St Andrew's Day Whisky: 5 Scotch Whiskies to Toast 30 Nov
St Andrew’s Day Whisky: The Best Scotch to Toast 30 November
Buying Guides
3 min readDeepak Bali
“Quick answer: For a St Andrew’s Day toast, pick a single malt that shows off a part of Scotland. The Glenlivet 12 (Speyside) is the easy crowd-pleaser. Aberfeldy 12 (Highlands) brings heather honey. Laphroaig 10 (Islay) is for smoke lovers. Highland Park 15 Viking Heart (Orkney) makes the best gift. Loch Lomond The Original is the budget pick for a crowd, at £23.28.
St Andrew’s Day falls on Monday 30 November 2026. It’s Scotland’s national day, and in Scotland it’s also an official bank holiday (though not every employer gives the day off).
Across the country people mark it with ceilidhs, Saltires, haggis and, of course, a dram. Whether you’re raising a glass at home, hosting friends or sending a bottle to someone far from Scotland, the five whiskies below cover four of Scotland’s whisky regions, from a gentle Speyside to a smoky Islay. Every one is in stock now.
The best Scotch to toast St Andrew’s Day
1. The Glenlivet 12 Year Old: the crowd-pleaser (Speyside)
If you’re pouring for a mix of people, start here. The Glenlivet 12 is soft and fruity, with banana, pineapple and floral notes on the nose and peach, pear, vanilla and toffee on the palate. The finish is smooth and creamy, so even people who “don’t really like whisky” tend to enjoy it.
Written by
Deepak Bali
I’ve been exploring whisky since 1996, combining nearly three decades of knowledge and firsthand tasting experience. In 1999, my master’s degree work focused on my own whisky website. Every whisky I review is personally tasted, independently assessed and scored out of 100 using a consistent five-stage framework. My judgement is guided by what’s in the glass, never by brand reputation or price.
2. Aberfeldy 12 Year Old: heather honey from the Highlands
Heather is one of Scotland’s best-known symbols, and Aberfeldy 12 is known for its heather honey character. It’s unpeated, with honey, vanilla and fudge, and a gentle spice to finish. It’s a warming, rounded dram for a cold November evening.
For anyone who likes their whisky bold. Laphroaig 10 is heavy with peat smoke and seaweed, with medicinal, salty notes and a touch of vanilla and fruit underneath. The finish lasts a long time. It’s the dram that tastes most like Scotland’s west coast.
4. Highland Park 15 Viking Heart: the gift (Orkney)
If you’re sending a bottle to someone special, this is the one. Made on Orkney, Scotland’s far north, Highland Park 15 Viking Heart is aged in sherry-seasoned oak. Expect honey and citrus with a gentle heather smoke. At 44% ABV it has a little more body than the others.
5. Loch Lomond The Original: the budget pick for a crowd (Highlands)
Hosting a ceilidh or a big family dinner? Loch Lomond The Original is an easy-going single malt at a friendly price. It’s malty and fruity, with honey, peach, pear and creamy vanilla, and just a hint of soft smoke on the finish.
Say it in Gaelic. The classic Scottish toast is Slàinte mhath (say it “slan-juh vah”), which means “good health”. The reply is Slàinte mhath back, or just Slàinte.
Pour it neat first. Try a small measure on its own, then add a few drops of water. Water opens up the aroma, especially in the peated Laphroaig and the 44% Highland Park.
Go for a flight. Pour a small dram of each, lightest to boldest: Loch Lomond, Glenlivet, Aberfeldy, Highland Park, then Laphroaig last. It’s an easy way to taste your way around Scotland in one evening.
What to eat with your dram
Haggis, neeps and tatties: the Glenlivet or Aberfeldy. Their sweetness balances the peppery haggis.
Cullen skink (smoked haddock soup): Laphroaig. Smoke with smoke.
Cranachan or shortbread: Highland Park 15. Honey and sherry oak go well with cream, raspberries and oats.
A cheeseboard: Loch Lomond with a mild cheddar, Laphroaig with a strong blue.
FAQs
When is St Andrew’s Day 2026?
Monday 30 November 2026. St Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland.
Is St Andrew’s Day a bank holiday?
Yes, in Scotland. It has been an official bank holiday there since 2007, but employers don’t have to give the day off. It isn’t a bank holiday in the rest of the UK.
What whisky should I drink on St Andrew’s Day?
Any Scotch you enjoy. For a crowd, a smooth Speyside like The Glenlivet 12 is a safe choice. For a statement, go for a smoky Islay like Laphroaig 10.
What’s a good Scotch whisky gift for St Andrew’s Day?
Highland Park 15 Viking Heart is our gift pick. For more ideas, see our Christmas whisky gifts guide, as St Andrew’s Day is a great early start on Christmas shopping.
How do you say cheers in Scottish Gaelic?
Slàinte mhath, said roughly “slan-juh vah”. It means “good health”.
Raise a glass to Scotland
Whatever you’re pouring on 30 November, make it a good one. Browse our full range of Scotch whiskies, shipped from Dunfermline, Scotland.
Slàinte mhath!
Please drink responsibly. You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol.
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