Many moons ago, (604 +/-1), I married my first wife. Of course, she is also my last wife. She is a German import so we decided to serve German wine with our reception. We made use of my Mom’s offer to have the reception at her house. Several of my drinking buddies (there must have been at least two of them around) sort of turned up their noses thinking wine was a step or two down below their dignities. After several hours, the wine was running low. It was Sunday and impossible to replenish the supply.
My helper (I was a mason contractor), Butch,who was by then, a very close friend who had accompanied me thru many exciting escapades during the several years we had been working together, remembered that years before, I had made several barrels of hard cider. This had been more than apple cider. Some we had mixed in grapes, while one barrel had raisins and pears added. All had various amounts of sugar to give just a tad more kick. The whole fermentation process was completed within the first six months or so, where upon the first two barrels were duly consumed over the next two or three years.
The third barrel was evidently only partially consumed before I became too busy to spend any more time keeping my fermented apples and grapes lubricating my pipes. I had forgotten that last barrel. My pal, Butch, did not forget. When he realized the wine supply was going to hit bottom, he went to my best friend and drinking buddy to inform that he just might be able to find a new supply. He did not know if the supply had evaporated, turned to vinegar, or just maybe, there could be enough left in the long forgotten barrel to save the day.
Butch and my friend, Dick investigated. They were hesitant to try a sip, but Dick knew someone who could tell them right away if it was any good. After making sure the bung tap was free, they located Dick's father. They drew a small amount for sample. The father’s eyes lit up and a huge smile on his face informed that in deed, that was “mighty good.”
There was just enough left in the barrel to last thru the remainder of our partying. My cousin, who was my best man as I had been for him five years before, managed to save a couple of bottles which he hid in our car to take with us. Those two bottles did not last for too many days. I doubt they approached the wine that Oliver shows, but they were from the very last barrel of hard cider I had ever made. They were even good enough that my lovely bride partook of the delicacy as well. Those two bottles definitely were no deal breakers. She is still with me. :
Tinker
My helper (I was a mason contractor), Butch,who was by then, a very close friend who had accompanied me thru many exciting escapades during the several years we had been working together, remembered that years before, I had made several barrels of hard cider. This had been more than apple cider. Some we had mixed in grapes, while one barrel had raisins and pears added. All had various amounts of sugar to give just a tad more kick. The whole fermentation process was completed within the first six months or so, where upon the first two barrels were duly consumed over the next two or three years.
The third barrel was evidently only partially consumed before I became too busy to spend any more time keeping my fermented apples and grapes lubricating my pipes. I had forgotten that last barrel. My pal, Butch, did not forget. When he realized the wine supply was going to hit bottom, he went to my best friend and drinking buddy to inform that he just might be able to find a new supply. He did not know if the supply had evaporated, turned to vinegar, or just maybe, there could be enough left in the long forgotten barrel to save the day.
Butch and my friend, Dick investigated. They were hesitant to try a sip, but Dick knew someone who could tell them right away if it was any good. After making sure the bung tap was free, they located Dick's father. They drew a small amount for sample. The father’s eyes lit up and a huge smile on his face informed that in deed, that was “mighty good.”
There was just enough left in the barrel to last thru the remainder of our partying. My cousin, who was my best man as I had been for him five years before, managed to save a couple of bottles which he hid in our car to take with us. Those two bottles did not last for too many days. I doubt they approached the wine that Oliver shows, but they were from the very last barrel of hard cider I had ever made. They were even good enough that my lovely bride partook of the delicacy as well. Those two bottles definitely were no deal breakers. She is still with me. :
Tinker
