Robert Burns Night

At Oak & Black we absolutely love Burns' Night! It is a brilliant way to come out of January and gives you something to really look forward to: catching up with friends, reciting poetry, enjoying a dinner of haggis, neeps & tatties, and having a good excuse for dram - it's always a hot favourite in the calendar!

If you have the opportunity to attend a formal Burns' Night, I highly recommend that you take this. There is a formal running order to the evening and the camaraderie around the table is quite possibly the highlight for me.

I am fortunate to have participated in all aspects of the event over the years, including saying the 'Selkirk Grace', giving the infamous 'Toast tae the Lassies' and doing the 'Immortal Memory', which is a specific ode to Burns himself. My favourite part to play though is addressing the haggis as this offers the opportunity to really get into the role and be expressive while telling the story of why one should eat Scotland's national dish.

At the end we raise a glass from the Whisky Board to toast the chef and meal itself. 

A Whisky Board, or Whisky Flight as they are also known, is a must for any real whisky lover to present their current or favourite bottle along with their glasses.

We have had the privilege of making many custom designs for our clients, including the Sassenach Whisky one shown below which was a gift for Outlander star Sam Heughan, and one for Scotland Rugby star David Cherry on winning his first cap for his country. 

What style would you go for and what whisky will you have on yours come 25 January?