To the Immortal Memory of Robert Burns

We attended a Burns Night supper this evening.

Robbie Burns


That’s a haggis, in case you’ve never actually seen one. Note that the supper did not serve a choice of beer or wine or whisky. All three were served together

10 comments:

Aggie said...

Is there that owre his French ragout,
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi perfect scunner,
Looks down wi sneering, scornfu view
On sic a dinner?

Grim said...

The haggis was great.

douglas said...

Fantastic. Always wanted to try Haggis.

douglas said...

Also, a question on etiquette- when served beer, wine, and whiskey, is there a proper order of consumption?

I might like to make this a thing in the future.

douglas said...

Coincidentally- Over at Ace, a fitting grace-

A Grace Before Dinner, Extempore

O thou who kindly dost provide
For every creature's want!
We bless Thee, God of Nature wide,
For all Thy goodness lent:
And if it please Thee, Heavenly Guide,
May never worse be sent;
But, whether granted, or denied,
Lord, bless us with content. Amen!
-- Robert Burns

Grim said...

Also, a question on etiquette- when served beer, wine, and whiskey, is there a proper order of consumption?

The whisky in this case -- there were two kinds of single-malt Scotch served during the dinner -- was chiefly for the requisite toasts. The beer was served before dinner and the wine with dinner, so you might say: beer as an appetizer, wine as a main drink with the course, and whisky for special honors.

Here is the particular beer that was served. It's a local brew, from a company owned by a former Marine and Iraq War vet.

Tom said...

I've heard it said that you work up the ABV, so beer (generally around 5%) => wine (around 14%) => whisky (around 40%) would fit that. Of course, that may be an old fisherman's story. I've never tried to check it for either etiquette or medical usefulness.

In Japanese pubs, beer is often seen as an appetizer. It's kind of a warning shot for the liver to get ready for a serious engagement. At least, in my experience.

I've always wanted to attend a Burns Dinner. Paradoxically, I've never had the least desire to try haggis.

douglas said...

That certainly makes sense, thank you. I'll have to see if that brew is available around here. I can't stand hopscotch candy, but I'm guessing that's not what it tastes like.

Grim said...

No, it’s a dark ale, malty and smoky (from the smoked peat).

douglas said...

Sounds lovely, right up my alley. It doesn't look like I can get any around here, so maybe someday if I get out that way, I guess.