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Enjoy this curated selection of theme-related dances for celebrations and holidays, or find a dance associated with a special calendar day, or EVEN your own birthday!
Jul 27
Scotch Day
Scotch on the Rocks
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Lets have scotch on the rocks
It brings the world together
Lets have scotch on the rocks
No matter where you gather."
~Traditional
Happy Scotch Day!
Few drinks are as closely associated with Scotland as Scotch whisky. Distilled from malted barley and other grains, then matured in oak casks for at least three years, Scotch has evolved over centuries into one of the world's most celebrated spirits. The word whisky comes from the Scottish Gaelic uisge-beatha (pronounced roughly OOSH-ka BEH-ha), meaning "water of life." The phrase itself is derived from the Latin aqua vitae, a name once given to distilled spirits that were originally valued as medicinal tonics as much as for enjoyment.
Scotch whisky has been produced in Scotland for more than 500 years, with the earliest surviving written record dating to 1494, when the Exchequer Rolls recorded malt being supplied to Friar John Cor "to make aqua vitae." Today, every bottle labeled Scotch whisky must be distilled and matured in Scotland in oak casks for at least three years, preserving a tradition that has become one of the country's most iconic exports.
Whether the choice is single malt, single grain, blended malt, blended grain, or blended Scotch whisky, there are countless traditions and personal preferences. A dram may be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, with a splash of water to gently open its aromas, or as part of a favorite cocktail. Many also appreciate a "water-back"βa separate glass of chilled water served alongside the whisky to refresh the palate between sips.
Or of course, you can take your Scotch in dance form. This 32 bar jig for 4 couples devised by Margaret Henderson has everything you need, including a Half Rondel! All you need are the ice cubes!
However it is enjoyed, Scotland's national spirit has a remarkable way of bringing people together. Today is a fine excuse to share a dram, good company, lively conversation, and a toast to friendship.
Cheers... and SlΓ inte Mhath! πΊ π π€ π π€ π₯ π₯ π₯ π΄σ §σ ’σ ³σ £σ ΄σ Ώ
Scotch on the Rocks
Today, July 27 is National Scotch Day! The term, "Scotch on the Rocks" refers to, of course, a straight shot of Scotch liquor poured in a short glass filled with ice.
Scotch whisky is an area of interest and knowledge far too large for canvassing, but should you decide to celebrate Scotch Day (after your Country Dance class, or maybe even before), you might want to explore a chocolate and whisky pairing!
When youβre drinking a blended Scotch it may not make that much of a difference. But single malts have very particular flavor profiles. They can be herbal, grassy, fruity or smoky.
Single origin chocolates can be the same way.
As with wine (and coffee), chocolates take their character from the terroir and microclimate. Just as you pair your wine to the weight, sauces and seasonings of your dish, for the most pleasurable experience, you should do the same with your chocolate.
Click the picture for one of many articles describing a whisky and chocolate tasting, taking into account the attributes of both, including of course, the smokiest of the smokies, Laphroaig.
Slainte!
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
