What a celebration! We paid tribute to Rabbie in true Scots fashion.
Our piper greeted guests outside on the terrace and after a reception with our special aperitif Drouthy Goose, he piped everyone to their seats.
Stuart Pemble, our MC for the evening, said the Selkirk grace before being treated to traditional Scottish faire featuring cock a leekie, Stornaway black pudding, haggis neeps and tatties, and cranachan. Stuart delivered Ode to a Haggis in perfect Burns dialect with all the drama the poem requires.
Vivienne Mackay of Ian Macleod Distillers, delivered a tutored tasting for every whisky that matched each course.
Each whisky had a very distinct style, influenced by the type of oak and length of time it’s aged, as well as the location of the distillery and the burns that provide the water.
It was amazing how varied the styles were. One of the favourites of the evening was the Tamdhu 18 year old which was exceptionally smooth, with hints of prune and subtle hints of smoke.
We finished off with Rita’s wonderful rich dark chocolate followed by a rousing rendition of Auld Lange Syne.
