January 25 is Burns Night: a Key Date in the Whisky Calendar

Sunday, 11 January 2026 at 11:03

It’s January 25, which means it’s Burns Night. Whisky lovers know exactly what this is about, but we’re happy to give everyone a refresher. Because Burns Night is a celebration for every whisky enthusiast!

No, it’s not an official public holiday, so you won’t get the day off, though it might be wise to book a day of leave afterwards. Burns Night is, after all, celebrated with whisky among other things. But before we crack open a bottle, let’s go back to where it all began.

Eating haggis and drinking whisky on Burns Night

Robert Burns was born on January 25, 1759, in Alloway, Ayrshire. He went on to live just 37 years, a short life by today’s standards, but he made a lasting impact. He left behind a remarkable body of poems and songs that are still read and performed to this day.

The first Burns Night took place in July 1801, when nine of Burns’s friends gathered to mark the 5th anniversary of his death. They met in his cottage, ate haggis, and drank whisky. They recited his work to one another and sang his songs. This is now known as the Immortal Memory. The evening was such a success that they made it an annual tradition, this time on Burns’s birthday, January 25. Today, it’s celebrated across Scotland and has become a cherished tradition, with the Burns Supper taking center stage.

Burns Night isn’t complete without a Burns Supper

A Burns Supper is essentially a grand feast with time-honored rituals dedicated to Robert Burns. It begins with the Selkirk Grace, one of the Bard’s works. Then comes the starter, usually cock-a-leekie, a soup of leeks, prunes, and chicken. With the soup finished, the next course is piped in to the sound of bagpipes: the haggis.

A toast is made, and the host delivers Burns’s Address to a Haggis. Finally, it’s time for dessert and this is where the whisky returns. The Scottish classic cranachan, made with cream, honey, and raspberries, is enriched with a generous splash of the elixir.

After the dinner, it’s time to commemorate Burns with the Immortal Memory, the Toast to the Lassies, the Reply to the Toast to the Lassies, and more, naturally accompanied by a hearty measure of whisky. The evening ends with Auld Lang Syne, one of the Scottish legend’s most beloved songs. It may sound like a lot to get everything “right,” but that’s the beauty of Burns Night: there is no right or wrong. As long as everyone’s enjoying themselves, you’re doing it right, just like at a whisky festival.

This article was previously published on our Dutch Website.

FAQ

Who was Robert Burns and why is Burns Night celebrated?
Robert Burns was Scotland’s national poet, born on January 25, 1759. Burns Night is celebrated on his birthday to honor his poetry, songs, and lasting influence on Scottish culture.

What is a Burns Supper and what happens during it?
A Burns Supper is a traditional Scottish dinner featuring haggis, formal toasts, poetry recitals, and songs by Robert Burns. Whisky plays a central role throughout the evening.

Why is whisky so important on Burns Night?
Whisky has been part of Burns Night since the first celebration in 1801. It reflects Scottish tradition and is used for toasts, speeches, and enjoying the evening together.