Answers.Body: <p>Personally, I have never had <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haggis" rel="nofollow noreferrer">haggis</a>, but pairing it with wine is not all that uncommon. <strong>Some even pair it with beer</strong> as can be seen <a href="https://www.matchingfoodandwine.com/news/entertaining/planning-a-burns-night-dinner/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">here</a>, but I would go with a sweet fruity red wine. Pairing wine with haggis is very common on the web.</p>
  
  <p>Here is a sample of how people wine with haggis:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>A dram of whisky works better after the meal, as its sheer strength means it doesn’t go with the food, so which wine to open first? Red, of course, and something with enough richness to take on haggis, which is sheep’s (occasionally pig’s) “pluck” – the heart, liver and lights (lungs) – mixed with oatmeal, spices and seasoning. </p>
    
    <p>If you’re still with me (Susy Atkins) and up for it, a bold European red with a little savouriness and black pepper is by far the best. </p>
    
    <p>Spanish tempranillo, aged in oak casks, and tasting of ripe red berries, wood spice and vanilla, is my favourite match. - <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinkadvice/11361111/Why-Ill-be-drinking-red-wine-not-whisky-with-my-haggis.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Why I'll be drinking red wine - not whisky - with my haggis</a></p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>Here is another:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Haggis is quite a funky-tasting meat - a bit like a savoury, spicy sausage - so I think red wine is a better match than white. I’ve found big jammy reds such as Australian shiraz work well (there is appropriately enough one called Bobbie Burns shiraz (available for about £15-£16 from independents including <a href="http://www.ahadleigh-wine.com/products/4993/Campbells+Bobbie+Burns+Shiraz+Rutherglen/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Alexander Hadleigh</a> and <a href="https://www.oldbutcherswinecellar.co.uk/campbell-s-bobbie-burns-shiraz-2010.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Old Butcher's Wine Cellar</a>. </p>
    
    <p>Northern Rhône syrah and grenache/syrah/mourvèdre (GSM) blends from the southern Rhône, the Languedoc and Australia are also good matches, especially if they have a year or two’s bottle age. - <a href="https://www.matchingfoodandwine.com/news/pairings/the-best-wines-to-pair-with-haggis/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">The best wines to pair with haggis</a></p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>And finally:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Wine pairing with haggis – grape growing and winemaking techniques</p>
    
    <p>Grapes grown in hotter climates often have riper fruit which add to flavour intensity and texture of the wine; but also the sugar levels in the grapes are generally much higher adding further mouthfeel, so a sign is to look for wines that have perhaps 13.5% or above alcohol by volume. </p>
    
    <p>Oak fermentation and/or oak ageing adds flavour and texture too, so clues are sometimes on the label; be aware <strong>‘oaked’</strong> is not generally a style that adds texture, look for the word <strong>‘aged’</strong> to ensure it has seen the inside of an oak cask. This week on our WSET Level 2 Wine Course we had an outstanding Puligny-Montrachet and also a equally impressive Chateauneuf-du-Pape, both would have successfully met the haggis-pairing challenge. <a href="http://enjoydiscoveringwine.com/2014/01/burns-night-wine-pairing-haggis/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Burns Night – wine pairing with haggis</a></p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>All said and done: Enjoy!</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T15:58:22.353Z
Answers.Text: Regarding that comment on red wines, so as to have enough richness to take on the flavor of haggis - I would point out that there are also some whites that will do the trick, though not as common. E.g. Gewürztraminer is a favorite of mine for similar types of food.
Answers.UserDisplayName: AviD
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T17:10:20.723Z
Answers.Text: That is an excellent comment and deserves putting into an answer.
Answers.UserDisplayName: dougal 5.0.0
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-26T16:43:02.517Z
Answers.Text: The scots pair everything with beer.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Neil Meyer
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T12:21:24.367Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2017-03-26T20:12:19.887Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2017-03-26T20:12:19.887Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Ken Graham
Answers.Body: <p>I don't know much about wine, but you can't go wrong with a beer.</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li><a href="https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/77/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Wee Heavy</a>:
  This style of beer is Scottish through and through. It's malty and slightly sweet, with a high alcohol content that will keep things more fun. </li>
  <li><a href="https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/31/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Schwarzbier</a>: The Germans have been drinking beer with their sausage for centuries. Any German beer should do, but Schwarzbier balances flavour with easy-drinking quality.</li>
  </ul>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-16T20:58:17.357Z
Answers.Text: Sounds yummy! I must try some.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Mick
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Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T21:02:59.973Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2017-03-15T21:02:59.973Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: SPavel
Answers.Body: <p>I think haggis calls for a whisky barrel-aged porter, an Irish stout, or a peated malt ale, preferably in vast quantities so that you: </p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>don't know what you're eating,</li>
  <li>don't eat because you're too drunk.</li>
  </ul>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-16T05:07:42.423Z
Answers.Text: I'm beginning to think that I should re-think serving haggis as I am not 'feeling the love' for it!  Off to substitute the Haggis for something else!
Answers.UserDisplayName: dougal 5.0.0
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2018-06-02T23:53:30.857Z
Answers.Text: Don't let two naysayers talk you into breaking tradition, @dougal5.0.0 - I've found that most of the people who speak out against haggis have either never had it, or only had awful canned haggis at a fair.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Gary R.
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T16:48:44.133Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2017-03-15T16:48:44.133Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Giorgio
Answers.Body: <p>As a fan of haggis and single-malt Scotch, and host of many a Rabbie Burns night, I'd say you have several good alternatives.</p>
  
  <p>Most of the Burns nights I've attended offered malty, full-bodied beers along with the haggis. Scottish ales, porters, wee heavies, and oatmeal stouts are some of the favorites.</p>
  
  <p>If there are wines, I'd recommend hearty reds, like a good Zinfandel.</p>
  
  <p>Keep in mind that not all haggis is created equal. Just as no two Texans have the same family recipe for chili, no two Scots will make haggis the same. I've had haggis all over Scotland and quite a few places in the U.S., and each one is different. If you're getting it from a butcher that regularly makes haggis, ask for a taste in advance so you can ponder what to pair with it.</p>
  
  <p><strong>NOTE: Haggis in a can is an abomination.</strong> Don't do it! Get fresh-made haggis from a proper butcher shop. </p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2018-06-02T23:50:21.883Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2018-06-02T23:50:21.883Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Gary R.
Answers.Body: <p>I have tried this with a nice Reposado, and it works well. But you are much better off with a nice whisky.</p>
  
  <p>Or any other drink - it doesn't really matter. If you have a nice haggis the drink is irrelevant.</p>
  
  <p>(disclaimer - I am Scottish)</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T18:38:48.057Z
Answers.Text: From where - I am from Aberdeen originally.
Answers.UserDisplayName: dougal 5.0.0
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T18:43:49.317Z
Answers.Text: Orkney originally - now central belt
Answers.UserDisplayName: Rory Alsop
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T18:13:16.210Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2017-03-15T18:13:16.210Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Rory Alsop
Answers.Body: <p>Having had (and enjoyed) Haggis many times, and I think it being closer to a red meat than a white meat, I'd say you'd want to pair it with alcohol that is typically served with red meat. Full bodied, medium to dry red wines, or darker bitter ales.</p>
  
  <p>I'm not usually one to go 'by the book' with my pairings, but knowing what I know about the flavour and texture of haggis I think red wine or dark beer would be the way to go.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2018-06-03T21:52:25.807Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2018-06-03T21:52:25.807Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Cdn_Dev
Body: <p>On <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_supper" rel="noreferrer">Burns Night</a> it is traditional to have a 'wee dram' to drink with your <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haggis" rel="noreferrer">Haggis</a>.  I am serving Haggis to some Scottish friends, and as it is not Burns Night I feel that I can forgo the traditions of whiskey with Haggis and serve another spirit/wine.  What would be a good alcohol pairing for Haggis? </p>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T11:22:02.277Z
Comments.Text: Personally, I'd find a substitute for the haggis.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mick
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T12:02:50.693Z
Comments.Text: Fair enough...  but as long as I serve enough drinks then no one will notice it is haggis - will that do?!
Comments.UserDisplayName: dougal 5.0.0
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T12:25:29.103Z
Comments.Text: I my experience, which is but a little, you cannot "not notice" haggis. Anyway, the bagpipes are a dead giveaway.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mick
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T12:33:56.220Z
Comments.Text: I will deal with the piper!
Comments.UserDisplayName: dougal 5.0.0
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2017-03-15T14:44:48.617Z
Comments.Text: @Mick. Piper now dealt with (don't ask!), what shall I substitute for the haggis?
Comments.UserDisplayName: dougal 5.0.0
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2018-06-02T23:43:18.687Z
Comments.Text: @Mick, answering a question about pairing alcohol with haggis by attacking the haggis doesn't seem appropriate to me. Haggis is a very traditional (and if made properly, very tasty) traditional Scottish food. If you don't like it, great. But don't go off-topic to insult it here.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Gary R.
Tags: <pairing><whiskey><tradition>
Title: What can be substituted for whiskey with Haggis?
UserDisplayName: dougal 5.0.0
ThreadText: # What can be substituted for whiskey with Haggis?
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2017-03-15)
  
  On [Burns Night](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burns_supper) it is traditional to have a 'wee dram' to drink with your [Haggis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haggis). I am serving Haggis to some Scottish friends, and as it is not Burns Night I feel that I can forgo the traditions of whiskey with Haggis and serve another spirit/wine. What would be a good alcohol pairing for Haggis?
  
  **Tags:** pairing, whiskey, tradition
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: Personally, I'd find a substitute for the haggis.  
  > **username_0**: Fair enough...  but as long as I serve enough drinks then no one will notice it is haggis - will that do?!  
  > **username_1**: I my experience, which is but a little, you cannot "not notice" haggis. Anyway, the bagpipes are a dead giveaway.  
  > **username_0**: I will deal with the piper!  
  > **username_0**: @username_1. Piper now dealt with (don't ask!), what shall I substitute for the haggis?  
  > **username_2**: @username_1, answering a question about pairing alcohol with haggis by attacking the haggis doesn't seem appropriate to me. Haggis is a very traditional (and if made properly, very tasty) traditional Scottish food. If you don't like it, great. But don't go off-topic to insult it here.  
  
  ---
  
  ## 6 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_3 on 2017-03-15. Score: 5 | Accepted answer
  
  Personally, I have never had [haggis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haggis), but pairing it with wine is not all that uncommon. **Some even pair it with beer** as can be seen [here](https://www.matchingfoodandwine.com/news/entertaining/planning-a-burns-night-dinner/), but I would go with a sweet fruity red wine. Pairing wine with haggis is very common on the web.
  
  Here is a sample of how people wine with haggis:
  
  > A dram of whisky works better after the meal, as its sheer strength means it doesn’t go with the food, so which wine to open first? Red, of course, and something with enough richness to take on haggis, which is sheep’s (occasionally pig’s) “pluck” – the heart, liver and lights (lungs) – mixed with oatmeal, spices and seasoning.
  >
  > If you’re still with me (Susy Atkins) and up for it, a bold European red with a little savouriness and black pepper is by far the best.
  >
  > Spanish tempranillo, aged in oak casks, and tasting of ripe red berries, wood spice and vanilla, is my favourite match. - [Why I'll be drinking red wine - not whisky - with my haggis](http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinkadvice/11361111/Why-Ill-be-drinking-red-wine-not-whisky-with-my-haggis.html)
  
  Here is another:
  
  > Haggis is quite a funky-tasting meat - a bit like a savoury, spicy sausage - so I think red wine is a better match than white. I’ve found big jammy reds such as Australian shiraz work well (there is appropriately enough one called Bobbie Burns shiraz (available for about £15-£16 from independents including [Alexander Hadleigh](http://www.ahadleigh-wine.com/products/4993/Campbells+Bobbie+Burns+Shiraz+Rutherglen/) and [Old Butcher's Wine Cellar](https://www.oldbutcherswinecellar.co.uk/campbell-s-bobbie-burns-shiraz-2010.html).
  >
  > Northern Rhône syrah and grenache/syrah/mourvèdre (GSM) blends from the southern Rhône, the Languedoc and Australia are also good matches, especially if they have a year or two’s bottle age. - [The best wines to pair with haggis](https://www.matchingfoodandwine.com/news/pairings/the-best-wines-to-pair-with-haggis/)
  
  And finally:
  
  > Wine pairing with haggis – grape growing and winemaking techniques
  >
  > Grapes grown in hotter climates often have riper fruit which add to flavour intensity and texture of the wine; but also the sugar levels in the grapes are generally much higher adding further mouthfeel, so a sign is to look for wines that have perhaps 13.5% or above alcohol by volume.
  >
  > Oak fermentation and/or oak ageing adds flavour and texture too, so clues are sometimes on the label; be aware **‘oaked’** is not generally a style that adds texture, look for the word **‘aged’** to ensure it has seen the inside of an oak cask. This week on our WSET Level 2 Wine Course we had an outstanding Puligny-Montrachet and also a equally impressive Chateauneuf-du-Pape, both would have successfully met the haggis-pairing challenge. [Burns Night – wine pairing with haggis](http://enjoydiscoveringwine.com/2014/01/burns-night-wine-pairing-haggis/)
  
  All said and done: Enjoy!
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_4**: Regarding that comment on red wines, so as to have enough richness to take on the flavor of haggis - I would point out that there are also some whites that will do the trick, though not as common. E.g. Gewürztraminer is a favorite of mine for similar types of food.  
  > **username_0**: That is an excellent comment and deserves putting into an answer.  
  > **username_5**: The scots pair everything with beer.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_6 on 2017-03-15. Score: 2
  
  I don't know much about wine, but you can't go wrong with a beer.
  
  * [Wee Heavy](https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/77/):
    This style of beer is Scottish through and through. It's malty and slightly sweet, with a high alcohol content that will keep things more fun.
  * [Schwarzbier](https://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/style/31/): The Germans have been drinking beer with their sausage for centuries. Any German beer should do, but Schwarzbier balances flavour with easy-drinking quality.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: Sounds yummy! I must try some.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_7 on 2017-03-15. Score: 2
  
  I think haggis calls for a whisky barrel-aged porter, an Irish stout, or a peated malt ale, preferably in vast quantities so that you:
  
  * don't know what you're eating,
  * don't eat because you're too drunk.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_0**: I'm beginning to think that I should re-think serving haggis as I am not 'feeling the love' for it!  Off to substitute the Haggis for something else!  
  > **username_2**: Don't let two naysayers talk you into breaking tradition, @dougal5.0.0 - I've found that most of the people who speak out against haggis have either never had it, or only had awful canned haggis at a fair.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_2 on 2018-06-02. Score: 1
  
  As a fan of haggis and single-malt Scotch, and host of many a Rabbie Burns night, I'd say you have several good alternatives.
  
  Most of the Burns nights I've attended offered malty, full-bodied beers along with the haggis. Scottish ales, porters, wee heavies, and oatmeal stouts are some of the favorites.
  
  If there are wines, I'd recommend hearty reds, like a good Zinfandel.
  
  Keep in mind that not all haggis is created equal. Just as no two Texans have the same family recipe for chili, no two Scots will make haggis the same. I've had haggis all over Scotland and quite a few places in the U.S., and each one is different. If you're getting it from a butcher that regularly makes haggis, ask for a taste in advance so you can ponder what to pair with it.
  
  **NOTE: Haggis in a can is an abomination.** Don't do it! Get fresh-made haggis from a proper butcher shop.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_8 on 2017-03-15. Score: 1
  
  I have tried this with a nice Reposado, and it works well. But you are much better off with a nice whisky.
  
  Or any other drink - it doesn't really matter. If you have a nice haggis the drink is irrelevant.
  
  (disclaimer - I am Scottish)
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_0**: From where - I am from Aberdeen originally.  
  > **username_8**: Orkney originally - now central belt  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_9 on 2018-06-03. Score: 0
  
  Having had (and enjoyed) Haggis many times, and I think it being closer to a red meat than a white meat, I'd say you'd want to pair it with alcohol that is typically served with red meat. Full bodied, medium to dry red wines, or darker bitter ales.
  
  I'm not usually one to go 'by the book' with my pairings, but knowing what I know about the flavour and texture of haggis I think red wine or dark beer would be the way to go.
  
  
  ---
  
  