Whisky expert's Burns Night toast advice according to Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel

The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh has shared how to give the perfect Burns Night toast.

One of the fanciest hotels in Scotland, The Balmoral on the capital's iconic Princes Street is home to more than 160 guest rooms, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and even its own whisky bar. SCOTCH serves more than 500 unique varieties of whiskies from across Scotland to suit every preference.

In honour of Burns Night tonight, the bar's Head Whisky Ambassador Cameron Ewen has hand-picked his top drams to toast in celebration of Scotland’s renowned poet. Whisky is an important part of any Burns Supper, and so it is important to pick the right one.

As reported by the Scottish Daily Express, Mr Ewen has chosen the whiskies based on their distinct tasting notes and variation in flavours. From Glendronach 15 Year Old to Glen Moray 18 Years Old, his picks sound like a whisky-lover's dream.

"Burns Night is celebrated throughout Scotland and across the world," he commented. "It is a wonderful evening for everyone to toast the life and works of Robert Burns, who is widely recognised as Scotland’s national poet."

"Traditionally the night is filled with delicious food such as haggis, neeps and tatties, and the beautiful water of life, whisky. I have hand-picked from our collection, which is one of the largest in Edinburgh, whiskies which I recommend to enjoy on the evening of January 25.

"The whiskies selected vary in flavours, with the exciting addition of whisky cocktails, to ensure there is an option for everyone to enjoy."

Read on for Mr Ewen's top picks for a Burns Night whisky.

Glendronach 15 Year Old

This is popular among those who like rich and Highland-style whiskies, with the Glendronach distillery renowned for its dedication to sourcing active sherry casks. The casks used in this particular variety have left a strong influence on the taste.

The notable aromas of cherry, blackberry, and oak are at the fore of the Glendronach 15 Year Old. Meanwhile, after taking a sip, the lingering presence of cherry is complimented by demerara sugar and dark chocolate.

Glendronach 15 Years Old also offers a long and spiced finish that balances with bitter orange and oily walnut. The whisky pairs perfectly with smoked salmon, and is a perfect option to accompany appetisers at the beginning of the evening.

Glendronach 15 Year Old is available from The Whisky Shop.

Glenmorangie 18 Years Old

Next up is the Glenmorangie 18 Years Old, which includes the traditional distillery-driven characters Glenmorangie is famous for: crisp orange and creamy malt. After a little while, toasted and sugared mixed nut aromas also present themselves.

This whisky has a lovely flavour of spiced almonds, vanilla, and brittle toffee. There is also a gorgeous finish of dried fruit and fragrant vanilla.

Glenmorangie 18 Years Old is available from The Whisky Shop.

Royal Brackla 12 Years Old

To start with, the Royal Brackla 12 Years Old presents with a gorgeous smell of stewed apples and oranges that mixes with walnuts and buttered malt loaf. Following a sip, notes of chocolate coated peanuts, coffee cream, dried cherries, raisins, and blackcurrant — with a combination of burnt butter and brown sugar — then appear.

This is an ideal whisky to drink at the end of the evening by a roaring fire.

Royal Brackla 12 Years Old is available from The Whisky Shop.

Glen Moray 18 Years Old

This whisky is fully matured in first fill Bourbon casks, which allows for a sweet and soft flavour to develop. The Glen Moray 18 Years Old also has a notable spicy character, thanks to the aroma of freshly picked plums drizzled in rich allspice and caramel.

Meanwhile, its taste is mellow and floral, with distinct notes of white chocolate, vanilla, fresh orange rind, and woodruff. The Glen Moray 18 Years Old perfectly pairs with chocolate, and is another top contender for an after-dinner dram.

Glen Moray 18 Year Old is available from The Whisky Shop.

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