Whisky drinkers come from all cultures and religions, so there are a diverse range of holidays celebrated by this group. However, there is one holiday that every Scotch whisky lover should celebrate: Burns Night.
What is Burns Night? As the name suggests, it is a festival dedicated to the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Burns is widely celebrated in Scottish culture and the night dedicated to his legend, January 25, is somewhat of an unofficial Scottish holiday. Burns Night celebrations combine three of my favorite things: great whisky, great food and great poetry.
Whisky is a huge part of Burns Night because it was a huge part of Robert Burns’ life. He was known for drinking and philandering, and was the father of at least twelve children born to four different mothers. Burns died tragically of a fever at the age of 37. The first Burns Night celebration took place a few years later in 1801.
The original Burns Night celebration was a small gathering of scholars and poets, celebrating mainly the poetry of the writer. However, the celebration grew throughout the years into a Scottish life festival of sorts. In modern times, Scottish food and Scotch whisky are enjoyed on this night to celebrate both the poet and his nationality.
Burns Night usually includes a dinner shared with friends. The menu almost always includes haggis, a meat mixture cooked in a sheep stomach that is not necessarily palatable to non-Scots, along with turnips and potatoes—“neeps and tatties” as they are called in Scotland. Several different Scottish courses are served with a whole lot of whisky.
When the haggis is served, many Scots will read Address to a Haggis, which is a poem that Robert Burns write for this traditional Scottish food. Bagpipes may also be used to celebrate. Drams of whisky are passed around and one may even be poured over the haggis itself. The haggis is the unofficial guest of honor in the celebration, although many Burns Night festivities outside Scotland may make do without it.
You may not think this is an important holiday because you have never heard of it, but think again. 15 million people throughout the world celebrate this holiday, which brings around $250 million into the Scottish economy. Seventy percent of haggis consumption in Great Britain is related to Burns Night. Nor is Robert Burns an insignificant figure outside of Scotland; there are statues of the poet in Central Park, New York City as well as Hyde Park, London. Burns’ poetry is read in schools and homes throughout the world due its being translated into almost all major languages. It has influenced legendary poets and musicians, including the Beatles.
Even if you are not fond of Haggis or of Robert Burns’ poetry, there is one good reason to celebrate Burns Night. It is a celebration of Scottish culture, which produced the fine spirit of Scotch whisky. More important, it is an excuse to get together with friends and celebrate Scotland with a few drams and toasts.
