Affectionately known as 'the Ploughman Poet', Robert Burns is Scotland’s national bard. Although born a few centuries ago in Ayrshire in 1759, his works remain a testament to Scotland’s literary history. Poems and lyrics of his are still being celebrated worldwide today as we rally around the last day of the year to sing Auld Lang Syne.
He loved the Scottish Highlands, as penned in one of his poems “my heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go”. When not immersed in his literary works, he tried his hands at farming, which turned out to be a rather ill-fated venture for him. So at the age of 29, he took a job as an exciseman. It offered travel through the Highlands, it paid the bills, and put him in close contact with distilleries for that odd dram or two. However, this was not a profession he came to love and quite despised as illustrated in one of his poems, appropriately named “The Deil's Awa wi' th' Exciseman” (The Devil has Taken the Exciseman)
The memory of Robert Burns lives on, so dive into some haggis this Monday the 25th to celebrate his birthday with a healthy dram to wash it all down. Here are some suggested Highland whiskies below to celebrate Scotland’s national bard with us.
Slàinte Mhath !
Aberfeldy Single Malt Scotch– 16 year old - $108.99
This fantastic Highland single malt shows great value and garnered a Gold Outstanding at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2019. Aged in ex-Bourbon followed by resting in Oloroso Sherry cask lends an extra layer of richness. This whisky shows a juicy sweetness with flavours of caramelized orchard fruits, cinnamon, raisin and honeyed notes.
Royal Brackla Single Malt – 12 year old - $104.99
Classic Highland whisky that is steeped in tradition. Aged in ex-Oloroso Sherry butts for a minimum of 12 years. It offers classic sherried richness with hints of almond, citrus peel and finishes off with a slight peppery spice.
Tomatin Single Malt Scotch - Moscatel Finish
15 year old - $157.99
Time in traditional oak casks and Moscatel wine barriques has brought warm flavours of toasted citrus spices and sun-dried fruits, rounded off with a sweet, creamy finish. This whisky was distilled in 2003, then moved to Moscatel barriques in 2013 for 5 years of finishing. Non-chill filtered and natural colour.