The Birthday Boys' Tasting, London - 29 Mar 2012

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 09:51 Tue 20 Dec 2011

London is an easier venue for me to attend than the rural no-where that is Wenden's Ambo. I would prefer a London venue, but would happily substitute TCP for the RAF Club if we were looking for a more informal venue.

benread · Post by **benread** » 09:38 Mon 26 Dec 2011

I would also find a London venue easier and it would not entail a hotel, which makes it easier to obtain a pass these days. Hotels result in Mrs Read being left to deal with two kids at both bed and breakfast time!

Deleted_User_1 · Post by **Deleted_User_1** » 22:48 Mon 02 Jan 2012

DRT wrote:The following note has been added to the main organisation post above in the interest of fairness:

Note: "Birthday Boys" have been added to the confirmed list of attendees by default but must confirm attendance no later than 31 January 2012 otherwise they might have to forfeit their place for someone on a reserve list, should such a list form between now and then.

Gentlemen...now I have emerged from the 'dark side' pretty much unscathed, so if acceptable, I declare myself available for this event

Sadly the year of my birth did not afford the weather necessary to provide a VP so perhaps I could adopt a year close to it, but would like to take advice please.

Post by **jdaw1** » 22:55 Mon 02 Jan 2012

Based on the plans above, I also have a birthday within Â±6 months of the date of the event.

Post by **DRT** » 23:40 Mon 02 Jan 2012

RLC re-added to the attendee list.

The date remains 29 March 2012 and the venue will be in London.

benread · Post by **benread** » 04:45 Wed 04 Jan 2012

benread wrote:I would also find a London venue easier and it would not entail a hotel, which makes it easier to obtain a pass these days. Hotels result in Mrs Read being left to deal with two kids at both bed and breakfast time!

PS: As requested, I also confirm myself available for 29th March at a London venue! (And very likely to be thirsty!)

Post by **DRT** » 09:11 Sun 05 Feb 2012

It is time to decide what to do.

My proposal is:

Date: Thursday 29th March 2012
Venue: The Bung Hole, London
Theme!

Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.
Entrée: Beer break.
Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.

Objections?

Post by **jdaw1** » 15:59 Sun 05 Feb 2012

DRT wrote:Theme!
Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.

Entrée: Beer break.

Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.

In which case the beer would have to be that of TBH, which should be quality-controlled in advance. I’ll take one for the team.

Deleted_User_1 · Post by **Deleted_User_1** » 09:46 Mon 06 Feb 2012

jdaw1 wrote:
DRT wrote:Theme!
Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.

Entrée: Beer break.

Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.
In which case the beer would have to be that of TBH, which should be quality-controlled in advance. I’ll take one for the team.

Your memory fails you because we have already done this...we had a pint of Wallop in pewter jugs...not bad as I recall.

Post by **jdaw1** » 10:41 Mon 06 Feb 2012

Cookie wrote:Your memory fails you because we have already done this...we had a pint of Wallop in pewter jugs...not bad as I recall.

If the Syms or TFP took one bottle from the production line, and tested just that one, would you think that sufficient quality control? Of course not. And we should also adopt the highest standards of thoroughness in quality control, even if that means ‘sacrificing’ one member of the team for that purpose. Nobly, to save others the anguish, I have volunteered myself.

Post by **DRT** » 11:07 Mon 06 Feb 2012

jdaw1 wrote:
Cookie wrote:Your memory fails you because we have already done this...we had a pint of Wallop in pewter jugs...not bad as I recall.
If the Syms or TFP took one bottle from the production line, and tested just that one, would you think that sufficient quality control? Of course not. And we should also adopt the highest standards of thoroughness in quality control, even if that means ‘sacrificing’ one member of the team for that purpose. Nobly, to save others the anguish, I have volunteered myself.

Your selfless sacrifice is very much appreciated. I think it is essential that a test be performed to determine the respective merits of drinking Wallop from glass v pewter. Unfortunately this means you will have to "take two for the team". Will that be a problem?

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 14:24 Mon 06 Feb 2012

DRT wrote:
Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.

Entrée: Beer break.

Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.

May I be excused from the entree? Or perhaps bring my own entree?

Post by **DRT** » 16:15 Mon 06 Feb 2012

AHB wrote:
DRT wrote:
Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.

Entrée: Beer break.

Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.
May I be excused from the entree? Or perhaps bring my own entree?

I think vegetarian entrees are available, such as apple-based sludge.

Post by **jdaw1** » 20:11 Mon 06 Feb 2012

Wallop, in glass, tastes artificially carbonated. It is an acceptable beer, but partly for the reason in the previous sentence, not of the first rank.

Post by **DRT** » 02:12 Tue 07 Feb 2012

There has been a suggestion that six Ruby Reserves might not be enough. How large can an Amuse-bouche be before it ceases to be amusing?

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 03:12 Tue 07 Feb 2012

DRT wrote:There has been a suggestion that six Ruby Reserves might not be enough. How large can an Amuse-bouche be before it ceases to be amusing?

They do not necessarily have to be finished - small portions may be sufficient to make your assessment.

They can then wait in the wings, ready for actions should a port emergency arise at 10.00pm or otherwise to be taken at the end of the evening by the various participants for home drinking.

Post by **DRT** » 21:09 Sat 11 Feb 2012

My GSG has arrived. I am about to perform a quality assurance test on one sixth of the delivery.

I visited 3 Fleet Street last week to purchase the Churchill Reserve. Unfortunately, it has been a sandwich shop for the past two years since the wine merchant that once resided there closed down.

Deleted_User_1 · Post by **Deleted_User_1** » 02:09 Wed 07 Mar 2012

Can someone tell me if I need to do anything other than bring a bottle of the year of my birth (or thereabouts in my case) as I know nothing of this ruby reserve exercise other than what I have read...which makes no sense to me hence this post

Post by **jdaw1** » 09:56 Wed 07 Mar 2012

Has the venue been booked?

Deleted_User_1 · Post by **Deleted_User_1** » 11:34 Wed 07 Mar 2012

DRT wrote:It is time to decide what to do.

My proposal is:

Date: Thursday 29th March 2012
Venue: The Bung Hole, London
Theme!
Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.

Entrée: Beer break.

Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.
Objections?

Can we assume that it has been booked:?:

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 22:11 Wed 14 Mar 2012

Cookie wrote:Can we assume that it has been booked:?:

Not after Monday!

Post by **DRT** » 22:26 Wed 14 Mar 2012

AHB wrote:
Cookie wrote:Can we assume that it has been booked:?:
Not after Monday!

Julian?

Post by **jdaw1** » 23:43 Wed 14 Mar 2012

Cookie wrote:Can we assume that it has been booked:?:

I don’t recall booking it. Somebody cope by phone I won’t have an opportunity for most of a week.

Post by **DRT** » 23:54 Wed 14 Mar 2012

jdaw1 wrote:
Cookie wrote:Can we assume that it has been booked:?:
I don’t recall booking it. Somebody cope by phone I won’t have an opportunity for most of a week.

I remember you telling me you had booked, and that you had left both names. Was I dreaming?

Post by **jdaw1** » 06:14 Thu 15 Mar 2012

DRT wrote:I remember you telling me you had booked, and that you had left both names. Was I dreaming?

No recollection. Please cope.

Deleted_User_1 · Post by **Deleted_User_1** » 09:30 Thu 15 Mar 2012

I have spoken to Jonathan and he confirmed that we had NOT booked this date....I have now...we have the room but will have to dine in there as well as there is another function in the main dining room...happy days

Post by **DRT** » 09:49 Thu 15 Mar 2012

Thanks, Cookie, very much appreciated.

Post by **jdaw1** » 13:17 Thu 15 Mar 2012

jdaw1 wrote:Please cope.

Cookie wrote:I have now

Cookie coped.

JacobH · Post by **JacobH** » 12:31 Sat 17 Mar 2012

I'm very sorry about this but I'd forgotten that my name was on the list for this tasting and I'm afraid I'm going to be away that week. Could my name be removed, with apologies for the list? Thanks.

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 13:33 Sat 17 Mar 2012

Cookie wrote:Can someone tell me if I need to do anything other than bring a bottle of the year of my birth (or thereabouts in my case) as I know nothing of this ruby reserve exercise other than what I have read...which makes no sense to me hence this post

Cookie (or Tom):

Are you willing to put The Port Society Reserve up in a blind test against Noval Black, Fonseca Terra Prima, Graham Six Grapes, Ramos Pinto Collector, de la Rosa Finest Reserve and Cockburn Special Reserve?

If so, please bring a bottle of that!

Deleted_User_1 · Post by **Deleted_User_1** » 10:32 Sun 18 Mar 2012

Yes..very happy to do that

Deleted_User_1 · Post by **Deleted_User_1** » 10:36 Sun 18 Mar 2012

JacobH wrote:I'm very sorry about this but I'd forgotten that my name was on the list for this tasting and I'm afraid I'm going to be away that week. Could my name be removed, with apologies for the list? Thanks.

Tom will be attending in your place.

uncle tom · Post by **uncle tom** » 21:07 Sun 18 Mar 2012

Confirm..

..now what was theme again? - this is a long thread to read through..!

Post by **DRT** » 07:45 Mon 19 Mar 2012

DRT wrote:It is time to decide what to do.

My proposal is:

Date: Thursday 29th March 2012
Venue: The Bung Hole, London
Theme!
Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off.

Entrée: Beer break.

Plat principal: Bring a Port to Drink on Your Birthday.
Objections?

No one objected, so that is the theme.

Everyone to bring "A Port to Drink on Your Birthday".

For the Ruby Reserve Taste-off I have Graham's Six Grapes and Cookie has agreed to throw in a Port Society Ruby Reserve. We need to find these: Noval Black, de la Rosa Ruby Reserve, Cockburn Special Reserve, Ramos Pinto Collector and Fonseca Tera Prima.

Does anyone know where to find these? If you can be helpful by going out and buying one please do so and post here to confirm what you have.

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 08:41 Mon 19 Mar 2012

Derek - I have already purchased the de la Rosa, Noval Black and Terra Prima. Are you sure you did not buy the RP already (from Penistone wine cellars)?

Is it confusing to have two threads for the same event (even if they are two separate tastings!)?

Post by **DRT** » 10:30 Mon 19 Mar 2012

RAYC wrote:Derek - I have already purchased the de la Rosa, Noval Black and Terra Prima.

Fantastic! Thank you.

RAYC wrote:Are you sure you did not buy the RP already (from Penistone wine cellars)?

Oops! I forgot to go there. Will pick one up at the weekend.

RAYC wrote:Is it confusing to have two threads for the same event (even if they are two separate tastings!)?

Should I lock the other thread and divert people here?

Post by **DRT** » 10:32 Mon 19 Mar 2012

Cookie sent me a tet to confirm that he has the Cockburn Special Reserve.

We now have 6 ruby reserves. If we can find the R-PC it will be a bonus, but we have enough to meet the minimum standard.

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 10:47 Mon 19 Mar 2012

DRT wrote:Cookie sent me a tet to confirm that he has the Cockburn Special Reserve.

We now have 6 ruby reserves. If we can find the R-PC it will be a bonus, but we have enough to meet the minimum standard.

At the risk of being pedantic, which CkSR?

This one or this one?

And do we want both...?

Post by **DRT** » 10:56 Mon 19 Mar 2012

RAYC wrote:
DRT wrote:Cookie sent me a tet to confirm that he has the Cockburn Special Reserve.

We now have 6 ruby reserves. If we can find the R-PC it will be a bonus, but we have enough to meet the minimum standard.
At the risk of being pedantic, which CkSR?

This one or this one?

And do we want both...?

Cookie to confirm which one.

I think we should only have the new one.

Post by **DRT** » 12:29 Mon 19 Mar 2012

The intrepid Cookie has secured a Ramos-Pinto Collector. We have a full house!

Deleted_User_1 · Post by **Deleted_User_1** » 12:46 Mon 19 Mar 2012

DRT wrote:
RAYC wrote:
DRT wrote:Cookie sent me a tet to confirm that he has the Cockburn Special Reserve.

We now have 6 ruby reserves. If we can find the R-PC it will be a bonus, but we have enough to meet the minimum standard.
At the risk of being pedantic, which CkSR?

This one or this one?

And do we want both...?
Cookie to confirm which one.

I think we should only have the new one.

We have the new one.

Post by **DRT** » 23:50 Mon 19 Mar 2012

First post updated.

Deleted_User_1 · Post by **Deleted_User_1** » 00:06 Tue 20 Mar 2012

DRT wrote:First post updated.

Have another go....you are nearly right..bless

Post by **DRT** » 00:29 Tue 20 Mar 2012

Cookie wrote:
DRT wrote:First post updated.
Have another go....you are nearly right..bless

- now fixed, I hope!

Post by **DRT** » 12:14 Sat 24 Mar 2012

DRT wrote:
Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off, comprising!
Cockburn Special Reserve (RLC)
Fonseca Tera Prima (RAYC)
Graham's Six Grapes (DRT)
Noval Black (RAYC)
Ramos-Pinto Collector (RLC)
Quinta de la Rosa Reserve (RAYC)
The Port Society Ruby Reserve (RLC)

Breaking News: The Yanks had nine in Seattle last night. Are we content with seven?

RAYC · Post by **RAYC** » 12:24 Sat 24 Mar 2012

I'm about to go to Tesco. And Waitrose is a minute walk from my house. I'll see what else there is!

Post by **jdaw1** » 12:31 Sat 24 Mar 2012

Placemats, or first drafts thereof, will be made Sunday evening. Is the first post sufficiently up to date that it can be used for this purpose?

DRT wrote:Breaking News: The Yanks had nine in Seattle last night. Are we content with seven?

We are not competing with our American friends.

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 16:58 Sat 24 Mar 2012

DRT wrote:
DRT wrote:
Amuse-bouche: The Great International Ruby Reserve Taste-off, comprising!
Cockburn Special Reserve (RLC)
Fonseca Tera Prima (RAYC)
Graham's Six Grapes (DRT)
Noval Black (RAYC)
Ramos-Pinto Collector (RLC)
Quinta de la Rosa Reserve (RAYC)
The Port Society Ruby Reserve (RLC)
Breaking News: The Yanks had nine in Seattle last night. Are we content with seven?

With very interesting results, too. Neither or our winners (there was a tie) is on your list!

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk

Post by **DRT** » 17:12 Sat 24 Mar 2012

Glenn E. wrote:With very interesting results, too. Neither or our winners (there was a tie) is on your list!

Glenn E. · Post by **Glenn E.** » 17:26 Sat 24 Mar 2012

On the plus side, you do have all three of the Ports that tied for 4th.