Robert Burns is Scotland’s National Poet.
Burns Night is celebrated with much gusto throughout the world and usually involves Scotch Whisky & haggis.
This lovely short video explains all.
I decided to celebrate Burns Night in The Malt House – my local in Athlone.
The agenda for the evening comprised of 4 differing styles of Scotch with 4 authentic Scottish food pairings – including some haggis!
808 Whisky kicked off the proceedings.
Marketed as ‘Whisky Remixed‘, this 40% chill filtered blended grain is the creation of DJ TommyD – hence being named after the famous Roland TR808 drum-machine that inspired modern dance music.
Soft & subtle with a faint spice at the end made this a very easy to drink whisky which went down well with almost all the tasters.
It’s whisky for the new generation – so we paired it with old generation traditional Scottish shortbread.
Next up was a far more heavier & peatier example of a Scottish whisky dating from the 1870’s – which makes this blend about the same age as the original ‘Old Parr’ who was allegedly the oldest man alive before he passed away at 152!
The peat content didn’t please everyone – but Grand Old Parr 12 Year Old was balanced by some soft sweet grain notes which smoothed down the overall experience. Scottish tablet complimented this gently chewy whisky.
Laphroaig 10 is one of the big peat hitters from Islay. The smoke had a more intense hit than Old Parr & only the more seasoned whisky drinkers in the audience seemed to enjoy it!
A round of oatmeal biscuit soaked up the welcome fire from this famous single malt.
The most refined and complex whisky of the evening was undoubtedly the exclusive Robert Burns single malt from Isle Of Arran Distillers.
Bottled at 43%, aged in a combination of ex bourbon & sherry casks, this malt gave a soft sweet palate of fresh fruits which followed through to mild spice on the long warm finish.
Haggis on a seaweed oatcake brought out a bout of tingling on the tongue as the pepper & spice of the pudding interacted with the spirit – very enjoyable.
There was no outbreak of Highland Dancing nor bagpiping or dubious tartan fashion statements as in The Bay City Rollers – but there was a little corner of Scotland in The Malt House to celebrate the poet.
My thanks to The Malt House for the hospitality & big thanks to all who came along to enjoy the evening.
I’ll leave Rabbie with the last word,
O Whisky! soul o’ plays and pranks!
Slainte.
WestmeathWhiskeyWorld 
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