For The Love Of Port

uncle tom wrote:

I do quite like the idea of "The Bridgeman Bequest" to the "Tom Archer Memorial Port Library"

I quite like that idea too - I would have to extend my cellar or move the collection to a new one, so there could be the Bridgeman Alcove, behind a locked iron gate; where a few score bottles lie peacefully.

Then once a year (perhaps on your birthday) a dinner party is held; one ancient bottle is extracted for consumption, and a fine strapping young blackstrap is put in its place.

A place is set at the head of the table, at which is placed your photograph, tastefully mounted.

The port would be passed in strict accordance with convention; and your memory dutifully toasted.

How does that sound?

Tom

That sounds perfect - if bottles being consumed are to be replaced with young blackstraps which will eventually turn into ancient bottles, I think I need to go out there and buy a few more nearly ancient ones!

Having just spent a few moments with my cellar list, it turns out that I wouldn't have to go out and buy more! Consuming just one bottle of 100+ year old port a year can be sustained indefinitely from my cellar - at least until the bottles are all drunk! Wow! Not what I was expecting. So, there you have it - the "Alexander's Ancient Alcove" section of the "Tom Archer Memorial Port Library"

Splendid! But do we have to wait until we're dead to start? If so, I'm going to start twitching every time I see someone who looks vaguely interested in port... :help:

Splendid! But do we have to wait until we're dead to start? If so, I'm going to start twitching every time I see someone who looks vaguely interested in port...

I don't see why you shouldn't take the place of the photograph in person..

..for the time being!

Tom

Yes, please do! Don't forget to post a photo on PORTraits too, I'd be happy to add the caption for you.

Come to think of it, Alex, have you ever uploaded any photos there?

In answer to the original question, yes. 12 bottles of Dow 1960, imported by J W Holt & Son of Liverpool (my grandfather's company, for whom he was "the man in West Africa", buying coffee, cocoa etc). Unfortunately my father knew of these before I did, so I have only had 6 of them, of which 1 remains for now.

My son already has 3 bottles of Quinta do Infantado 2000, courtesy of his now godmother. At my wifes request, I have signed a declaration not to drink these without my sons agreement after his 21ts birthday!

My son will have other bottles in his collection befor ehis 21st birthday. It just rests on whether it is 2007 or 2008 being conception and birth years!