At the end of January every year, Scots the world over gather to celebrate the birthday of Robert Burns, the national bard of Scotland. Born in Ayrshire on 25th January 1759, the son of a farmer, he was educated at the local village school until old enough to work as a labourer on the family farm. Somehow, he found time to write poems and ballads about everyday life in the lowlands of Scotand. It was the publication of a collection of these in 1786 that first brought Burns to the attention of the public and set him on the road to becoming a national hero.
The traditional celebration involves a ‘supper’, the key course of which is haggis served with champit tatties and bashed neeps. Speeches are made, poems read, songs sung, toasts proposed. A dram or two helps the evening go with a swing.
It was memories of Burns Nights past that encouraged us to add this tasting to our programme for the first quarter of the New Year.
We will start the evening by telling you a bit about how Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made. We will then devote the rest of the time to the story of Robert Burns and the Burns Night suppers that are organised to this day.
Presenter: Sandy Leckie.
Availability: Good.
Recommended Whiskies: The presentation will feature single malt whisky distilleries from 4 regions of Scotland. We recommend you buy a 5 cl. miniature of whisky from each distillery by mail order from the London-based specialist, the Whisky Exchange (www.thewhiskyexchange.com), as follows:-
Edradour 10-Year Old, Glenfiddich ‘Solera Reserve’ 15-Year Old, Talisker ‘Skye’ and Laphroaig 10-Year Old. The total cost, including delivery and VAT will be around £25. Delivery can take up to 7 working days so order in good time to avoid disappointment.
Bookings
Bookings are closed for this event.
