For those of you who love anything Scottish, whisky, kilts, and bagpipes, you need to know about one of the most quintessentially Scottish events ever, Burns night or Burns Supper held annually on the 25th of January in celebration of the birth date of the national poet of Scotland Robert Burns or Rabbie Burns as he is known in Scotland.
While that may sound like a sedate event of people reading poems commemorating this loved poet, the night is marked with whisky, haggis, and readings of the 18th century’s poets best works. Haggis is Scotland’s national dish, quite similar to some of our Arabic dishes it is a sausage-like preparation made of sheep’s “pluck” (heart, liver, and lungs), oatmeal, onion, suet, stock, and spices, all encased in the animal’s stomach, but don’t let that discourage you, its earthy, savoury, spicy and quite lovely. The highlight of the night is the supper, where they all enjoy haggis which is led into the supper by an escort of bagpipers, while a speaker would read aloud ‘Address to a Haggis’ a poem written by burns.
While the speaker recites a few verses, he cuts the haggis and pours a substantial splash of whisky onto it, the guests then raise their whisky glasses in honour of this night and enjoy a supper together drinking some of the best Scottish whisky. The night aims to honour all of the things that Burns held dear and truly loved, a main one being whisky. He was captivated by the process of distillation, and loved whisky immensely. Although it may be called Burns Supper, the supper is only a small part of this whole celebration, it would not be a celebration without whisky! While it may be a bit difficult to jet out to Scotland, why not have your own Burns Night at home, haggis is encouraged but not required. We have the best whisky for you to buy in honour of this Scottish tradition, here are three incredible options for you to choose from.
Regions of Scotland 5 Dram Whisky Tasting Set
It's incredible just what a huge range of different styles of whisky that are produced all over Scotland. Drinks by the Dram came up with this tasting set of five 3cl samples to showcase the Regions of Scotland, from the peaty, smoky Islay; to the fruity, malty Highlands; the soft, floral Lowlands; and the honeyed, often Sherried Speyside and more!
- Glenkinchie 12 Year Old 3cl
- Singleton of Dufftown 12 Year Old 3cl
- Talisker Port Ruighe 3cl
- Deanston Virgin Oak 3cl
- Aerolite Lyndsay 10 Year Old - The Character of Islay Whisky Company 3cl
This is a traditional single malt scotch whisky, its delicately light, sweet and malty leaving a long slightly spicy finish. Always impeccably well-made, this is a whisky that always delivers in quality. It certainly offers more complexity than you'd expect from a 10-year-old dram. A lovely, delicate whisky from Glenfarclas. On the nose, Sherry-sweet malty tones combine with delicate aromas, releasing subtle spices. Warming the glass reveals honey, vanilla and pear drops. Delicately light on the palate, with a mouth-watering combination of maltiness, sherry sweetness. Hints of dried fruit, vanilla, cinnamon and cloves tempt the taste buds further. Long, smooth and spicy finish.
Royal Brackla 12 Year Single Malt Scotch Whisky
A fabulous 12-year-old single malt from Royal Brackla! Bottled at 46% ABV, this whisky was finished in Oloroso sherry casks imparting a fantastically fruity, spiced depth of flavour. Royal Brackla was the first distillery to be granted the 'royal' warrant by King William IV back in 1833! On the nose sherried fruit cake, buttered malt loaf, and stone fruits. On the palate; peaches, dried apricots, dark berries, and cherries mingle with caramelised nuts, chocolate raisins, brown sugar, and baking spices. Wafts of sweet, tangy oak, sugared fruit, and almonds on the finish.
These are only three options which we have provided, but we have a large array of whiskies to choose from! Whiskies from all 5 Scottish regions, and whiskies for all different types of whisky drinkers and lovers!
