Burns Night is a celebration of Scottish heritage, poetry, and bold flavours. While whisky often takes centre stage on 25th January, there’s another way to mark the occasion—through a perfectly crafted cup of Whisky Barrel Aged Coffee.
At Penningtons Tea and Coffee, our whisky barrel aged coffee captures the warmth, depth, and character associated with Scotland’s most iconic spirit, without the alcohol. This Burns Night brew guide shows you how to get the very best from this unique coffee and why it’s the perfect companion for an evening of tradition and celebration.
What Is Whisky Barrel Aged Coffee?
Whisky barrel aged coffee is made by resting green coffee beans in genuine whisky barrels before roasting. During this process, the beans absorb subtle notes from the wood and residual whisky vapours.
The result is a coffee with:
- Gentle whisky and oak aromas
- Notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice
- A smooth, warming finish
- No alcohol content
Penningtons’ whisky barrel aged coffee is carefully roasted to preserve these distinctive flavours while maintaining balance and drinkability.
Why Whisky Barrel Aged Coffee Is Perfect for Burns Night
Burns Night is all about rich flavours, warmth, and storytelling. Whisky barrel aged coffee fits naturally into the celebration, offering:
- A Scottish-inspired flavour profile
- A comforting drink for after dinner
- A great alternative for non-whisky drinkers
- A unique talking point for guests
Serve it alongside dessert, enjoy it after the Address to a Haggis, or sip it while reading Robert Burns’ poetry.
Burns Night Brew Guide: How to Brew Whisky Barrel Aged Coffee
To fully appreciate the complexity of whisky barrel aged coffee, brewing method matters. Here are our recommended approaches.
1. French Press (Recommended)
The French press highlights body and richness, allowing the whisky and oak notes to shine.
How to brew:
- Use a coarse grind
- Ratio: 1:15 (coffee to water)
- Water temperature: 92–96°C
- Brew time: 4 minutes
Expect a full-bodied cup with warming depth—ideal for a winter evening.
2. Pour Over
Pour over brewing emphasises clarity and sweetness, revealing more subtle barrel-aged notes.
How to brew:
- Medium grind
- Slow, controlled pour
- Total brew time: 2.5–3 minutes
This method produces a clean, aromatic cup with refined whisky undertones.
3. Espresso (For the Adventurous)
Whisky barrel aged coffee also works beautifully as espresso, delivering intensity and richness.
Enjoy it:
- As a straight espresso
- With a dash of hot water (Americano)
- Paired with dark chocolate or shortbread
Water Quality and Freshness Matter
As with any speciality coffee, fresh ingredients make all the difference.
For the best results:
- Use fresh, cold filtered water
- Grind beans just before brewing
- Store coffee in an airtight container away from light and heat
These steps ensure the whisky barrel character remains vibrant and balanced.
Burns Night Serving Ideas
Make your Burns Night coffee moment extra special with these serving suggestions:
- Serve in warmed mugs or cups
- Pair with Scottish shortbread, oatcakes, or dark chocolate
- Add a splash of hot milk or cream for a softer finish
- Offer it as a post-dinner alternative to whisky
You can even create a Burns Night coffee station for guests to brew their own cup.
A Thoughtful Burns Night Gift
Whisky barrel aged coffee also makes a thoughtful Burns Night gift. It’s ideal for:
- Whisky lovers looking for something different
- Coffee enthusiasts who enjoy unique flavours
- Hosts and hostesses
- Anyone celebrating Burns Night alcohol-free
Paired with a brewing accessory or a handwritten note, it’s a gift that feels both festive and personal.
Celebrate Burns Night with Penningtons Tea and Coffee
At Penningtons Tea and Coffee, we pride ourselves on creating distinctive coffees that tell a story. Our whisky barrel aged coffee brings together craftsmanship, tradition, and flavour—perfectly suited to Burns Night.
Whether you’re hosting a full Burns Supper or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this unique brew offers a warm, memorable way to celebrate.
Discover Whisky Barrel Aged Coffee at Penningtons
Raise a cup this Burns Night and experience the character of whisky in a whole new way. Explore Penningtons Tea and Coffee’s Whisky Barrel Aged Coffee and enjoy a brew worthy of the occasion.

