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Whisky & Tradition:Raising a glass to Santa and beyond

8 November 2023

Whisky, has been cherished for centuries as the perfect way to unwind after a hard day's work or mark a momentous occasion. Yet, for aficionados of this fine spirit, it's not just about the alcohol; it's about the rich tapestry of traditions and culture that accompanies it.

Exploring Popular Whisky Traditions

In the world of whisky, traditions run deep, and there's a global affinity for Scotch whisky that has given rise to a variety of customs and practices. Let's delve into some of the most popular and cherished whisky traditions.

Enhance Your Whisky Experience with the Glencairn Glass

The Glencairn glass, with its uniquely designed features, is hailed as the definitive vessel for enjoying whisky. Characterized by its broad bowl and tapered sides, this glass is more than just a drinking utensil; it's the key to elevating your whisky appreciation. Discover for yourself why the Glencairn glass is considered the 'official' way to savor the complexity of whisky.

Unlocking Whisky's Full Potential: The Art of Adding Water

Amidst the realm of whisky connoisseurs, a common practice is adding a drop of water to your dram. The belief is simple – this humble addition can work wonders by unraveling the hidden flavors and making the whisky a more delightful experience.

Celebrate Burns Night with Whisky: A Toast to Rabbie Burns

Robert 'Rabbie' Burns, the illustrious Scottish poet born in 1759, is commemorated annually on the 25th of January, a date known as 'Burns Night.' It's a time when people from all walks of life come together to pay homage to the bard's legacy. A cherished tradition of this celebration is raising a glass of whisky, often accompanied by a plate of haggis. Let's explore the poetic connection between Burns Night and the 'water of life'—whisky. Burns himself loved whisky, and even wrote a poem about it called ‘John Barleycorn’ that contains the lines:

‘Twill make a man forget his woe;
‘Twill heighten all his joy;
‘Twill make the widow’s heart to sing,
Tho’ the tear were in her eye.

Exploring the Art of Whisky Cocktails: Elevate Your Whisky Experience

If sipping whisky neat isn't your preferred choice, fear not, for the world of whisky cocktails beckons. With an array of delightful recipes to explore, you're bound to discover one that perfectly suits your palate. From the classic 'Whisky Sour,' blending whisky, lemon juice, sugar, and egg white, to the enchanting 'Rusty Nail,' a fusion of whisky and Drambuie, a Scottish liqueur,  a journey awaits to enhance your whisky adventure through the world of mixed drinks.

Christmas Magic for Whisky Enthusiasts: A Toast to the Festive Season

Christmas holds a unique charm, especially for those who cherish whisky. With the backdrop of chilly winter evenings, twinkling fairy lights, and the comforting crackle of an open fire, the stage is set for a heartwarming whisky experience that brings festive cheer to every sip.

For many devoted Scotch enthusiasts, whisky has held a cherished place in their hearts during festive celebrations, etching enduring family memories. Scotch whisky seamlessly weaves itself into time-honored family traditions, whether it's gracing the Christmas pudding in lieu of brandy, offered as a humble gift to Santa on his busiest night, or serving as the preferred libation for spirited family board game nights

In the United States and Canada, children may leave a glass of milk and a plate of cookies intended for Santa; in England and Australia, sherry or beer, and mince pies are left instead. However in Scotland the tradition has always been for a nip of whisky, mincepies and of course carrots for the reindeer.

Colder weather tends to make the more heavily sherried or peaty whisky more appealing (the sherry casks generically bring out fruit cake or perhaps Christmas cake flavours, with deeper stewed fruit flavours and baking spice notes, and our more peaty drams are reminiscent of a warming open fire.

Our top recommendations for this festive period include:

Sherry cask inspired:

Peaty inspired:

Whatever the occasion Robert Graham has the whisky to help ensure it is memorable and enjoyable for all. Our experienced team can help find the perfect bottle to suit the more experienced whisky drinker or novice at the start of their journey.

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