Emma Why this iconic whisky owes its name to Rabbie Burns…and is the ultimate dram for Burns Night Celebrations
As preparations begin for Burns Night on 25th January, this is a whisky with its own story to tell – of a name proudly rooted in one of Robert Burns’ most famous poems, Tam O’Shanter, and a history that makes it the ultimate dram for toasting Scotland’s Bard!
Cutty Sark whisky was named after the globe-trotting British tea clipper of the same name – renowned as the fastest and most adventurous ship of its day, and an inspiration to the whisky’s founders, Berry Bros & Rudd.
The Burns link goes back even further, to 1869 when the famous clipper’s Scottish builders turned to the works of Robert Burns for their new ship’s name – and what is considered to be his finest poem, Tam O’Shanter.
… And how Tam stood, like ane bewitch’d, And thought his very een enrich’d; Even Satan glowr’d, and fidg’d fu’ fain, And hotch’d an blew wi’ might and main: Till first ae caper, syne anither, Tam tint his reason a’ thegither, And roars out, ‘Weel done, Cutty-sark!’ And in an instant all was dark: And scarcely had he Maggie rallied. When out the hellish legion sallied.
Robert Burns, Tam O’Shanter (source: Scottish Poetry Library)
Published in 1791, Tam O’Shanter tells the story of Ayrshire farmer, Tam, who encounters a gathering of witches on his return home one evening – including the beautiful Nannie Dee. She wears a revealing ‘cutty sark’ – Scots for a short nightdress or undergarment – causing Tam to shout out the famous line, ‘Weel done Cutty-Sark’, before the witches turn on him. Tam escapes, but not before Nannie Dee rips the tail from his horse, Meg.
Not only did the poem provide the new ship with its name, but Nannie wearing her ‘cutty sark’ and holding Meg’s tail in her outstretched hand became the Cutty Sark’s figurehead – which can be seen to this day on the ship, which is now a popular visitor attraction in London.
Speaking of the Burns connection ahead of celebrations on the 25th January,
Janette Deed, Head of Marketing UK for Cutty Sark said: ‘We are enormously proud of our link to Robert Burns and a poem as globally celebrated as Tam O’Shanter. Most people are aware of our whisky’s connection to the Cutty Sark clipper and an exciting era of ocean shipping and adventure. The historic connection to Burns’ poetry is much less known, but something we want to share and celebrate as Burns Night approaches. The smooth, mellow and refreshing taste of Cutty Sark whisky, which is masterfully blended from the finest single malts and top quality grain whiskies, also makes it the perfect dram for toasts, drams and all kinds of drinks to share with friends on this very special night of the year’.
Cutty Sark Original is bottled at 40% ABV in 70cl and is available for £23.95 from Amazon
Click here for some Cutty Sark cocktail ideas
