Celebrate a Scottish Tradition in the Adirondacks

Crown Point’s War Cannon Spirits to Hold a Traditional Burns Night on February 3, 2024.

Rex Features

War Cannon Spirits in Crown Point, in collaboration with Glasgow-based hosts, restauranteurs, and Saint Andrews Society Vermont, are bringing the rich history of Burns Night to the Adirondacks.

In the heart of winter, when the chill sets in and the days are short, Scots and enthusiasts of Scottish culture worldwide gather to celebrate the life and works of their national bard, Robert Burns. Known as Burns Night, the centerpiece of this annual event is the iconic Burns Supper. 

A festive affair blends history, poetry, music, and flavorful Scottish cuisine and traditional spirits.

Robert Burns (1759-1796) on engraving from the 1800s. Scottish poet and lyricist. The national poet of Scotland. Engraved by W.Clerk and published by F.Glover Water Lane, Fleet St.

The tradition of Burns Night dates back to the early 19th century, a few years after the death of Robert Burns in 1796. Friends and admirers of the beloved poet began to gather on the anniversary of his birth, January 25, to pay homage to his life and works. A group of Burns’ close friends organized the first known Burns Night in 1801, and the event has evolved into a global celebration over the past 200+ years.

War Cannon Spirits are keeping close to the script (although their dinner is on February 3) and will feature the hallmarks of a proper tribute to Robert Burns, including:

• Traditional live music and highland dancers

• A bagpiper to “Pipe In” the guests

• Recitation of the Selkirk Grace 

• The piping in and recitation of "Address to a Haggis"

• A choice of main courses followed the Immortal Memory – The Immortal Memory is a speech given by the host, which may or may not include a recital of a piece of Burns' work

• A traditional Scottish pudding (what we call dessert in America)

• Readings of Burns’ written works, such as Tam o’ Shanter

• Singing Auld Lang Syne

​Speaking of Haggis

No Burns Supper is complete without Haggis, a traditional Scottish dish made from minced sheep's heart, liver, and lungs, mixed with oatmeal, onions, suet, and spices, all encased in a sheep's stomach. The Haggis is ceremoniously brought into the dining room as a bagpiper plays, and the Master of Ceremonies recites Burns' famous poem, "Address to a Haggis," culminating in the symbolic stabbing of the Haggis.

The traditional Piping in of the Haggis at a Burns Supper

I’ve had Haggis twice and have lived to tell the tale. The first time was in London while I was studying abroad (or not studying abroad, but that’s another story) and several years ago on a trip to Scotland with my teenage nephew. The young lad has not always been known for being an adventurous eater, but he had heard of this exotic dish called Haggis and was determined he would eat it. 

We put it off until the last night of our stay in Edinburgh. Luckily, the pub where we were dining offered an appetizer portion of Haggis, so we split it, and he could tick that box. It helped that he didn’t have a clue what was actually in a Haggis until after he returned to the States.

The folks at War Cannon Spirits have gone out of their way to make it clear that Haggis is not the main course. See the Burns Supper menu below. So, if you are offal curious, this is an excellent opportunity to try it without committing to an entire meal of Haggis.

War Cannon’s Burns Supper Menu is a delightful blend of Scots-inspired fare.

The current menu for the Burns Night Supper at War Cannon Spirits includes the following:

• Canapes and snacks – Kitted Sausages, Smoked Salmon, Crudite

• A starter course of Cullen Skink – A chowder of smoked haddock, potato and leek

• The aforementioned Haggis

• Main course – a choice between traditional Scottish Beef Stew with Potato Dumplings or Vegetable Pithivier (a terrine of veggies wrapped in glazed puff pastry)

• The pudding – Cranachan made of raspberry, meringue, whipped cream, honey and whiskey

• Tea and coffee

Tickets are $95 and include the Burns Supper, War Cannon Straight Malt Whiskey toasts, live music and highland dancers with post-dinner Ceilidh Dancing.

Guests will also enjoy live traditional music performed by the Ceilidh band Celtic Beats. Scottish dancers will welcome guests so everyone can learn the steps.

They have also arranged a complimentary shuttle bus service that will start running at 2 pm from the Ticonderoga Best Western and Super8 hotels to their venue.

Doors open to ticket holders at 2:30 pm.

To reserve your spot at the table, visit the War Cannon website to register now. And check their Facebook page for current updates.

More than just a meal, celebrate Scottish identity, literature, and camaraderie at Burns Night.

Whether you are a seasoned Burns Night attendee or a newcomer to the tradition, the event offers a unique and immersive experience that combines history, culture, and culinary delights.

So, raise your glass, savor the flavors of Scotland, and join in the joyous celebration of Robert Burns and the enduring spirit of his poetry. Slàinte mhath!

Places to eat, shop, stay and things to do in and around Crown Point.