As Burns nights Approaches:

Hunting the Haggis

One of the highlights of Burns Night on 25 January is the ritual stabbing of the haggis, accompanied by a reading of the poet's ode to that steaming Scottish delicacy. Tens of thousands of haggis are consumed on that celebratory night, far more than at any other time of the year. Stocks have to be built up well in advance, which is why the months leading up to Burns Night are considered to be the prime season for haggis hunting.

Americans tourists are the most enthusiastic haggis hunters, with almost one in four of those who visited Scotland last year apparently claiming that they had come to the country with a view to snaring a wild haggis - though it wasn't clear whether they intended to eat it or take it home with them as an exotic pet. Some US travel companies are offering haggis-hunting tours, and there is no shortage of Scottish game-keepers willing to accompany visitors in pursuit of this elusive animal.
And what of the haggis itself?

Described as a shy creature with largely nocturnal habits, it is said to lead a burrowing existence on the heather-covered moors and gentle lower slopes of Scottish mountains. About the size of a large hedgehog, the haggis has a beaver-like face, four short legs, each with a spade-shaped claw, and a plump round body covered with wiry grey fur. Due to its extreme short-sightedness, it often wanders unaware into the traps set by experienced hunters.

Connoisseurs claim to be able to tell at once the difference between wild haggis and those bred on haggis farms, established in recent years to meet the ever-expanding consumer demand.

Robert Burns could hardly have anticipated that his celebrated poem would turn the haggis into a national institution, or that hunting haggis would become such a popular pastime - though not of course for the poor unfortunate haggis.
So if any of you feel the need for haggis, tatties and neeps, contact me, I will do all I can to help :0)

I can also advice on pure single malts, to make the Burns night complete.

So are you up for a Haggis????

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Originally posted by mike-d-1960:
I can also advice on pure single malts, to make the Burns night complete.

So are you up for a Haggis????

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Balvenie, and no.

cute story..but I know what it's really made of..which wouldn't stop me from eating it, but the one time I smelled it it sure did..ewwwwww

Airborne, you seem to know your malts, Balvenie, my favourite, especially the 12yo double wood.

Amvet, what the hell did they do to the haggis you tried???????????? it shouldnt eewwwwwwwww at all. lol

I don't know but know it stank and I wasn't going to try a bite of it!

of course if I'd been reeeeeeeeallly hungry..

a summary of a UK News Article:

The world's most expensive haggis will be cooked up - at a cost of £2,500.

The bumper haggis, created by Scottish chef John Paul McLachlan, will provide enough servings for 10 diners, who will stump up £250 per portion.

The unique Buccleuch Estate haggis will be infused with one of the rarest whiskies in the world - the 50-year-old Balvenie Cask 191 single malt.

Only 83 bottles of the dream dram exist, and it retails in selected bars for around £500 for a short measure.

The gourmet haggis will be served at the recently-opened contemporary Scottish restaurant and bar, Albannach, in London, to celebrate its first Burns Night.

All proceeds will go to the tsunami appeal.

In honour of the bard's birthday, Gordon Ramsay-trained chef McLachlan will soak the haggis throughout the cooking process with four drams of the Balvenie Cask 191 50-year-old whisky.

John Paul promised this would enrich the flavour and add a hint of spice.

"It will taste fantastic and is sure to have great appeal,'' he said.

"We wanted to do something special for Burns Night and I can't think of anything more appropriate than cooking a haggis infused in a 50-year-old whisky.

"I've never made anything like it in my 31 years and I'm honoured to be the chef that gets to use this £6,000 bottle of whisky.

"It's a great way to raise money for the tsunami appeal, and we plan to give every diner a wee taste.''



Hey Airborne, now thats one way to use the balvanie, but i'd prefer mine in a glass.

I cant believe that no body wants a haggis sent over.

well now if it's a DRINK, will try anything once..

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Originally posted by mike-d-1960:
I cant believe that no body wants a haggis sent over.

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Lad, when ye stopped by the aulde sod did ye nay kiss the Blarney Stone?

No haggis for this kid, but thanks. Maybe you'd like to come over to this side of the pond sometime and go snipe hunting. They're about to come in season.

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Originally posted by Amvet91Alpha:
well now if it's a DRINK, will try anything once..

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Yep, i know you will, ive heard those rumours too.

LOL

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Originally posted by WARHAWK97:
No haggis for this kid, but thanks. Maybe you'd like to come over to this side of the pond sometime and go snipe hunting. They're about to come in season.

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But are they as good game as the "jackalope" ?

I could introduce a wild haggis breeding programme. Canny little critters.



Hey Thud, so you'll nay be wanting a haggis then laddy??

I think there actually is such thing as a snipe. I think it's a bird in Australia. And if you ever get out to California, you'll see that some of those damn Jack Rabbits are just about big enough to hump an Antelope, so who knows, there may be some Jackolopes hopping about!

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Originally posted by mike-d-1960:

quote:

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Originally posted by Amvet91Alpha:
well now if it's a DRINK, will try anything once..

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Yep, i know you will, ive heard those rumours too.

LOL

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I categorically deny any and all rumors.

especially the true ones..

Yep, thats the Amvet i know. LOL