Saturday Jan 24th, 2008 The Wine Ladies ventured into somewhat less familiar territory, the territory of Scotch.

 In honour of the great Scottish poet Robbie Burns we attended his 250th birthday party at the LCBO Summerhill store in Toronto. This is one of many events going on around the world this year including a year- long Homecoming Scotland celebrations.

The party began with a colourful parade as “Robbie Burns” led the cast of characters. Including the presentation on a large platter, the legendary Scottish dish Haggis into the event kitchen in the store. Once inside “Robbie Burns” recited the poet’s immortal Address to the Haggis’. We were advised that there would be an interpreter provided as he recited the poem. Believe us we needed one as we stood there listening without a clue what he had said. Unfortunately, there was no translation forth coming so we still don’t know what he said but we were most charmed by the thick accent and passionate delivery of the poem.

While waiting for the Haggis to be ready we were treated to a spirited Highland dance.

Two fine ladies of the Scottish Dance Company performed several flings, jigs and reels. We were exhausted just watching these ladies as it takes tremendous physical fitness to perform this art of dance. Now, we know aerobics were invented in Scotland and not California.

We also were poured a wee dram of 12-Year-Old Single Scotch Whiskey from Bowmore Islay as well as an Cnoc 12-Year-Old Single Scotch Whiskey. Now these two whiskeys delivered and were rich and complex. Magnificent!

And finally, the moment we had been waiting for in trepidation. The tasting of the Haggis. Neither one of us had ever tried this and had avoided it up until that very moment. As we know this dish has had a bad tasting reputation. Well much too our delight we were most definitely surprised and this Haggis was very tasty indeed. Chef James of The Old Mill Restaurant had prepared a delicious Haggis for us all to enjoy!

The LCBO offers some 150 single malts and 40 blended Scotches throughout its 605 store network. LCBO single malt sales grew by 7.2 percent in 2008 over the previous year. The LCBO sells more than $35 million worth of single malt Scotch whiskey and more than $93 million worth of blended Scotch whiskey annually.

Bowmore Islay 12-Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey – LCBO Product # 330803- $49.05 per bottle

an Cnoc 12-Year Old Highland Single Malt Scotch Whiskey- LCBO Product # # 358341 – $65.95 per bottle

Below: Scotch for everyone!

Visit the Homecomings Scotland website for details on this year-long 2009 celebration.