A Sherry Niles?” … “Certainly Frasier!”

Admit it, part of you are a Frasier and Niles Crane when it comes to a glass of Sherry.

Or, perhaps you secretly admire the safety and security of penthouse living; miles above the rif-raf and unwashed commoners scurrying below.

I’d rather have a garden to till, farmers for neighbors, and acres for trees to sow; but back to play acting the part of a priggish fussbudget for just one night.

You can tap into your inner Frasier, it just means being able to stomach a glass of sherry.

Charles Dickens said, “We are away to the region of your nutty, full-flavored Amontillado sherry, the golden juice I have so often held up to the light”.

For a New Year’s winter afternoon gathering or a tête-à-tête by the fireplace, a glass of sherry with some hors d’oeuvres has a timeless appeal.

You too, can possess fine tastes, intellectual interests, and high opinions of yourselves, frequently clash with blue-collar, down-to-earth fathers & neighbors; while imagining that your Ford Taurus is an Aston Martin and your Nort’ St. Paul elocution is a Buckingham brogue.

You too can hide your missus like, never-seen Maris.  Sherry for Frasier & Niles,  helped them search for love & I’m sure it will help all of us gain acceptance into Woodbury’s cultural elite.

Whether you are in with a noisy crowd this New Year‘s, or an evening at home with one’s best friends—sherry has always seemed an appropriate drink for most any time of day.  

Whatever way you will celebrate, a packed room holiday party with tooting horns, or an intimate gathering, it is a joy to welcome another New Year in the company of one’s dearest… a chance to catch up and talk til the fire burns low, donning a silly hat. 

The Sherry Drink, has to be sipped slowly from small glasses.  But deciding among the different styles and flavors this wine unfolds can be tricky.  Just solve the problem by offering a range, including a light, dry or sweet, chilled - and let your guests decide.

In Spain, its country of origin, a fine sherry is offered served with tiny plates of tapas, those delectable tidbits that stave off hunger until the late Spanish dinner hour.  The service of Sherry I find, wakes the appetite (but sherry’s friends are nuts and cheese).

Sherry is a "fortified” wine, which means that sherry brandy is added after fermentation. Young wines will eventually be blended with older stocks to ensure a fine and consistent flavor, whether sweet or dry.

And on New Year’s Eve, a performance of “Auld Lang Syne” of “as in times of old” is a must.  Poet Robert Burn crafted the lyrics to the classic tune.  In Scotland, thousands of people gather outside and cross arms while singing this classic song in unison. But unless you watch the last 5 minutes of “It’s a Wonderful Life” into perpetuity, you may need to pass out lyrics.

                          Should old acquaintance be forgot,
                          and never brought to mind ?
                          Should old acquaintance be forgot,
                          and old lang syne ?

                       And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
                       and surely I’ll buy mine !
                       And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
                       for auld lang syne.

As midnight strikes, raise a toast to love, peace and friendship.

FINO most delicate and dry:
Pedro Domecq’s La Ina Fino

MANZANILLA light and very dry:
Emilio Lustau’s Paprirusa.

AMONTILLADO amber, nutty:
Emilo Lustau’s Los Archos.

OLOROSO dark, full, fragrant:Osborne's Very Old Oloroso "E."

CREAM rich, sweet:  Harvey's Bristol Crem.