Comments on: The Art of Spitting

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:22:13 +0000

In reply to Emma B. Yep, all true. Getting to the spittoon, then having to communicate "excuse me, I need to spit" just using eye and hand movements is not easy...!

By: Emma B

Emma B — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:26:30 +0000

A few other points that it takes novices a while to pick up:
1) Please don’t stand around the spittoon discussing wines with others, coz it’s tricky for the spitter to ask for access.
2) Don’t leave your briefcase / bag etc. leaning against the bottom of the spittoon; the results will not be pretty, not least due to preventing spitter access = increased spitting distance = you can guess the rest. Check out the layout of the spittoons before you get stuck in, as it’s very upsetting to be a distance away in a busy room; walk over before tasting if necessary.
3) Once you’re used to spitting & return to consumer tastings, you’ll be SERIOUSLY underwhelmed by how few spittoons are provided. I go to the odd one, but still want to try as many wines as possible. I seem to spend as much time trying to get access to spittoons as per points 1 & 2 as I do actually finding out about the wine, based on an apparently unreasonable desire to finish the session upright.

By: Matt

Matt — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:59:58 +0000

In reply to Gerry Price. Haha you wrong'un! It would even keep it warm...

By: Gerry Price

Gerry Price — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:34:22 +0000

The good thing about the flask is that there is something for the train on the way home…

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:41:03 +0000

In reply to Ruth Alexander-Smith. Such a good idea. Jancis was advocating everyone having their own disposable paper cups the other day. Too much jostling at the busy tastings for that though I reckon...

By: Matt

Matt — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:37:18 +0000

In reply to Matthew rumbold. Not the voice of experience I hope! :(

By: Ruth Alexander-Smith

Ruth Alexander-Smith — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:30:15 +0000

At most tastings but especially large ones like the LIWF, I find having my personal portable spittoon useful. I have a designated small coffee thermos with handle, then you know it’s always there for you, no queuing for the larger ‘buckets’. It discreet and practical.

By: Eoin Corcoran

Eoin Corcoran — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:18:46 +0000

In reply to Matt. Yuck.

By: Jen MacDonald

Jen MacDonald — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:07:03 +0000

My vote for the most flamboyant spitter goes to the Right Honourable Oz Clarke who can hit a spittoon at 20 paces (well maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration….)

By: Matthew rumbold

Matthew rumbold — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:01:46 +0000

I feel it’s best not wear brand new light coloured suede shoes to a tasting as, even if only one drop of red wine alights upon said shoes, you wil be sufficiently upset to concentrate on further tasting.