SPOTLIGHT ON raising a GLASS – whether it’s a teetotal one or not

What’s On’s food and drink pages cater for all – those celebrating Burns Night this week with a wee dram, or staying strong in the fourth week of Dry January. Angela Cole mixes it up

Scots have celebrated the life of Robert Burns for more than 200 years. But as Burns Night suppers grow in popularity, with dedicated menus and whisky tastings popping up across the country, more of us are rolling out the tartan carpet and paying tribute to Scotland’s most famous bard. Sometimes referred to as the poet laureate of whisky – his love for the ‘water of life’ is well documented – it’s a great excuse to get into the spirit and raise a dram.

Here are four of our favourite single malts...

1. Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt £17.49, 70cl, Aldi

tasting note: Smooth and fruity with orange, toffee, vanilla, oak and traces of spice on the lingering finish. The light palate and combination of dried fruits and buttery, biscuity notes will appeal to a broad range of drinkers.

Food match: This is the perfect snifter to serve with cock-a-leekie soup (broth made with leeks, chicken and prunes), or smoked haddock chowder.

2. the Glenlivet Founder’s reserve Speyside Single Malt £32, 70cl, Sainsbury’s

tasting note: Signature fruity flavours with sweet orange, pear and hints of candy and toffee on the long, smooth, creamy finish, with delicate woody notes on the nose. Food match:

When it’s time for the main event and you want to try something different to haggis, Glenlivet suggest a plate of braised lamb shank pie with mushy peas. Simply delicious, the Glenlivet’s citrusy fruits and zesty orange with sweet, citrusy aftertones have the depth of flavour to marry well with the lamb.

3. port askaig 100° proof islay Single Malt £43.95 online only, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange

tasting note: Scotch from the Isle of Islay packs a punch with its smoke and peat, and this pungent, cask strength, straight from the barrel, bottle more than delivers with its enticing mix of sweet fruits, iodine and seaweed.

Food match: A Burns Night celebration wouldn’t be complete without haggis. The smoke, sea salt and citrus notes in Port Askaig will complement the earthy flavours of Scotland’s national dish and you can always add a smidgen to the gravy before pouring it over the neeps and tatties (swedes and potato).

4. Bowmore 15 year old islay Single Malt £49.95 online only, 70cl, The Whisky Exchange

tasting note: The Whisky Exchange Whisky of the Year 2018, the peat takes a back seat with sweet sherry notes at the fore, along with spiced fruit, wood, treacle toffee and Bowmore’s trademark smoke.

Food match: A full bodied malt good for pairing with cranachan (the Scottish dessert made from whipped cream, honey, fresh raspberries and oatmeal). It’s one of the few distilleries left that was making whisky during Burns’ lifetime – and should inspire a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.