Burns Night 2018: Nicholson's pubs announce 2018 whisky showcase & burns night celebrations: 11th January, 2018

Nicholson’s will be hosting its second annual National Whisky Showcase (www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/whisky) from 15 January until 25 February, across its 77 pubs nationwide. A whole host of unmissable events are planned, including dedicated Burns Night menus, whisky brand ambassador talks, tastings, exclusive offers and competitions. Explore the world of whisky and find new favourites this winter with Nicholson’s – delivering the classic, authentic pub experience since 1873. 

THE BEST IN SCOTTISH WHISKY – AND BEYOND

Whisky-lovers and keen novices are spoilt for choice with a selection of over 40 UK and global drams on offer – highlights from this year’s Showcase include Bruichladdich’s Classic Laddie, Hibiki Harmony and Penderyn Madeira.    

A number of tasting events and workshops will educate and allow guests to explore both classic and lesser-known brands. Punters can pop into their Nicholson’s local and join a whole host of brand ambassadors that may include the likes of Scotland’s Copper Dog, Bruichladdich and Kentucky-based Wild Turkey bourbon. Additionally, Diageo will be showcasing its range celebrated whiskies, including Johnnie Walker, Lagavulin, Talisker and Roe & Coe. 

BURNS NIGHT MENU (22nd – 28th January)

Nicholson’s pubs will be celebrating the life of famous Scot, Robbie Burns, offering a feast of a menu packed with traditional Scottish favourites such as Scotch broth with farmhouse bread and butter; haggis, neeps and tatties; and pulled lamb ‘Crofters’ pie topped with haggis mash – all finished off with a traditional Cranachan, made with whipped cream, honey, raspberries, toasted oats and a dash of whisky. 

Available between between 22nd – 28th January, guests dining from the special Burns Night menu will also be treated to a complimentary dram of the new Glenfiddich IPA whisky, to help toast to the man of the moment. Those after even more of a tartan-fuelled treat can add on a tailored whisky flight, featuring Laphroaig 10yr, Auchentoshan 12yr and The Macallan Gold. To book, visit www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/burnsnightmenu. 

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Here are just a few highlights from this year’s Whisky Showcase… 

Glasgow
Throughout Nicholson’s Whisky Showcase, the Glasgow city distillery, Auchentoshan, will be taking up residence at The Drum & Monkey. During their post, the brand will be working closely with Scottish brewers, Innis and Gunn, to create some special whisky and beer cocktails, as well as hosting beer and whisky masterclasses. Partakers will learn how to master the Scottish tradition of ‘hauf and a hauf’, discovering how the combination of Auchentoshan’s sweet, zesty and nutty aroma pairs perfectly with a crisp, chilled beer.  

London
Two ticketed Burns Night whisky evenings will be taking place at London’s Hoop & Grapes and The King’s Head on Thursday 25th January with Maxxium, exploring the whiskies featured in the special Burns Night flight – Laphroaig, Auchentoshan and The Macallan. Afterwards, guests can ‘address the haggis’ and tuck into a two or three-course feast* in honour of Scotland’s beloved poet. 

Glenfiddich, meanwhile, will be taking Londoners on the ultimate whisky voyage to their Speyside distillery – all from the comfort of The Walrus & Carpenter, Old Thameside Inn, Williamsons Tavern, The Globe, The Woodins Shades, The Coal Hole, The White Horse, The Feathers, St George’s Tavern and Doggett’s, Coat & Badge. Drink in hand, guests can don a special VR headset and explore the Scottish home of the world’s best-selling single-malt whisky, before sampling drams of Glenfiddich 12yo and IPA.  

Birmingham
Monkey Shoulder will be popping up in Birmingham’s Bacchus Bar with its ‘tea trolley’, serving up whisky cocktails and blasting out some tunes from the trolley’s very own DJ decks. 

Various
Britain’s very own Adnams Brewery will be setting off from Southwold to showcase its whiskies and gin at The Clarence and The York (London), The Crooked Billet (Essex), The Mitre (Cambridge), The Old Butter Market (Canterbury) and Bacchus Bar (Birmingham). Guests will get to sample the brand’s offerings both neat and in perfect serves. 

Follow @Nicholsonspubs and #NicholsonsWhiskyShowcase to keep in the know and find out how to get your hands on great deals and enter competitions. For more information visit www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk/whisky