How to drink from a Quaich?

[JS Sanders]

I've heard two ways in my travels in Scotland...

1) "quake" - as in earthquake
2) "kwi" - with a long "i"

The former seems to be more prevalent.

[Big Mikey]

Here is what Ive learned about "quaich" ettiquette.

The vessel is placed between the two partakers and the libation poured.

The host offers the quaich cupping its bottom with both hands, thus being unable to be armed.

The receiver takes the quaich by the lugs, also showing he is unarmed.

The receiver offers the toast "To your very good health, sir." before partaking.

The host then takes the quaich as he offered it and replies "And also to yours, sir."

Of course, you would substitute "ma'am" for "sir" if the guest were female.

The toast may vary depending on the situation.

I offer the disclaimer that this is just what one fat, old man has been told.

[macwilkin]

<< the piper consumes the entire contents of the cup, flips it over & kisses the bottom to signify that it has been drained. >>


I was taught by a former regimental piper to drain the quaich and hold it over one's head - bottom up - to signify the same.

Diff'rent strokes I suppose.

The version we use comes from Bryon Farwell's Mr. Kipling's Army, and from the web site of the Liverpool Scottish:

The Pipe Major's Toast

The Pipe Major (or senior piper) after playing in the Mess may be called in to receive a 'dram' fronm the senior officer present

PROCEDURE FOR THE PIPER'S TOAST

The Piper, on completion of the piobaireachd (pibroch), re-enters the dining room without his pipes, preceded by the Mess Sergeant who carries a salver on which is a quaich containing a dram of whisky (previously diluted as required by the Piper !).They halt behind the Commanding Officer and senior guest, and the piper salutes. The Commanding Officer stands up, takes the quaich, and hands it to the Piper. (The senior guest may be invited to do this if appropriate). The Piper holds the quaich with both hands, at about chin level , and gives the Toast.

Gaelic

Slainte mor, Slainte Banrighinn
Slainte agus buaidh gu brath
le Gillean Forbasach.

Phonetic version

Slanjervaw, slanjer banreen
Slanjer aggus booey goo bra
la gillian forbusach

Translation for Sassenachs

Good health, health to the Queen
Health and success for ever
to the Forbes lads

The Piper then drinks the dram. All present reply 'Slainte' (Slanjer) and also drink the toast. The Piper then kisses the underneath of the quaich (symbolising the hidden portrait of 'the King over the Water'). He replaces the quaich on the salver, salutes, and leaves the room followed by the Mess Sergeant.

-- http://www.liverpoolscottish.org.uk/

Slainte,

Todd

[Fit2BKilted]

Very interesting!

How is quaich pronounced? Thanks in advance!

I think it's rather like "Cake". Correct me if I'm wrong... I'm not a Gaelic-speaker, yet.

[JS Sanders]

<< ...previously diluted as required by the Piper !) >>

Same regimental piper informed me that asking for diluted whisky was very bad form. You hafta down it like a man.

He said the best you can do is pray they offer quality drink that doesn't cause you to choke or sputter - causing you to appear a weenie.

As I said, diff'rent strokes.

[macwilkin]

<< ...previously diluted as required by the Piper !) >>

Same regimental piper informed me that asking for diluted whisky was very bad form. You hafta down it like a man.

He said the best you can do is pray they offer quality drink that doesn't cause you to choke or sputter - causing you to appear a weenie.

As I said, diff'rent strokes.

You'll need to raise that issue with the Liverpool Scottish -- I didn't write it, I only cited it.

Farwell does mention that English officers seconded to Highland regiments were forced to down a thistle in their dram in front of the mess -- to make them "Scotsmen"!

T.

[JSFMACLJR]

Farwell does mention that English officers seconded to Highland regiments were forced to down a thistle in their dram in front of the mess -- to make them "Scotsmen"!

T.

Hmmmm, that sounds pleasant.

[ghostlight]

Hmmmm, that sounds pleasant.

I suppose that depends largely on which side of the table you're sitting.

[Rogerson785]

There is a similar tradition in the Hash House Harriers of draining the drinking vessel

<< the piper consumes the entire contents of the cup, flips it over & kisses the bottom to signify that it has been drained. >>


I was taught by a former regimental piper to drain the quaich and hold it over one's head - bottom up - to signify the same.

Diff'rent strokes I suppose.

[csbdr]

does she have a beard/5 oclock shadow? I don't want to know any more....