Robert Burns Whisky

In this occasional series, we’ll be sharing literary tipples – the drinks enjoyed by our great writers. What was their drink of choice when they raised a glass? Did they like to write about the enjoyment of sharing a drink with friends? Can we follow them and enjoy the same beverages today? Join me for a tipple or two.

Robert Burns was a man of convivial spirit who appreciated the social aspects of sharing a drink with friends. His poems often reflect the drinking culture of his time, and he wrote about the joys of raising a glass with fellow revellers.

Burns was born in Alloway, Ayrshire in 1759 and although he never actually visited the Isle of Arran, he is certain to have been able to see it on clear days as he laboured in the fields of his father’s farm. At that time there were several illicit stills on Arran which produced whisky that was claimed by many to be “among the finest whiskies available”.

Burns’ reputation as a lover of both poetry and conviviality endures, and he is celebrated annually on Burns Night (January 25th), where people gather to commemorate his life and works with traditional Scottish food, music, and, of course, a “wee dram” of Scotch whisky.

Many of Burns’ poems and songs feature well-lubricated hospitality, and even wrote an entire poem, Scotch Drink, about his love of whisky. Here is the last verse.

“Fortune! if thou’ll but gie me still
Hale breeks, a scone, an’ whisky gill,
An’ rowth o’ rhyme to rave at will,
Tak a’ the rest,
An’ deal’t about as thy blind skill
Directs thee best.”