People to have a beer with ...

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

 
Now that is a great story, thank you for sharing it [member=550]Tinker[/member]

Memories like these are simply the best  [smile] [smile]

Kind regards,
Oliver
 
six-point socket II said:
But of course in the end it's kinda like a high stakes card game, you go all in when you open such a bottle.

Oliver I like you're analogy...I have some 1994 vintage port downstairs that just keeps getting better every year, yet although I know it will be fine once opened, it's always the "what if" question that rears its ugly head before I pull the cork. Port, being a fortified wine, is probably 4-5 times less likely to turn into vinegar, but Champagne 30 years old...that can be a crap shoot no matter how expensive the bottle. Glad to hear yours was a bonus round. [thumbs up] [thumbs up]

Great story [member=550]Tinker[/member] ...I've missed your yarns...hard to believe you're only 39 with all your insight...but if you say so [popcorn]
 
Phil Beckley said:
Have a good one Oliver. A Swabian Schnapps would be good as well  [wink]...
rg
Phil

Swabian Schnapps... mmmmmmmmmmm, some Rote wurst along with it too
 
Well no beer, but the Mrs and I did a tour and "chin wag" at [member=28483]iamnothim[/member] shop and his projects. A very lovely time and the Mrs appreciated his work as much as me.

Then we drove back up the coast road (Pacific Coast Highway) which is the 1 and later 101. Funny that has the same name and number on the Australian side of the Pacific.

A lovely day, but I forgot to bring any beer.
 
[size=13pt][member=40772]Holmz[/member]
Any photos? Er how about 360 degree virtual tour?  [big grin] He is one member and a workshop that I would like to meet/see, but probably never will, in person.

[member=28483]iamnothim[/member]
 
How far north are you going to make it? I'll be in Seattle next month but you'll probably be long gone by then.
 
Untidy Shop said:
[size=13pt][member=40772]Holmz[/member]
Any photos? Er how about 360 degree virtual tour?  [big grin] He is one member and a workshop that I would like to meet/see, but probably never will, in person.

[member=28483]iamnothim[/member]


No mate, but my mind I have pictures... [eek]

Nice bandsaw, and nice bench, but there is no magical tools that were evident to the nice work... So I think it just comes from some good work. There were some planes and hand tools that were nice and I will make a shooting board for hand planes. The big green egg cart was well done and was also a treat. The Mrs said, "I see what you mean..."

And the Mrs said, "I'll get you one of those Galahad jobs for your birthday...", which was a grinder/shaper.

Mort said:
How far north are you going to make it? I'll be in Seattle next month but you'll probably be long gone by then.

Cheers [member=46908]Mort[/member] but we fly out of LAX this week. Will keep it in mind though as I get a business trip once a year or so, ... and sometimes it is in the Pacific Northwest. The eldest wants to do a family trip to Bend this summer (Au winter). So we would do a few sights if we end up going.
 
Holmz said:
Well no beer, but the Mrs and I did a tour and "chin wag" at [member=28483]iamnothim[/member] shop and his projects. A very lovely time and the Mrs appreciated his work as much as me.

Then we drove back up the coast road (Pacific Coast Highway) which is the 1 and later 101. Funny that has the same name and number on the Australian side of the Pacific.

A lovely day, but I forgot to bring any beer.

Does water count?
Had a great time.  You and Jo were quite kind to put up with an insufferable show off like myself.
Incredible that we have the same hobbies (photography, wood, and music)
All-the-best
Luke
 
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