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There’s something undeniably magical about Bonfire Night – the crackle of wood, bursts of fireworks against the inky sky, and that unmistakable chill that calls for something warming in hand. As the season of scarves, sparklers and toffee apples returns, nothing complements a night by the fire quite like a smooth, smoky whisky.
Whether you prefer your dram neat, on the rocks, or mixed into a spicy autumn cocktail, the right whisky can turn an ordinary November evening into a cosy, flavourful ritual. From supermarket steals that overdeliver on quality to beautifully aged bottles made for lingering sips, we’ve rounded up seven whiskies that capture the spirit of the season.
So, as you gather your gloves and head outdoors to watch the fireworks, here are the best whiskies to toast by the bonfire this Guy Fawkes Night plus a special Hot & Spicy Whisky Cocktail recipe to keep things glowing long after the last spark fades.
Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky (£18.49, Aldi)
Proof that you don’t have to spend a fortune for a fine fireside sip, Aldi’s Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky delivers a surprising depth of flavour for under £20. With rich notes of dried fruits, warming cinnamon, and gentle oak, this Speyside single malt feels tailor-made for autumn evenings.
Smooth and mellow, it brings a touch of luxury to Bonfire Night without the premium price tag. Sip it neat while watching fireworks dance across the sky or use it as the base for a Hot & Spicy Whisky Cocktail for an added dose of warmth.
This is the bottle that proves affordable doesn’t have to mean ordinary. It’s a cosy, fireside favourite for whisky lovers on a budget.
Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey (£36, Tesco)
A true American classic with a cult following, Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey is everything you want in a cosy, autumn pour. Crafted in small batches and boasting over 200 detectable flavour notes, this bourbon is layered with caramel, chocolate, toffee, cinnamon, and orange zest, rounded out by a silky-smooth finish.
Its honey-amber hue mirrors the glow of a bonfire, while its rich, warming profile makes it ideal for sipping slowly on chilly nights. Whether you enjoy it neat, in an Old Fashioned, or with a splash of soda, Woodford Reserve offers the kind of comforting depth that feels tailor-made for Bonfire Night gatherings.
A multi-award-winning bourbon that pairs perfectly with toasted marshmallows, fireworks, and good company.
Johnnie Walker Black Label 12 Year Old Blended Scotch Whisky (£32, Tesco)
You can’t talk about smoky whiskies without mentioning Johnnie Walker Black Label, a timeless classic that delivers both depth and drama in every sip. Expertly crafted from over 29 whiskies aged for at least 12 years, this blend captures everything you want from a Bonfire Night dram – creamy toffee, vanilla, sweet fruits, and a lingering smoky finish that warms from the inside out.
It’s smooth, balanced, and approachable, the kind of whisky that pleases both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. Pour a glass while watching fireworks burst overhead or pair it with roasted chestnuts for the ultimate seasonal indulgence.
A whisky with just the right touch of smoke, Johnnie Walker Black Label is Bonfire Night in a bottle – familiar, comforting, and perfectly rich.
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (£55, Tesco)
When it comes to whiskies that embody craftsmanship and tradition, few rival Glenfiddich 15 Year Old. Matured in a blend of European oak sherry casks and new oak barrels, it’s finished in the distillery’s famous Solera vat – a process that gives the whisky its signature warmth, honeyed sweetness, and depth of flavour.
Expect rich layers of spice, vanilla, and dried fruit, balanced by smooth oak and a hint of sherry. It’s the kind of whisky that feels tailor-made for slow sipping on a crisp autumn evening – complex, comforting, and quietly luxurious.
This is a dram that rewards patience: warm, spiced, and endlessly smooth, perfect for pairing with an after-dinner dessert or simply savouring by the glow of the bonfire.
Old Pulteney Twelve Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (£39, oldpulteney.com)
Known affectionately as “The Maritime Malt,” Old Pulteney 12 Year Old is a whisky shaped by the sea, and it shows in every sip. Distilled and matured in hand-selected ex-bourbon casks by the Caithness coastline, this golden dram delivers waves of briny freshness, honeyed vanilla, and subtle spice, with a whisper of sea salt lingering on the finish.
It’s smooth, distinctive, and perfectly suited for Bonfire Night, evoking the crackle of driftwood fires and the sharp chill of sea air. There’s a comforting contrast here: sweetness meets salt, warmth meets wind, much like the night itself.
Pair it with roasted nuts or smoked meats for a flavour pairing that’ll transport you straight to the rugged Scottish coast.
Shanky’s Whip Irish Whiskey Liqueur (£25, Good Time In / Amazon)
If you prefer your Bonfire Night tipple on the sweeter, creamier side, Shanky’s Whip is a playful, unexpected choice. This Irish whiskey liqueur blends bold aged whiskey with vanilla and caramel, resulting in a smooth, dessert-like spirit that’s both indulgent and comforting.
Think butterscotch, spice, and toasted sugar; the kind of drink that feels tailor-made for wrapping up warm and sipping as the fireworks fade. Its retro bottle design and distinctive, dark liquid make it as striking on the bar cart as it is in the glass.
Serve it neat over ice or drizzle a splash into your hot chocolate for an adult-friendly Bonfire Night treat. Shanky’s Whip brings a little Irish warmth and a lot of personality to your November festivities.
Sacred Peated English Whisky (£69.85, Sacredgin.com )
If Bonfire Night had a scent, it would probably smell like this whisky. Winner of a Gold Medal at The World Whisky Masters, Sacred Peated English Whisky is matured in London after ageing in bourbon barrels.
Its final rest in old Pedro Ximénez sherry casks gives it layers of nutty, rich sweetness balanced by smoky warmth.
Expect tasting notes of log-fire smoke, sea salt, dried pineapple, clove spice, sweet vanilla, and a whisper of Christmas cake – an utterly British take on peated perfection.
Glen Moray Classic Whisky – £26.50, The Whisky Exchange)
A gentle Speyside single malt that offers a welcome contrast to the bolder, peatier whiskies on this list. Glen Moray Classic is matured entirely in American oak casks, giving it a smooth, creamy mouthfeel with notes of vanilla, toffee, and orchard fruit.
It’s an approachable and easy-drinking whisky; perfect for those looking to ease into the world of single malts. Enjoy it neat by the fire or as a base for a warming autumn cocktail.
The Perfect Bonfire Night Pour
Whether you’re braving the chill outdoors or keeping warm indoors, Bonfire Night calls for something smoky, rich, and soul-warming, and these whiskies more than deliver. From the maritime salt of Old Pulteney to the spice-laced smoothness of Woodford Reserve, each bottle offers a different take on autumnal comfort in a glass.
For the traditionalist, Johnnie Walker Black Label or Glenfiddich 15 Year Old bring that signature depth and balance of oak, spice, and sweetness. For the modern drinker, Shanky’s Whip adds a creamy twist, while Aldi’s Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt proves that indulgence doesn’t have to come with a steep price tag.
And if you’re feeling adventurous? Mix things up with a Hot and Spicy Whisky Cocktail, made with Glen Marnoch Speyside – the ultimate fireside drink to toast the night sky.
Whichever you choose, these bottles are sure to keep the sparks flying long after the last firework fades.
