Blended Scotch whisky brand Cutty Sark is celebrating its historical ties to the renowned Scottish poet Robert Burns. Ahead of Burns Night on January 25, the brand is sharing the story of its name, which originates from Burns’s famous 1791 poem, Tam O’Shanter.
The whisky, first launched in London in 1923 by founders Berry Bros & Rudd, was named after the British tea clipper, the Cutty Sark.
The ship itself was named in 1869, with its Scottish builders taking inspiration from what is widely considered to be Burns’s finest work.
In the poem, the farmer Tam O’Shanter encounters a gathering of witches, including one named Nannie Dee who is wearing a “cutty sark,” the Scots term for a short nightdress.
This sight causes Tam to shout the line, “Weel done, Cutty-Sark!”, before the witches give chase.
The ship’s figurehead depicts the witch Nannie Dee, a feature that can still be seen on the restored vessel, which is now a visitor attraction in London.
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Burns Night is a significant event in the spirits industry calendar, celebrated globally with toasts of Scotch whisky and driving sales during the post-holiday period.
Janette Deed, head of marketing UK for Cutty Sark, commented on the connection.
“We are enormously proud of our link to Robert Burns and a poem as globally celebrated as Tam O’Shanter,” Deed said.
“Most people are aware of our whisky’s connection to the Cutty Sark clipper and an exciting era of ocean shipping and adventure.”
She continued: “The historic connection to Burns’ poetry is much less known, but something we want to share and celebrate as Burns Night approaches.”
Deed also described the whisky as “the perfect dram for toasts, drams and all kinds of drinks to share with friends on this very special night of the year.”
According to the brand, Cutty Sark is masterfully blended from single malts and grain whiskies, resulting in a smooth and mellow taste. The brand is currently owned by French spirits group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet, which acquired it from Edrington in 2018.
Cutty Sark Original is bottled at 40% ABV. It is available in a 70cl format for a recommended retail price of £23.95 (US$32) from retailers including Amazon.
