US / UK port purchasing

[Zelandakh]

My brother and fellow port lover has moved stateside, in fact he's in New York.

He says that port is fantastically expensive over there and not worth buying. Is that the case or is he not looking in the right places? Every day VP would be the main tipple. I'm planning on going to see him in a few months - should I take a couple from my cellar or get some online and save the weight in the luggage?

If there's an NY offline tasting planned in October, please PM me

Many thanks,
Nick

[Alex Bridgeman]

Experience says that port is generally more expensive in the US than it is in the UK - I haven't seen anywhere that is consistently cheaper than the UK for buying port. However, there are bargains to be found in the US and US based members of TPF might be willing to share a few pointers once they have filled their cellars with all they need.

[Glenn E.]

port is fantastically expensive over there

This is correct, at least compared to UK prices.

and not worth buying.

This is not correct. Everything is relative.

Here in the US, Port is more of a luxury than a staple. Even those of us who love the stuff drink it relatively infrequently. Sometimes as little as one glass per day.

I, for example, am opening 2 bottles tonight for 4 people (one of whom is apparently deathly allergic to Port because I can think of no other logical reason for not drinking it). In the UK 2 bottles for 4 people would be rude and inconsiderate. Here we consider it a lovely and generous evening and there will likely be leftovers for me to enjoy tomorrow.

As for offlines in NYC, the NYC tasters are as eager to gather for Port as most are in the UK. Merely mentioning your arrival such as you have will likely cause an offline to occur. Greater specificity regarding dates might encourage organization.

[g-man]

Sushi and I (and apparently Chris and his friend now) all bid on the same auctions.

I'll always post highlights from the NY auctions (especially the ones I'm not bidding on)

Meet up, we'll share info as Sushi and I always text each other whenever we spot deals. like Cockbrun 91 and croft 2000 for both under 24$/btl

[SushiNorth]

Sushi and I (and apparently Chris and his friend now) all bid on the same auctions.

I'll always post highlights from the NY auctions (especially the ones I'm not bidding on)

Meet up, we'll share info as Sushi and I always text each other whenever we spot deals. like Cockbrun 91 and croft 2000 for both under 24$/btl

Agreed, it takes vigilance to find good buys on Port, but they are out there. Auctions and internet sales are the best method to acquire every day drinkers, with the best bang for the buck being in the early 80's (80/83/85). NY & NJ allow shipping, but not all states do.

[Zelandakh]

Excellent info - thanks all of you.

I'm going to need to get something for myself and my brother to bring to the offline once the theme is established but would also be handy for my brother to get a source for every day drinkers. I suggest we discuss at the offline