Having spent four very fond years in Scotland, the concept of Burns Night is not unfamiliar. On this evening, normally held January 25th, Scots come together to celebrate the life of Scottish poet Robbie Burns. Traditionally and officially it follows a set format of speeches, an ‘address to the haggis’, celebratory speeches, etcetera etcetera. Unofficially, it’s an excuse to get pissed on whisky, don a kilt and give your nether regions some air.
However, I’ll be the first to admit that as a twenty something , somewhat English female, I find it a struggle to relate to the aged, womanising Robert Burns – who was, after all, a notorious cheat, father of many illegitimate children and on the whole…a bit of a bastard. I sit through speeches every year actively trying to force the emotion he inspires in his countrymen, every year actively failing.
Consequently, this January when I was invited to a London Burns Night what little enthusiasm I could summon was solely because it was organised by Monkey Shoulder, my favourite blended whisky brand. Oh, but how wrong I was.
The evening began traditionally with drinks and general schmoozing. There were some yummy Monkey Shoulder cocktails, such as their modern take on a traditional hot toddy and something else; a sort of crisp, iced punch (and, boy, did it pack one). Then my hopes sank as the speeches began. Someone from the Dufftown Burns Appreciation Society gave an introductory speech, unveiling a special portrait they’d had commissioned in honour of Robbie Burns. Yawn. But wait…upon the brisk whisk-offage of the portrait’s veil, a painting of The Simpsons’ very own Mr Burns was revealed!
However, I’ll be the first to admit that as a twenty something , somewhat English female, I find it a struggle to relate to the aged, womanising Robert Burns – who was, after all, a notorious cheat, father of many illegitimate children and on the whole…a bit of a bastard. I sit through speeches every year actively trying to force the emotion he inspires in his countrymen, every year actively failing.
Consequently, this January when I was invited to a London Burns Night what little enthusiasm I could summon was solely because it was organised by Monkey Shoulder, my favourite blended whisky brand. Oh, but how wrong I was.
The evening began traditionally with drinks and general schmoozing. There were some yummy Monkey Shoulder cocktails, such as their modern take on a traditional hot toddy and something else; a sort of crisp, iced punch (and, boy, did it pack one). Then my hopes sank as the speeches began. Someone from the Dufftown Burns Appreciation Society gave an introductory speech, unveiling a special portrait they’d had commissioned in honour of Robbie Burns. Yawn. But wait…upon the brisk whisk-offage of the portrait’s veil, a painting of The Simpsons’ very own Mr Burns was revealed!
 | The evening unfolded in full surrealism from there. Immediately an unexpected alarm rang, we were hurried through a hidden door and into full body hazard suits, under the instruction that there had been a nuclear spill. Dinner consisted of Simpsons inspired dishes (e.g. 3 fish eye soup), actors planted amongst us causing unexpected stirs and dedicatory speeches – including an amorous one to Smithers. |
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My personal highlight was an address to the ‘radioactive haggis’ which was paraded around inside a nuclear glove box. In essence, Monkey Shoulder took each traditional element of a Burns Supper, shook it up and served it in increasingly startling ways; ways that I, as a 90s kid, revelled in.
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A final flourish to this altogether bizarre night came in the form of hidden party favours, secreted in our belongings whilst in the cloakroom. I smile at the thought of 50 moderately hung over media types all over London digging bottles of Monkey Shoulder whisky from their pockets on their AM commutes.
Until next year, Burns, Robbie and Monkey Shoulder. Slàinte *.
*Scottish Gaelic for: Chin Chin/ Good Health / Cheers/ Get tha’ dawn yer…depending on how North you go.
https://www.monkeyshoulder.com/
Until next year, Burns, Robbie and Monkey Shoulder. Slàinte *.
*Scottish Gaelic for: Chin Chin/ Good Health / Cheers/ Get tha’ dawn yer…depending on how North you go.
https://www.monkeyshoulder.com/
