Not that I’ve ever needed a reason to enjoy a Scotch neat as soon as the weekend arrives, but if I can justify my lushy indulgence, I’ll drink to that.
Tartan wool, bagpipes and whisky (sans “e”!) will be rotating all around Houston eateries that are hosting Burns Suppers to celebrate Scottish poet Robert Burns’ birthday today, January 25. But even if you’re not fortunate enough to be sitting down to a proper Burns banquet at places like Feast and Kiran’s, you can still practice your best Scottish accent by reciting the late bard’s poetry, present the haggis (or just a shepherd’s pie) alongside bagpiping celebrants and toast your “cup o’ kindness” with friends.
Below I’ve compiled a list of what I think should be in your snifter come Burns Night. Because many have tasted the obvious bestsellers like Glenlivet, Glenfiddich and Macallan, I stuck with some lesser-known gems that everyone should experience. Seemingly non-kosher options like India’s Amrut and Japan’s Yamazaki are staples in the spirits industry and favorites of mine, but again I’ve chosen to be a mindful imbiber on the literary Scot’s day and decided to stick with traditional Scottish options.
Scotch distilleries abound from Speyside to Islay and back, so narrowing the best down to five options is tricky, but here are some tasty peat attacks and more-subdued selections to please your palate.
1. Laphroaig 10-year ($59.78) Big guy first: The standard for ultra-peaty and a personal favorite for days when I need to forget my troubles and give everyone in sight a hug, this 200-year-old institution manages to deliver an almost antiseptic smell and taste that is delicious rather than offensive. This is definitely a love-hate selection that not everyone will like but that everyone should taste at least once.
2. Lagavulin 12-year ($89.36) I was recently introduced to this amber-colored, oak-cask-aged single malt. If you love the peat in Laphroaig but don’t like the dry finish, this is your better bet. The smoke is pronounced but countered by nutty undertones and spice. The finish is definitively sweeter than most Scotches I’ve tasted, but it works well with the lingering smoke from the nose.
3. The Balvenie 15-year ($81.78) If the Lagavulin 12-year was too much smoke, try the Balvenie 15 year — it’s got a smooth tipple with spicy almond notes and just a hint of subdued citrus. It’s a great go-to for those who typically shy away from Scotch because of its smokey, ashy qualities. The novice and expert alike will enjoy this ultra smooth Speyside classic that shares its home with Glenlivet and Macallan, in case you prefer those flavor profiles to Islay’s peaty offerings. Try the Doublewood version for oak and sherry maturity.
4. Oban 14-year ($66.99) Another great option for the smoke-averse, Oban has floral honey notes with the slightest hint of peat at the palate and a super-dry finish. If you’re going to sample, have this one before tasting the peat-aggressive Laphroaigs of the world because they will overwhelm your taste buds before you can appreciate the smooth and more subtle complexity in this bottle.
5. Talisker 10-year ($60.99) Finally, for equal parts peat and full-bodied grassy flavor, this is a well-balanced option. It’s spicy and fiery, not for the faint of heart, but the smoke won’t drown out the intense flavors that linger well after you’ve washed down your Scottish pudding.
Other honorable mentions are Highland Park 18-year ($85), Glenmorangie 10-year ($34.99), Ardbeg 10-year ($47.36) and The Dalmore 10-year ($43.99). Each of the suggested retail prices are for 750-ml units. Look for them at Spec’s.
Edging off some of the alcohol and smoke with cold stones or a bit of water better allows the taster to appreciate the flavors and bouquet. Or have it the way I do — and probably the way Burns did, too — neat but sniffing with mouth open and tasting at the middle of your tongue to reach the different flavor notes without diluting the liquid.
Sláinte and happy birthday, Robert Burns!