For The Love Of Port

I ran across these port sippers at a kitchen store recently and almost picked some up, but I decided against it. I have been thinking more about them and am curious whether they are a thing commonly used by port lovers, or if they are just a cute little doodad that isn't really needed. I wonder if they actually improve the taste of port?

http://www.amazon.com/Fox-Run-Argyle-Gl ... B000H1JLWK

They seem like a unique little thing to have around, but I don't want to waste space in my kitchen if they aren't really worth it. Has anyone used these?

I have never seen anything like this...

I think there is an old thread about these when someone tried them out. IIRC the general experience with those that have used them in that thread was...they suck, don't buy

Eva bought me a set of these. One of the two arrived broken. After testing the remaining one, I decided against trying to have the other one replaced. No nose! That's half the port experience. What were they thinking?

Verdict? Fun to have, but I wouldn't drink much port from them.

Ah yes, the headless cats. No idea what purpose they're supposed to serve... a real Port glass seems infinitely preferable.

Headless cats

The description says "Sipping your wine or port through the glass stem gives the liquid a more full bodied flavour by taking the fluid from the bottom of the vessel where it has not had the chance to oxidise". But aren't some ports improved by exposure to air?

I tried to locate any previous threads about these port sippers before posting, but I was unable to find any.

Melanie R. wrote:But aren't some ports improved by exposure to air?

I'm no expert, but I'd say generally yes. Maybe these are good for drinking "corked" Port?

Andy, (and Melanie) I had one of the old threads on this topic, circa 2006 or 2007. I like them for the way they help vaporize the liquid, striking all parts of the palate and tongue, releasing flavors of port or Madeira. The problem is, they are not balanced. They are top heavy and fall over too easily. They are also ultra fragile and break easily. I like to use one from time to time. If the base was heavier or the feet were a little wider set, it would not fall as easily.

That's good to know. As a new port drinker, I'd like to get something to drink my port from (other than a wine glass), but I think my money and kitchen space would be better spent on a pair of port glasses. (I think I'm going with the Riedel Vinum for now at least). I am slightly bothered by the tacky "Riedel" logo on the glass itself, but I don't suppose it matters all that much.

Melanie R. wrote:(I think I'm going with the Riedel Vinum for now at least). I am slightly bothered by the tacky "Riedel" logo on the glass itself, but I don't suppose it matters all that much.

An excellent choice - that is my favorite Port glass. The logo on the base doesn't bother me because it's pretty subtle.

Handle them with some care, though. They're not exactly fragile (unlike the Riedel Sommelier series which is hand-blown glass and very fragile), but they're also not as sturdy as the cheaper Schott Zwiesel Port glass which is the official IVdP Port Tasting Glass. Personally I'm not fond of the square stem on the Schott Zwiesel glass, but if I were going to be getting lots of glasses for holding tastings I think I'd deal with it because they're half the price of the Riedel Vinums.

That's good to know as well. I forgot to note that I chose the Riedel glass based on Roy's comments/recommendation from another thread. So thank you Roy for the good information also.

I think these port sippers are a good idea. The fragile construction of this model rendered it a flop but the flavors released from these glasses when I sipped port or Madeira from them tells me they are on to something. If they can get them balanced and a little less fragile, I think the idea is sound.

I must say that I haven't had very good luck with Port sippers. I purchased some a few years back and besides being VERY fragile they also take some time to get used to. For whatever reason they do tend to tip over rather easily and the glass is very thin so they must be handled carefully - in particular I've noticed that the sipping tube is prone to breakage. They are somewhat cool to look at, but on the whole, I think that a proper Port glass is the way to go.

Marc

Melanie,

You are most welcome. Riedel Vinum series Port glasses are still the best I've ever sipped Port from and although I own other brands/types etc. when it comes to purchasing stems for my own home, no question which I buy.

As to the Port pipes, in a recent thread on another BB, I was asked about them. I had received a set as a gift many years ago. I found they accentuated the alcohol and did not like the fact that it was next to impossible to nose the Port. It is a gimmick and one that I would definitely not recommend you investing in. If you had said that someone had gifted them to you, I'd certainly have said nothing more than, "please try them and let us know what you think."

Fragile is an understatement. I got them as a gift and was too scared to take them out of the box they are so thin; luckily no offense on returning them as the giver was in concert with my determination. I can see using this for Schnapps, but not port.