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1980 Graham (ε epsilon)
On Wednesday 2^nd April 2014 six of us gathered in The Bung Hole to taste a six-pack of Graham 1980 (the previous tasting of this shape having tested Taylor 1985).

Links:

• Review of the event as a whole;
• 1980 Graham:
  • G80 (α alpha);
  • G80 (β beta);
  • G80 (γ gamma);
  • G80 (δ delta);
  • G80 (ε epsilon);
  • G80 (ζ zeta);
• 1977 Graham (CPR);
• 1977 Graham (MPM);
• 1965 Graham Malvedos (DRT);
• Placemats (and parameters by which made);
• Planning and arrangements.

G80. Decanted 10 hrs. 70% opacity, brick red, good legs. Nose had fruit and some caramel. In the mouth lovely smooth entry, soft caramel and toffee, nice balance. Just edged out for my favourite of the six G80s by α alpha.

G80, ε, decanted 9½am. All of them were dark-dark-red, 70% opaque. Nose of dark plum. Palate had strong heat, dark fruit of similar power. Sweet. End slightly shorter than α. Also slight bitterness at end.

All six bottles of Graham 1980 from this late release case were of a consistent colour. Brick red throughout and around 70% opaque.

Bottle epsilon: Lively nose, fresh and spakling - dancing across the senses. Lots of flowers and a touch of white cherry; very attractive. Balanced and poised on entry; soft and sweet on the palate with lots of plums yet also with fragrant white cherry. Lovely balance with tannins that are firm but subdued by the fruit. Great fragrance on the palate which continues through to the finish. Lovely elegance to the port, the best of the six bottles. 91/100. Decanted 10 hours.