Oh yes. The annual Water of Life Society Ceilidh. Celebrating Scotland's most famous poet, Robert Burns, this night is never one to be missed. With the stabbing of the haggis and women being spun into walls, a Scottish experience is guaranteed. Guests were greeted at the door to Teviot's great Debating Hall by an Englishman gone native. Dressed in full Scottish regalia, Sam set the tone for the evening in his highland dress.
 |
| Sam the Scotsman |
Guests were then presented with the first and rather appropriate dram of the evening, the Robert Burns Blend created by Arran Distillers. Caramel amber in color, this tasted of vanilla dusty oak and finished in a tiny hint of spiciness, but most of the emphasis was on the oak. Second was Compas Box's Spice Tree. This blend is like "Christmas in a glass". Flavors such as clove, nutmeg, and boiled fruits come through this great dram. It was the perfect dram for toasting the haggis or the lassies or even acknowledging the laddies in my reply.
 |
| Scott presenting and stabbing the haggis and Eric translates for those of us who do not speak old Scottish. Sam waits in the background to toast the lassies |
 |
| My reply on behalf of the lassies |
After the toasts Gunna Sound took us through many more dances and the night was rounded off by the very smoky Cask Islay blend. Unlike our typical tastings, the drinking dancers were given a series of tickets in order to claim their whisky. We did enjoy our drams but the focus was on the dancing, smiling and the acquiring of bruises. And of course, the men in kilts!
 |
| Kilts, never "skirts" |
