This evening, I had the immense honor of participating in an annual Scottish ceremony that celebrates the life and poetry of the Scottish poet Robert Burns. Burns wrote extensively about the many women in his life, nature, and he is credited with bringing whisky to the forefront of Scottish culture in the mid-18th century. The event, known as Burns Supper, is celebrated worldwide every year on January 25th—the date of his birth—with an evening full of Scottish food, whisky, poetry, and dances that celebrate Scottish culture.
The evening featured Kilchoman Loch Gorm, Wolfburn—Laphroaig casks galore—and Lochlea, which has been gaining traction in the past year. The event was held at the Old Money Old School Club, with mahogany wood, leather, and oil paintings adorning the space. The evening began with bagpipe music, and like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, we all followed the hypnotic sound into the dining room where we enjoyed the evening’s feast.
Before we sat down, a bagpipe player circled around us, followed by whisky bearers, haggis—a Scottish dish made from sheep’s offal—and the ceremonial knife/sword used to cut the haggis. Throughout the event, poems were recited, Lochlea was poured, and the highlight was the ‘battle’ between the women and men in the audience through song. It was simply extraordinary.
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