What is Burns Distilled?

Burns Distilled is a unique Burns Supper concept. The content itself is a distillation of Burns’ most notable works, presented in a fun and accessible way. The event is a fully interactive experience consisting of a cocktail hour, supper, whisky tasting, musical performances, poetry and a singalong that gets the whole room on their feet.

Who was Robert Burns?

Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, who wrote poems and songs in Scots and in English; often marrying old songs with new verses. He was born on the 25th of January 1759 in a “clay biggin,” a humble cottage in Alloway, a small village just outside Ayr in south west Scotland. Burns' poems document and celebrate traditional Scottish culture, expressions of farm life, class and religious distinctions. His best-known poem is the epic fairytale Tam o' Shanter. Other greatest hits include A Red, Red Rose and Auld Lang Syne (believed to be ‘the second most sung song in the English language’ after “Happy Birthday”). He is also well known for the over three hundred songs he wrote, which celebrate love, friendship, work, and culture. His works offered pioneering social commentary, cutting political statements, humor, and pathos, and have proven to be transcendent of their era. Burns died on the 21st of July, 1796 in Dumfries at the age of just 37. His work is celebrated, taught, and translated in the four corners of the globe—especially around his birthday in January.

What is Burns Night?

Annually on Robert Burns’ birthday (January 25th), people gather all over the world at dinners, parties and events and enjoy a traditional meal of haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes)—(and whisky of course!) to celebrate the life and work of Burns. Dinner is enjoyed alongside music, toasts, songs, and poetry.

How should I celebrate Burns Night?

While Burns Night is celebrated differently depending on where you go, Burns Distilled offers one of the most interactive and immersive Robert Burns Night experiences around - reimagined for a new crowd of Burns lovers. Every show is fully interactive, high-energy, and paired beautifully with notable whisky pours throughout the night. Join us live in New York City or Boston to experience Burns Distilled for yourself!

I want to bring Burns Distilled to my city!

Contact us at info@burnsdistilled.com or by filling out this interest form.

Where is Burns Distilled hosted?

Previous years have been hosted at the McKittrick Hotel and Conwell Cocktail Hall in NYC. As our event gets bigger each year, we are expanding within (and beyond) NYC to offer the best show possible. While our location for 2027 hasn’t been announced yet, we are excited to host at least two nights in New York City, and at least one night in Boston, MA.

We also perform at public & private events throughout the United States & around the world.

When will tickets be announced?

Tickets will be announced in the Fall of 2026, you can sign up for our newsletter and exclusive early bird discounts at the bottom of this page.

What if I don’t know anything about Burns or Scotland?

No worries - Burns Distilled has been described as the “perfect introduction to Robert Burns and Scottish culture” by previous attendees. We do our best to make sure everyone leaves knowing more about Burns regardless of their familiarity beforehand, and we have a good time doing it. We just ask that you come ready to dance, sing, drink, and laugh.

What is haggis? 

Don’t ask. You don’t want to know. But it’s surprisingly tasty.

Can I still attend and enjoy the show if I don’t drink alcohol?

Of course! It will be a very fulfilling evening of music & poetry to celebrate the Bard. Warning: whisky is a key theme of the show and will be discussed frequently. For this reason, the show is not suitable for people under the age of 21.

Can I bring children?

Unfortunately, the show is not suitable for anyone under the age of 21.

Are there other Scottish celebrations besides Burns Night?

Yes — Scottish culture is celebrated year-round in the US through events like Highland games, ceilidhs, tartan festivals, and whisky tastings, alongside Burns Night celebrations every January. Burns Distilled brings many of these elements together in one night — live music, poetry, and whisky — making it a great starting point if you're new to Scottish culture and want to explore what else is out there. Check out our upcoming shows in New York City and Boston to experience it firsthand.