The "Deeper Underground" Offline (28 Jan 2008)

Post by **DRT** » 13:14 Sat 12 Jan 2008

jdaw1 wrote: Away this weekend

Hopefully to have you pedantic and retentive qualities refreshed and revived.

Derek

Post by **jdaw1** » 13:24 Sat 12 Jan 2008

Derek T. wrote:
jdaw1 wrote: Away this weekend
Hopefully to have you pedantic and retentive qualities refreshed and revived.

Derek

… your …

Conky · Post by **Conky** » 13:28 Sat 12 Jan 2008

The halfwit was too busy correcting my Apostrophe crimes to check his own Posts...

You could not make it up.

Post by **DRT** » 13:29 Sat 12 Jan 2008

jdaw1 wrote:
Derek T. wrote:
jdaw1 wrote: Away this weekend
Hopefully to have you pedantic and retentive qualities refreshed and revived.

Derek
… your …

Welcome back, jdaw1

Now, take it easy. Don't try to do too much at once or you might take a backward step.

Post by **DRT** » 17:29 Sat 12 Jan 2008

IMPORTANT NOTICE

To all attendees of this Offline,

Now that we have confirmation that the Noval Nacional 1966 is joining the line-up I can tell you that it is being supplied from the cellar of AHB (Alex Bridgeman for those who do not know his full name).

Given the total sum involved, it is only fitting that we all pay our share of £42.30 to Alex BEFORE 28th January. I will be sending each of you a PM today or tomorrow with details of Alex's bank account so that you can make payment to him by internet or telephone banking.

If anyone does not have these facilities please let me know ASAP so that we can make alternative arrangements and make sure Alex has all of the money he is due before the event.

Please note that Alex has specifically requested that he does not receive cash payments on the night of the off-line.

Your full co-operation with this request will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Derek

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 22:03 Sat 12 Jan 2008

jdaw1 wrote:
Derek T. wrote:Jdaw, please update the tasting mats accordingly.
Away this weekend: will cope Monday.

AHB: please would you test print the ﬁrst page onto A3 Monday morning and conﬁrm that the smiley and suit flight symbols all appear satisfactorily. Thanks. (And print one person’s TN pages onto A4 for like purpose.)

Will do, may need a reminder, if possible.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 20:22 Sun 13 Jan 2008

A while back, Conky asked how much port would be in each glass if we had a large-ish number of people sharing a bottle of port.

I opened a miniature (50cl) bottle of fruit wine this evening and have been drinking it from a port glass - it reminded me of Conky's question.

Assuming that you lose around 50cl of port though the decanting process, you end up with 50cl per person when the rest of the bottle is shared between 14 people. In my port glass, 50cl came about 2/3rds the way up to the widest part of the glass and was enough for 4 reasonable mouthfuls. Not a large glass of port, but enough for a decent experience.

Alex

Post by **DRT** » 10:47 Mon 14 Jan 2008

The following bottles are now at The Crusting Pipe...

Fonseca
Graham's
Offley Boa Vista
Quinta do Noval
Robertson's Rebello Valente

Derek

Post by **jdaw1** » 03:05 Wed 16 Jan 2008

(Combining links from multiple places) jdaw1 wrote:The Deeper Underground 1966 Horizontal, held at the Crusting Pipe, Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RD, on Monday 28 January 2008.

Links:
Planning and arrangements: pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15;

Review of the evening as a whole;

TN: Adam 1966;

TN: Avery 1966;

TN: Croft 1966;

TN: Delaforce 1966;

TN: Dow 1966;

TN: Fonseca 1966;

TN: Graham 1966;

TN: Morgan 1966;

TN: Noval 1966;

TN: Noval Nacional 1966;

TN: Ofﬂey Boa Vista 1966;

TN: Robertson’s Rebello Valente 1966;

TN: Taylor 1966;

TN: Warre 1966;

TN: Berry Brothers & Rudd 1966.

Perhaps suppliers of bottles could post information about provenance in the appropriate TN threads?

Post by **DRT** » 20:35 Fri 18 Jan 2008

Derek T. wrote:The revised flights are as follows...

Flight 1: The Guest of Honour
☺Adam's
Flight 2: Taylor Fladgate Partnership
♣ Avery's
♣ Croft
♣ Fonseca
♣ Taylor's
Flight 3: The Novals
♦ Quinta do Noval
♦ Quinta do Noval Nacional
Flight 4: The Symington Family
♥ Berry Brothers Selection
♥ Dow's
♥ Graham's
♥ Warre's

Flight 5: The Potential Surprises
♠ Delaforce
♠ Morgan
♠ Offley Boa Vista
♠ Robertson's Rebello Valente
Jdaw, unless anyone objects, can you please update the placemats to reflect the above. If the Sandeman joins the list it can be a surprise, and will therefore slot nicely into flight 5.

Derek

As there were no further objections these are now the confirmed flights. It is now highly unlikely that a Sandeman will join the line-up.

Jdaw, please update the Placemats accordingly.

Thanks

Derek

Post by **jdaw1** » 21:07 Fri 18 Jan 2008

Placemat updated. Alex: please test print to A3 (placemats) and A4 (tasting note sheets). Please check that:

Water doesn’t make colour run (toner doesn’t, ink does);
Suit symbols print well;
All the facts appear to be correct.

Also please print the sheets to help the decanting team.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 09:54 Sat 19 Jan 2008

I plan to be in the office early on Monday, and will do the test printing then. I'll be using a colour laser printer so the printing will not run.

Post by **jdaw1** » 13:26 Sat 19 Jan 2008

AHB wrote:I'll be using a colour laser printer so the printing will not run.

Print dialog boxes typically have a colour|B&W toggle. Please choose B&W.

Ghandih · Post by **Ghandih** » 13:28 Mon 21 Jan 2008

All,

I could almost propose that the dull printing stuff be taken elsewhere, but I guess it does serve to remind us that our good friends are beavering away behind the scene, like swan legs, you might (and I did) say, getting things ready for next week.

I've got my calculator out, tapped in some numbers, and come to the conclusion that we're less than seven days away from a remarkable port tasting occasion. After the delight of the Fonseca 66 at the F-Plan offline last autumn, I really can't wait to try all those beauties all together in one place.

Is anyone else mildly excited by the prospect?

Ghandih

Post by **DRT** » 15:05 Mon 21 Jan 2008

To quote a mutual friend, I'm so excited I'm bouncing up and down like a child!

Post by **DRT** » 15:15 Mon 21 Jan 2008

Simon Lisle has given me his three bottles. I will being them to the venue on the morning of the event where they will stand until the decanting happens at 16:00

Derek

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 11:31 Tue 22 Jan 2008

It would not be inaccurate to describe me as potentially evidencing signs of demonstrable anticipation...but stiff upper lips chaps. We are British you know.

Rather!

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 12:42 Thu 24 Jan 2008

I've had a heads-up that there may be a couple of more people who may not be able to make the tasting on Monday.

If this turns out to be the case, I can't in all good conscience, take their money for the Nacional knowing that they will not be with us. Instead, I propose that we keep the Nacional for another day and that I return the money that I have already received towards the cost of the bottle. I propose to do this in two ways:

(1) those who are absent on the night will receive a bank transfer or similar refund

(2) those who are present on the night will have the money that I have received put towards the overall cost of the night and we will then split the difference remaining between us.

If anyone feels very strongly that they would like me to do something different, then please drop me a PM and we can discuss. I could still be persuaded to contribute the Nacional '66 but the cost would possibly be shared between only 10 people and not the original 13.

Alex

Post by **jdaw1** » 13:19 Thu 24 Jan 2008

Do you and Derek want to send me, in the next few hours, new ﬂight arrangements for a Nacional-free tasting?

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 16:21 Thu 24 Jan 2008

Back to plan B. We are expecting 12 people for Monday's tasting so we can go back to including the Nacional in the line up provided everyone is willing to add an additional £4 each as we go from sharing the cost between 13 people to sharing between 12.

I shall stand the bottle back up again!

Alex

Post by **jdaw1** » 16:49 Thu 24 Jan 2008

AHB wrote:Back to plan B.

Err, plan A surely?

Simon Lisle · Post by **Simon Lisle** » 17:29 Thu 24 Jan 2008

I'm looking forward to monday I just hope the missus realises that all my port is money well spent.

Post by **jdaw1** » 18:58 Thu 24 Jan 2008

Simon Lisle wrote:money well spent

Money? Oh, you mean drink tokens.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 22:01 Thu 24 Jan 2008

jdaw1 wrote:
AHB wrote:Back to plan B.
Err, plan A surely?

Not quite - plan A includes John. I'd love for him to be able to join us at the last minute, but we are planning that he won't be able to make it.

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 07:58 Fri 25 Jan 2008

So I pulled my bottles for the '66 tasting out of their resting places last night. I can now officially describe myself as excited.

The only question is, what do I open over the weekend to build up to the events of Monday?

Alex

Ghandih · Post by **Ghandih** » 17:19 Fri 25 Jan 2008

Ooh, I like the idea of a build up (to be clear, in this context!). It's my birthday tomorrow, so some form of excitingness seems appropriate. It may be time to crack another Martinez '85...

To increase my general anticipation of the whole wonderful thing, pls could someone let me know a rough timetable of events, featuring (if nothing else) when I should be there in order to not miss the start!

Also, my memory of Covent Garden is that there are several shopkeepers, rather close together. Where should I be heading exactly?

Those nasty Irish folk decided today they want me back there on Monday morning. I have dug in heels and will not be there until Tuesday lunchtime, but that does mean a 09:55 flight from Heathrow on Tuesday morning, which is possibly a tad careless. However, I've got it in my head that we're roughly planning an average of one bottle of port per person, so I'll be fine. Won't I?

Ghandih

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 22:46 Fri 25 Jan 2008

Of course you'll be fine, we'll all swear blind that there's only one bottle of port per person and by the time we've taken into account all the losses through decanting and evaporation then it will be nearly only a bottle per person.

And the 9:55 from Heathrow - hopefully you're staying in a hotel near to the airport to maximise your sleep and recovery time!

As for a rough timetable of events, here goes:
11:00 Crusting Pipe opens to the public
18:00 The Deeper Underground Offline officially opens
18:30 We sit down to eat in Tunnel 1; consumption of alcoholic beverages with the food is entirely voluntary
19:30 Food service finishes; participants retire to Tunnel 2
19:31 Port consumption starts - filled glasses will be set out on the tables; participants are free to taste in flights or in any order they choose
23:30 Crusting Pipe closes; remaining participants leave the venue

The Crusting Pipe can be found in the basement of the south-eastern corner of the central group of shops and stores, the bit nearest to the London Transport Museum. If you really struggle to find it, just wander round all the central basements and you'll come across it.

Alex

Ghandih · Post by **Ghandih** » 20:17 Sat 26 Jan 2008

Blimey, I'm even more excited now.

Raah-theerrr!

Post by **DRT** » 20:33 Sat 26 Jan 2008

Here are three more of our victims sitting in front of "those tiles"

Note that the Delaforce has a new label, capsule and seal. The label states that it was shipped by Quinta and Vineyard Bottlers, so this must be ex-cellars from 1991 onwards as it was shipped after Delaforce became part of the Taylor Fladgate Partnership.

Also note that the Croft has one of those plastic capsules. This means that, once I have gone to A&E after cutting off my thumb opening the Noval, AHB will join me after trying to open this baby with his penkinfe

The Dow's is in a squat brown sherry bottle, so is more than likely UK bottled.

Derek

Post by **DRT** » 19:16 Sun 27 Jan 2008

T Minus 24 HRS and Counting - are we ready, Gentlemen?

Where is all the excitement?

Are you all sleeping in the hope that you can outlast my legendary staying awake skills tomorrow night?

Has anyone decided what they want to drink with their steak yet?

Derek

KillerB · Post by **KillerB** » 19:35 Sun 27 Jan 2008

We're just restraining ourselves.

Simon Lisle · Post by **Simon Lisle** » 20:28 Sun 27 Jan 2008

Those tiles are surely famous by now I'll keep an eye open for them at auction

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 21:26 Sun 27 Jan 2008

Derek T. wrote:[Has anyone decided what they want to drink with their steak yet?

Lightly sparkling mineral water for me, please. I can't make my mind up whether to order Badoit or Perrier. Which would you recommend?

Post by **DRT** » 21:28 Sun 27 Jan 2008

AHB wrote:
Derek T. wrote:[Has anyone decided what they want to drink with their steak yet?
Lightly sparkling mineral water for me, please. I can't make my mind up whether to order Badoit or Perrier. Which would you recommend?

I would recommend the Delaforce 85 - stop being a girl

Conky · Post by **Conky** » 22:42 Sun 27 Jan 2008

Speyside Glenlivet, a beautiful, tasteful water suitable for any occasion.You feel special as you slowly un-wrap the special foil seal that keeps this unique water safe and fresh. The background and detail of this very special Scottish Natural Mineral Water is impresive. Its unique and natural blend of minerals provides the essence of Speyside Glenlivet's special appeal. Even the most delicate flavors of what you eat and drink are enhanced when they are accompanied by its cool, clean and pure taste. The outstanding quality of this water was the reason why the first whisky distilleries were founded nearby over 200 years ago. The excellent properties of the water make's it perfect for low sodium diets. You'll have to go a long way to beat this incredible water and its good value.

But if they haven't got that particular bottled water...I'll have a gallon of Guiness!

Post by **DRT** » 22:49 Sun 27 Jan 2008

Conky wrote: I'll have a gallon of Guiness!

Not at The Crusting Pipe you won't !!!

It's a wine-only establishment. The only beer on the premises will be what is in your bladder as you walk through the door

Derek

Conky · Post by **Conky** » 22:57 Sun 27 Jan 2008

Well which half-wit booked that sort of Desert Land!!! Is it where Del Boy fell down the Bar Trap Door while Trigger looked on?

Post by **DRT** » 23:05 Sun 27 Jan 2008

No, it's the same place you went to the last time you were in London and the same place we told you last time had no beer

The good news is that there are around 100 pubs that do sell beer within 200 yards of The Crusting Pipe

Derek

Conky · Post by **Conky** » 23:10 Sun 27 Jan 2008

Sometimes I wonder if my humour is wasted on the Celts....

Post by **DRT** » 23:14 Sun 27 Jan 2008

I'll teach you some of my comedy timing, that should help you out.

Post by **DRT** » 00:35 Mon 28 Jan 2008

13 Hours til decanting time - better get some sleep

Derek

Post by **Alex Bridgeman** » 05:35 Mon 28 Jan 2008

There is beer at the Crusting Pipe. You have a choice of Davy's Wallop or Davy's Lager...or of drinking at one of the other hostelries nearby.

Anyone heard how Julian's tiddlywinks went last night?

Alex

Post by **DRT** » 07:45 Mon 28 Jan 2008

AHB wrote:There is beer at the Crusting Pipe. You have a choice of Davy's Wallop or Davy's Lager

Am I right in thinking these are bottles?

(Sorry Alan, wrong info

)

AHB wrote:Anyone heard how Julian's tiddlywinks went last night?

I've just picked up The Times - will check the sports pages and let you know

Derek

Post by **DRT** » 07:51 Mon 28 Jan 2008

The Croft, Delaforce and Dow's are now on their way to London by First Class on National Express (GNER in old money). I will deliver them to The Crusting Pipe at around 09:30 this morning so that they can rest before decanting.

Alan, I think you mentioned somewhere that you hoped Virgin have WiFi. I travelled on that line in Oct 07 and they didn't have it then

Derek

Conky · Post by **Conky** » 08:12 Mon 28 Jan 2008

I'm beginning to worry that world might not be ready for a Techno Warrier like myself!

Once you showed me how to Post images...I was off.l

Ghandih · Post by **Ghandih** » 12:56 Mon 28 Jan 2008

AHB wrote: Anyone heard how Julian's tiddlywinks went last night?

Having not been at the event, I can report that Julian did not win. Not a hope. In order to win, you must play in no fewer than all but two of the rounds played. I predict that Julian probably missed the start on both days, and, even if he was there on the Satdi morning, he would have got unavoidably blocked in on the far side of the table at the pub at lunchtime, and cruelly forced to play drinking games most of the afternoon. If they were particularly rotten to him, they might even have insisted on playing counting games (which, frankly, baffle him, because, as a 'proper' mathematician, he can't deal with numbers, only letters). Finally, and this is my killer argument, he's given up the game so won't play on principle until the Boundary Rule is changed (cue Rant Button, of which more below).

On the subject of what to drink, I'm with Conky on the beer (no lager for me, if at all possible). I should probably start a new topic to rant on this, but I think bottled water is one of the worst environmental pollution episodes prevalent in the UK, and I shall be hoping that the CP is able to offer Thames Water, which (as we know) will have been purified multiple times by the best technology there is by the time it gets to me.

If you disagree with the above point, I suggest you leave winding me up until about 10pm. Then you can just sidle over, say 'Ghandih, what do you think of bottled water mate?', and withdraw to a safe distance. P'raps it would be worth asking Julian or I to describe the Rant Button. It's an amazing invention, everyone has one, and it doesn't work the way you probably think...

I've got a hotel booked at Heathrow, so I'm on for an evening. Hope to be in the vicinity by 6pm.

Ghandih

Conky · Post by **Conky** » 15:34 Mon 28 Jan 2008

Looking forward to it. Overtired and Emotional (John) are in PallMall and are on the verge of wandering out into the night. I suppose it could go horribly wrong from here...

Alan

Ghandih · Post by **Ghandih** » 17:06 Mon 28 Jan 2008

Ghandih just on the way in from Heathrow now...

Ghandih · Post by **Ghandih** » 00:56 Tue 29 Jan 2008

Just to say - fab evening, what a great line up of port we drunk (don't mention the Warre!! I said it once, but...). Thanks to all those who made it easy for me to turn up and enjoy a lovely evening. I would like to particularly like to mention Simon L, who not only has a triffic name, but also helped me to bring along a great port. Fonseca 66 was again the Daddy, followed by the Taylors and then the Nacional...

Ghandih

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