Dom Perignon …. a symbol of class and good taste , a symbol of stature .
The gentleman who once gifted me a bottle of Dom is certainly a true representative of the descriptive above . However, the person I shared that bottle with is , like myself …. certainly not. The gifter you see … ”Don “ Alfonso, would have enjoyed such a beverage on an occasion with someone close , family or friends in a comfortable atmosphere the likes of his home. And he would likely have drunk it from fine lead glass as it is said lead glass enhances the flavor of fine wines .
Nicholas and I cracked it open at noon as we sat on the curb watching the local kids play soccer on that Colombian barrio street. And we drank it from a jar and a tin cup, oblivious to the fact that we might have enjoyed it more had we poured it into fine Waterford fluted glasses. But our team won and a priceless memory was created regardless.
A week or so later found Nicholas and I visiting “Don” Alfonso again. This time in reward of a favor Alfonso presented something special to Nicholas. Reaching into a full case Alfonso drew out a serial numbered collectors bottle of Chivas Brothers 31 year old Scotch . This is some serious money.
Later on Nicholas was besides himself showing off the prize to my wife’s brother Tato ..
“ Tato… Tato look at what “Don” Alfonso gave me man ! ”
This was a true status symbol …..not just for what it was, but from whom presented it ….. but Tato instantly wanted to know…
“ Are we going to drink it ? “ and he stood caressing the bottle as though it were a part of himself . Nicholas attempted to explain with…
“ Drink it ?…..that’s a collector bottle. That Scotch is 31 years old .”
“ Thirty one years old ???….Madre de Dios…that’s plenty old enough .” and Tato promptly opened the no longer collector bottle. We enjoyed it while sitting on the curb…and I don’t remember any soccer game.
