You might ask what is a Burns Night?
Every year on the 25th of January, Scottish traditions are celebrated across the world in honour of the renowned Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns.
A Scottish bard is an ancient Celtic minstrel-poet, and Robert Burns is Scotland's national bard, much like William Shakespeare is England's national bard
Burns Night is celebrated worldwide by those who feel connected to Scotland and love its traditions, including haggis, music, dance, and, of course, a fine dram of whisky.
For this reason, multiple Tasmanian Burns Nights are organised across our state because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a fine whisky and a fantastic themed event?
Our pick of Tasmanian Burns Night is listed below. The links below provide more information and tickets. It is the perfect excuse to raise a toast to Robert Burns (and Tasmanian whisky!).
Burns Night at Hellyers Road Distillery
The Burnie Highland Pipe Band will partner with Hellyers Road Distillery to host a Scottish night to raise funds for the pipe band.
Guests will experience the traditional haggis ceremony and be treated to a Scottish inspired three-course menu, highland dancing display, poetry, piping and a performance by the Burnie Highland Pipe Band. A fund-raising auction will feature a rare Hellyers Road 16-Year-Old whisky, crowned Australia’s Best Single Cask Single Malt at the 2024 World Whiskies Awards, offering a unique opportunity for collectors. Funds raised from the night will help support the pipe band to replace and update uniform items and provide musical tuition to the local community.
Special guest on the night will be the Pipe Band’s Patron, Malcolm Murray the 12th Earl of Dunmore. “The Burns Night is such an important event. Not only celebrating Burns’ birthday on the actual date of his birth, but celebrating Scottish culture.”, says Murray. “I am excited to be involved with this event and to be the proud Patron of such an active and exciting pipe band.”
To book your tickets for the Burns Night, visit the Burns Night at Hellyer's Road Distillery website.
Burns Supper at The Queens Head
WhiskyIsMyJam presents the launch of an all new Tasmanian Single Malt upstairs at The Queens Head North Hobart, and what better date than on a Burns Night Supper alongside Scotch Whisky from distilleries associated with 'The Bard'.
Huntingfield Whisky is one of the latest Tasmanian Single Malts, with their first release ex-bourbon cask distilled, matured and crafted by the team at White Label Distillery located in Huntingfield just south of Hobart. The evening will also feature a preview of their future special release!
We will celebrate the life of Scotland's national poet through the medium of whisky from the Lowlands (Ayrshire) and Island Regions.
Reserve your seat for the Burns Supper by visiting Whisky is My Jam.
Australia’s home of global-award-winning spirits.
Prepare to be enchanted by the Tasmanian Whisky and Spirits Trails, a passage into the realm of liquid spirits. Journey through stunning landscapes, meet passionate artisans and sample the best of Tasmania’s whisky, gin and spirits.
Access the trails connecting the many cellar doors scattered throughout the island. Their tasting rooms and restaurants are turning these distilleries into destinations on their own, with plenty to see and do in between.
Choose your own itinerary, visit your favourite distilleries, meet the makers and discover the true spirit of the Island.