Real Men Drink Port ...and Ladies Do Too!

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Ben Howkins was awarded the Vintners’ Scholarship in 1963, the youngest person to achieve this award. His experience in Europe’s vineyards and working with many leading vintners inspired his commitment to educate others to the enjoyment of wine. He wrote the International Wine & Food Society’s guide to port – Rich Rare and Red; is a member of the Confreria do Vinho do Porto and the Vintners’ Company and is wine advisor at Waddesdon, to Lord Rothschild, co-owner of Chateau Lafite Rothschild.

Oliver Preston's drawings have been published in The Guardian, The Independent, and Punch and he is the regular cartoonist for The Field, The Polo Magazine, the Racing Magazine and Cotswold Life. He has exhibited at The Fine Art Society and has published numerous books and his caricatures hang in many private collections.

'Port expert Ben Howkins and cartoonist Ollie Preston make this the Christmas drink gift book. In colour throughout, a fascinating guide to the wine.' Gardners Books

'Agreeable read extolling the myriad virtues of Port.' Circle of Wine Writers

'Ben Howkins guides the reader through the fascinating history of this most glorious of wines and the complex persona of the "port drinker".'  Countryside

'Fans of the work of British screenwriter, novelist and professional posho Julian Fellowes will enjoy Ben Howkins's Real Men Drink Port...  Howkins also happens to be a fluent writer with a (for the most part) light touch, an ability to laugh at himself, and a profound love of Port both as a drink and an expression of Britishness that is palpable on every page.  Whether Howkins is drawing affectionate pen portraits of characters from the Port trade's present and recent past, or sharing his deep knowledge of vintages and producers, this rather whimsical book eases gently by, leaving a sense of him as a proper "Port person"'.  The World of Fine Wine

'Here's a book that manages to amuse and entertain. If you want an interesting and complete overview of the Port wine industry without having to read a text book, I can think of no finer tome. Ben Howkins is well known for his knowledge of Port, and is able to convey fascinating details with passion as he examines the history of both Port wine and the Port drinker from early days to the present. There are some behind the scenes surprises revealed here that make this an essential book for the Port lover.'  www.snooth.com Top 10 Wine Books for the Holidays

'This book, in my view, will appeal to British readers and to those on either side of the Atlantic who have acquired a taste for British humor and literary style...  The text is a mixture of scholarly research delivered with a light hand, and personal, often funny anecdotes...  Many of the historical personalities are presented in an endearing manner - including those who had little regard for moderation in consumption.  This does not imply the author is condoning irresponsible consumption of alcohol.  This notion is confirmed by the many hilarious cartoons, where too much of a good thing suddenly does not become good any more.  Mr Preston employs irony with considerable skill...  Quiller Publishing used satisfyingly fine materials, with better paper than one often sees.  Hugh Johnson contributed an amiable, succinct foreword.  Upon rereading it, I suspect this may not be Ben Howkins' last book.  I hope not anyway.'  www.fortheloveofport.com
For full review, please click on the link: http://www.fortheloveofport.com/books/real-men-drink-port-book-review

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More on Real Men Drink Port by Ben Howkins

Howkins states that port is 'a splendidly evocative four letter word' and here he sets out to clearly define the characteristics of a 'Port Person' - and those who are not! He looks at Port People of the past, such as William Pitt the Younger who 'liked a glass of port very well and a bottle even better' to present-day celebrity enthusiasts such as Claudia Schiffer, Sir Mick Jagger and David Beckham.

The evolution of port is described, from its heyday in the 1750s - when it was recommended by doctors and provided a bespoke central heating system for gentlemen - through to the modern day, including the new trend for pink port. And although Auberon Waugh stated 'women still regard port as their natural enemy' - the author believes that happily ladies in the 21st century do not concur with this viewpoint.

Real Men Drink Port also includes all the necessary faux-pas avoidance essentials, such as: how to decant vintage port; dinner table etiquette; how to use port tongs; how to serve tawny and white ports - and vitally - what glasses should never be used for port. There's also invaluable advice on vintage ports to try before you die and a potentially lucrative wager involving the dimensions of the classic port decanter.