky collection at Hackstons and discover the perfect bottle for your Burns Night 2026 celebration.