If you're planning to roll out the tartan carpet on January 25 to mark the birth date of Robert Burns, Scotland's most famous poet, here are some single malt whiskies to pipe in a classic Burns night menu...

For a snifter to launch that Sunday evening of poetry and ditties, a whiff of stardom surrounds Arran Malt Robert Burns Single Malt (£29.99, 70cl, www.arranwhisky.com). The official Burns whisky and named after 'The Bard', who was born just across the water from Arran in Ayrshire, on the west coast of Scotland, it's certainly in tune with a celebratory supper. Smooth and delicate with floral notes and a deliciously creamy mouthfeel, it's rounded off by sweet, nutty fruits, vanilla and spice on the finish.

A new release from Ardmore which produces some of the smokiest malt on Speyside, the distillery cite The Ardmore Legacy (currently £20 from £30, 70cl, Tesco) as a good introduction to peated, single malts. The new-look label with a rare golden eagle (which can sometimes be seen soaring overhead and is an emblem of the distillery) replaces its core expression, Ardmore Traditional Cask, and offers a nose of heather smoke, with toffee, caramel and honey mixed with light charcoal notes.

The enticing smoky character in a whisky like this makes a wonderful match with the spicy notes in haggis, and single Islay malts such as Lagavulin 16 Year Old Whisky (£46.50, 70cl, www.31dover.com) are one of the most intense, peaty malts available. Rich and pungent with smoke and seaweed on the nose, a beguiling medicinal character and subtle sweetness on the finish, it's the perfect Scotch to sling back with haggis, neeps and tatties.

But if the thought of a wee dram laced with dense, peaty smoke makes you want to run to the hills, don't despair. There are plenty of mellow malts to tap into and serve with cock-a-leekie soup or smoked haddock chowder. Try Singleton Spey Cascade Single Malt Whisky, Speyside (£34.50, 70cl Waitrose) which has been finished in bourbon and sherry casks for an additional flavour note that's easy on the palate. Smooth, sweet and appealing with well-rounded flavours punctuated by subtle apple notes and sweet spice, it will appeal to a broad range of drinkers.

The orangey, signature style of Dalmore 12 Year Old Whisky (£34.50, 70cl, www.31dover.com) is another great choice if you like the sound of a rich, fruity style with orange marmalade, candied orange peel, spice and creamy toffee. Aged in ex bourbon and sherry casks, Dalmore is complex yet approachable and the stag's head emblem on the label can be found in the world's best whisky bars.

However, following the recent trend for no-age statement Scotch, it's not always easy to distinguish your favourite single malt (made at a single distillery) based on how long it's matured in the cask.

According to Ewan Lacey, general manager of the International Wine and Spirit Competition, there's a movement away from whiskies which are categorised by how old they are, and a movement towards the style the whisky follows, like Highland Park Dark Origins (£64.95, 70cl, www.thewhiskyexchange.com) to make it easier for consumers to find something they like.

With the focus on character rather than age, Dark Origins takes its name from the distillery's founder, Magnus Eunson, a smuggler who used to work in the dead of night to craft his golden liquid. This new expression uses twice as many first fill sherry casks than the classic Highland Park 12 Year Old to create the rich mahogany colour and richer palate with sherried spice and signature sweet smoke.

Meanwhile, another pioneer of the spirit, Glenrothes latest release is unlike other malts that have been bottled by age - T he Glenrothes Vintage Reserve (£39, 70cl, www.bbr.com) is a blend of vintage malt whiskies from the last three decades. Complex and described by malt master Gordon Motion as being "mellow, with soft fruits, citrus and honey," it contains 10 different vintages from 1989 to 2007 and represents the best of a particular year when it's mature and ready (whatever its age) to be blended together. With a floral bouquet, soft, creamy texture and ripe, berry fruits, it's a lovely expression and offers something a little different to inspire a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne.

:: BEST BUY

Guilt-free fizz... An excellent substitute if you want to raise a toast but dry January is preventing you from popping the champers, try Echo Falls Tisane Sparkling Infusion (Alcohol Free), USA (£3.49, Asda). A zero percent alcohol drink made from fermented white grape juice and a green tea infusion known as Tisane, it's t angy, fruity and crisp.

:: LIQUID NEWS

Toast of the town... The official champagne to the British Academy of Film and Television Arts, Champagne Taittinger are celebrating 13 years with the EE British Academy Film Awards and their bubbles will be flowing with the rapturous applause on Sunday, February 8.

To add extra sparkle to the star-studded occasion, special BAFTA labelled magnums and bottles of Champagne Taittinger Brut Reserve NV will be served at the awards dinner and after-show party at Grosvenor House, London. But i f you're not lucky enough to be walking the red carpet, why not recreate the evening at home with a couple of bottles of Taittinger, which are currently £26.65 each when you mix and match two bottles at Majestic.