Party was a success

To, I expect, nobody's surprise the party was a success. My farther afield guests came from Calgary and Houston. I think everyone had a good time, much good drink was consumed and good food eaten. I think the numbers were a bit lower than last year -- it never felt quite as crowded. I know I did have several cancellations day-of due to the weather and worries about the driving conditions.

The two decanted ports that I served were a Dow's 1985 Vintage, followed by a Pocas 1994 Colheita. Both were quite good, with some favouring the first and others the second. I enjoyed both as good examples of the character of their type -- the vintage being brighter, while the Colheita being a bit sweeter and more caramel. But, the surprise win of the party was the Grant Burge 10yo tawny that I had picked up while near Chicago. I think everyone who had some was happily impressed by it, and it was clearly better than the Cabral 20yo tawny that was also open.

House now empty

My house is, finally, empty. Party clean-up proceeds apace.

A couple people crashed overnight after the party, the last leaving about noon. My holiday houseguest has, also, just headed home.

The 2nd load of dishes is running in the dishwasher. I think all the glasses have been collected -- but I won't be surprised to find one stashed somewhere any time in the next couple months. People get awfully creative for where they put down glasses and my house has lots of semi-cluttered flat surfaces for people to choose.