Scottish Edition: Burns & Whisky 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Dive into Burns Night festivities, sip Bobby Burns, explore Scotch lore, and get a guide to whisky regions!

Author

Mixologist Master
January 25, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 1 minute

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Sip & Synopsis - What You'll Find Here

  • January 25th - Burns Night Holiday in Scottland
  • Sip Spotlight: Bobby Burns
  • Scotish Lore
  • Fun Facts about Scotch
  • Mixologist Spotlight: Murray Anderson
  • Shaker Secrets
  • Cheat Sheet to Scottish Whisky Regions

Trivia Question❓

What is the oldest continuously operating licensed distillery in Scotland?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

January 25th - Burns Night Out Holiday

"Burns Night" is a Scottish holiday celebrated annually on January 25th to honor the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns. Here's everything you need to know:


  1. Robert Burns: Burns Night commemorates the life and work of Robert Burns, Scotland's national bard, born on January 25, 1759 

  2. Traditions: The celebration typically includes a formal dinner known as a Burns Supper. This supper often features traditional Scottish dishes like haggis, neeps (turnips), and tatties (potatoes). It's accompanied by readings of Burns' poetry and the famous "Address to a Haggis"

  3. Address to a Haggis: The evening often begins with the recitation of Burns' poem "Address to a Haggis" while a haggis, a savory pudding, is ceremonially presented and cut open.

  4. Poetry Recitations: Besides the haggis, there are readings of Burns' other works, including songs like "Auld Lang Syne," which is sung at midnight on New Year's Eve worldwide.

  5. Scottish Culture: Burns Night is a time to celebrate Scottish culture, literature, and the enduring legacy of Robert Burns.

  6. Whiskey: Scotch whiskey often plays a significant role in the celebrations, with many toasts in honor of the poet.

  7. Attire: Some participants wear traditional Scottish attire, such as kilts and tartan, to add to the festive atmosphere.

Drink of the Week

Looking for a little Scotch wisdom? This article dishes out the fascinating tales behind six Scottish whisky legends. From daring distillery heists to mystical water sources, these stories will leave you thirsty for more. Ever heard of the “Angel’s Share” - the portion of whisky that evaporates during maturation? You’ll learn all about it here! And let's not forget about the peculiar link between whisky and the Loch Ness Monster. So, grab a dram and prepare to be entertained as we unveil the captivating lore surrounding Scotland’s beloved Scotch.

Fun Facts

  • Did you know that Scotch whisky was originally called "uisge beatha" by the Scots? In Gaelic, it translates to "water of life," and it has been produced for centuries, becoming one of the world's most cherished spirits.
  • Contrary to popular belief, peat smoke is not an essential character of all Scotch whiskies. While some expressions are heavily peated, many others are not. The level of peatiness varies depending on the region of Scotland where the whisky is produced, offering a wide range of flavors to suit different preferences.
  • Aging Scotch whisky in oak barrels plays a significant role in its development, but did you know that these barrels have a fascinating history? Many of them were initially used to store other spirits, such as bourbon or sherry, before being repurposed for maturing Scotch. These previous occupancies can impart unique flavors and nuances to the final product. So, next time you pour yourself a glass of Scotch, take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage, diverse flavors, and intricate cask maturation process that make it such a remarkable spirit!

Mixologist Spotlight

Photo: Instagram @thewestmount

The man behind the Casual Mixologist. Murray Anderson boasts an impressive background in the culinary arts and mixology, having worked alongside renowned chefs. Discover his passion for crafting unique cocktails infused with unexpected ingredients, like bacon fat-washed bourbon and jalapeno-infused tequila. Murray's expertise doesn't stop at mixing drinks; he also shares valuable insights on pairing cocktails with food, making him a must-read for any cocktail enthusiast looking to elevate their drinking experience. Don't miss out on delving into the world of this extraordinary mixologist!


Read More...

 Shaker Secrets

To enhance the flavors of your Scotch, try this secret hack: Experiment with different glassware.


Opt for a tulip-shaped glass, as it concentrates the aromas, allowing you to fully appreciate the intricate nuances of your fine Scotch without any unnecessary distractions. Cheers to an elevated tasting experience!

 Your Scottish Whisky Cheat Sheet

  1. Speyside: The Whisky Manhattan Speyside, known as the Whisky Manhattan, is rich in distilleries that produce malts low in peat but high in nutty, fruity flavors like apple, pear, honey, vanilla, and spice. It's a region where whiskies like The Glenlivet and The Macallan thrive, each offering a different take on light, grassy to rich, sweet profiles​​.

  2. Highlands: A Landscape of Flavors Highland whiskies offer a diverse palette, ranging from spirited Northern drams with cereal and honey notes to smoky, peaty offerings in the West. Whether it's Glenmorangie's spirit or Glengoyne's dry fruitiness, the Highlands are a ground for powerful, yet elegant whiskies​​.

  3. Lowlands: Elegantly Smooth The Lowlands, just north of England, specialize in soft, smooth malts. With flavors like grass, cream, ginger, and cinnamon, these whiskies are perfect for those who enjoy a gentle, elegant sip. Brands like Auchentoshan bring a citrusy edge, earning the region's drams the moniker of 'Lowland Ladies'​​.

  4. Islay: The Peated Powerhouse Islay is famed for its robust, peat-rich whiskies, each revealing complex layers of smoke, salinity, and a variety of palates from floral to carbolic. Its southern distilleries produce full-bodied, briny malts, while the northern ones offer less peaty but equally captivating drams​​.

  5. Islands: Maritime Mastery Island whiskies are known for their contrasting profiles, from feathery citrus to peaty smokiness. They embody maritime notes, with distilleries like Talisker and Tobermory offering everything from potent malts to fruity, nutty flavors​​.

  6. Campbeltown: The Enduring Few Once home to over 30 distilleries, Campbeltown now boasts three producers known for their unique, distinctive malts. Expect a mix of wet wool, smoke, fruit, and vanilla in their varied offerings, ranging from double to triple-distilled whiskies​​.

💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

The Glenlivet Distillery.

Cheers!


~ Andrea 


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