Six Vespers - A review.

ThundernutsThundernuts Harlow, Essex, England UKPosts: 57MI6 Agent
A lot has been made of the scene on the aeroplane to South America where Bond downs his six Vespers. For me it was one of the most poignant scenes in the movie, but lots of people were wondering why Bond looked so glassy-eyed.

I decided, with a little impromptu goading from a barman on Friday Night to find out for myself.

Let me set the scene for you. I'm 37 years old and I spent a decade in the British Army. I'm no stranger to strong drink and I can pretty much hold my own but I'm more of a Lager or Jack Daniels drinker and have little time for cocktails.

On Friday, I'd taken the wife out to a trendy bar on the Essex/Herts border and was dismayed to find that I could only drink bottled beer.

Much as I love a bottle of Peroni with an Italian Meal I knew that I wouldn't be able to knock them back all night without bloating while my wife was comfortably sipping her woo-woo's.

The barman, one of these cocky glass-juggling types offered me the cocktail menu. I declined and ordered a large Jack Daniels. I told him that I wasn't a fan and there was only one in the world that I considered trying, but I doubted that he had all the ingredients.

It was like waving a red flag in front of a bull.

I told him that I wanted a proper Vodka Martini, shaken and not stirred. Gordon's, Smirnoff, Kina Lillet, the lot. To my total amazement he reeled off the recipe, and measures verbatim from the novel and produced a half bottle of Lillet Blanc from under the bar that they clearly had for special requests. He assured me that it was Kina Lillet in all but name.

It took him about a minute to make and cost me £11.50. (See below)

http://img74.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vesperkc7.jpg

To my total amazement, I loved it. Sharp, crisp and yet refreshing. I could see why it was the 007 drink of choice and I was going to stick on them for the night.

After four of them, I slid off my bar stool to use the gentleman's room and found that my legs didn't work properly. My brain was guiding them, but they weren't obeying and I cascaded through the bar like a penguin trapped in a pinball machine. Vapour Trails were coming off people and I had a stupid smile on my face.

I managed two more over the course of the evening, but according to my wife, I walked to the taxi rank like I'd just been poisoned by Le Chiffe's doris. Note to self - There are no difibrulators in Essex mini-cabs.

In short, very tasty, bloody expensive and extremely potent. I certainly couldn't have stepped off that plane in Bolivia looking quite so composed. I spent Saturday with a raging hangover and woke up with a mouth drier than Greene's in the desert. If I'd had a can of motor oil by the bed, I'd have drunk that too.....

Just thought that I'd share.... -{
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Comments

  • Gassy ManGassy Man USAPosts: 2,972MI6 Agent
    edited November 2008
    Well f---ing done, Thundernuts. {[]

    Edit: And not cheap, either. That is commitment.
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,988Quartermasters
    Probably the post/thread of the week, Thundernuts B-) My compliments, on both the writing...and the drinking -{

    I really must try this...
    Check out my Amazon author page! Mark Loeffelholz
    "I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
    "Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
  • avekevavekev UkPosts: 122MI6 Agent
    Top review Thundernuts....... {[]

    Just like to add, if you are who I think you are then the 'Harry Monk' comment was one of the funniest things during that whole series! :))
  • ThundernutsThundernuts Harlow, Essex, England UKPosts: 57MI6 Agent
    My cover is blown! Still, I suppose the avatar is a bit of a giveaway....

    Shhhhhhhh!

    ;)
  • HigginsHiggins GermanyPosts: 16,618MI6 Agent
    edited November 2008
    Probably the post/thread of the week, Thundernuts B-) My compliments, on both the writing...and the drinking -{

    I really must try this...

    I'd say at least of the month. A very good fun to read and well done on that mission!

    :)) :)) :))
    President of the 'Misty Eyes Club'.

    Dalton - the weak and weepy Bond!
  • 72897289 Beau DesertPosts: 1,691MI6 Agent
    Thanks so much for posting the results of your evening with "Vesper". I think reading about your expierence was nearly as much fun as drinking the cocktail!

    -{
  • youknowmynameyouknowmyname Gainesville, FL, USAPosts: 703MI6 Agent
    Certainly a good amount of entertainment. I had three and felt comfortable, but over a course of two hours...six, now that is an accomplishment. Well done! -{
    "We have all the time in the world..."
  • c_a_r_t_e_r_3_5c_a_r_t_e_r_3_5 Posts: 116MI6 Agent
    Nice effort!

    {[]
  • PeppermillPeppermill DelftPosts: 2,860MI6 Agent
    {[]Great post, had much fun reading it, might try this myself if I didn't hate gin as much as I do.
    :007)
    PS Post of the month in my book too
    1. Ohmss 2. Frwl 3. Op 4. Tswlm 5. Tld 6. Ge 7. Yolt 8. Lald 9. Cr 10. Ltk 11. Dn 12. Gf 13. Qos 14. Mr 15. Tmwtgg 16. Fyeo 17. Twine 18. Sf 19. Tb 20 Tnd 21. Spectre 22 Daf 23. Avtak 24. Dad
  • Another LoeffelholzAnother Loeffelholz "a different position."Posts: 77MI6 Agent
    -{ Excellence. Thundernuts, You've indeed brought drinking to an art form. {[]
    Loeff, we should try the six Vesper experience when we meet over the Holidays !!!!! B-) :))
    Look out world... {:)
  • GrishenkoGrishenko Posts: 45MI6 Agent
    Thanks for taking one for the team and experimenting in the name of science. I love the line about staggering as if poisoned by Le Chiffre.

    Follow-up question: Did the Vespers keep you awake as Mathis feared they would?
  • ClarkyClarky IndianaPosts: 200MI6 Agent
    This just corroborates what I was saying in a different thread. Six Vespers are completely possible to drink. There have been plenty of times I have drunk six martinis.
  • ThundernutsThundernuts Harlow, Essex, England UKPosts: 57MI6 Agent
    Grishenko wrote:
    Thanks for taking one for the team and experimenting in the name of science. I love the line about staggering as if poisoned by Le Chiffre.

    Follow-up question: Did the Vespers keep you awake as Mathis feared they would?

    Precisely the opposite.

    According to the wife, after getting into bed and doing something else that James Bond often does ;-) (Nothing affected in that department) I fell asleep soon afterwards and snored like a motorcycle for about six hours.

    I was completely unconscious.

    Had Professor Dent sneaked into the marital bedroom that night with a poisonous spider, or a Smith and Wesson I would not have heard him.

    I would be dead and he could have helped himself to my wallet, my wife, my Omega Seamaster, The ATAC, my briefcase with exploding talcum powder, the keys to my DB5 and my Walther PPK.

    Six Vespers and one sleeps well....
  • Donald GrantDonald Grant U.S.A.Posts: 2,241Quartermasters
    Thundernuts,

    My head hurts just thinking about drinking like that. I do my best not to drink like that anymore, but every now and again it sneaks up on you. The next couple of days you pay for it. The older you get, the longer it takes to recover from the hangover, believe me. So our Mr. Bond is definitely a bad-ass.

    DG
    So, what sharp little eyes you've got...wait till you get to my teeth.
    image_zps6a725e59.jpg
    "People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Richard Grenier after George Orwell, Washington Times 1993.
  • 007-Z007-Z WindsorPosts: 12MI6 Agent
    Going way back to my first Vesper...ah 2002...after I read Casino Royale. I found the orangey flavour very nice addition instead of The Dry Vermouth.

    6 Vespers in a night...will make you glassy eyed..in the course of two hours. I've done it ...alot. I made my local martini bar get some Lillet Blanc after the film in 2006. Taught them the recipe..and it's been smooth sailing ever since. However, to be true to everyone...I like my Negronis better, for a good drink out.
  • JADE66JADE66 Posts: 238MI6 Agent
    Absolutely brilliant post. A real education, Thundernuts. Thogh not a drinker myself, I have been tempted to try the Vesper ever since I read Casino Royale. Your anecdote has saved me the trouble.
    Many thanks.
    -{
  • Sir Hillary BraySir Hillary Bray College of ArmsPosts: 2,174MI6 Agent
    OK -- best new thread on AJB since...I can't even remember when.

    Absolutely outstanding, Thundernuts! {[]
    Hilly...you old devil!
  • Thunderbird 2Thunderbird 2 East of Cardiff, Wales.Posts: 2,774MI6 Agent
    Full marks Thundernuts!

    I am not normally a drinker, but I have had conventional vokdas, and they ar eok - I am really curious to try a Vesper now. - I particuaraly like the whole 007 feel to the enitre story. Well done! {[]
    This is Thunderbird 2, how can I be of assistance?
  • Shatterhand67Shatterhand67 Safe HousePosts: 424MI6 Agent
    edited December 2008
    Thundernuts, I commend you. I second the sentiment of the others that yours is one of the best posts/threads in ages.

    I can't say that I am not a drinker. In fact, at one point in my life, I am sure there were many who thought I was a professional drinker.

    Which is why I say to you, "Well done, indeed!"

    -{ -{ -{ -{ -{ -{ :007)
    "I musht be dreaming."
  • Mr_IceMr_Ice USPosts: 137MI6 Agent
    Man, that's 24 shots of booze, not counting the Lillet Blanc. You're a better man than I.
  • Napoleon PluralNapoleon Plural LondonPosts: 10,239MI6 Agent
    But what did you have to eat beforehand, TN? Surely that makes a difference one way or another?
    "This is where we leave you Mr Bond."

    Roger Moore 1927-2017
  • Alec 006Alec 006 Sydney, AustraliaPosts: 211MI6 Agent
    edited December 2008
    I apologise for this correction - but no need for a possessive apostrophe in your title.
    It should just read Six Vespers, as it is merely a plural.

    NOW to my point FANTASTIC thread and bloody FANTASTIC review. I am a recent convert to the Vesper here in Sydney Australia and I love them. I have yet to go the full six though, having just watched Q Of S, but I fully intend to on my next visit to a nice enough hotel or cocktail bar.
    After all Thundernuts, did you have that first beer, or a JD? If you did you know the hangover was probably the fault of Nastro Azzurro.

    I BLAME THE PERONI B-) -{
    Always forgive your enemies; nothing annoys them so much.
    Oscar Wilde
  • The Bond ExperienceThe Bond Experience Newtown, PAPosts: 5,490Quartermasters
    INCREDIBLE post....lots of fun. We always talk about living the Bond lifestyle but you took one for all of us! I think I would be blind in both eyes if I drank that much.
  • Agent_MAgent_M lost in the speed forcePosts: 353MI6 Agent
    edited December 2008
    I was in SFO just before CR and managed four vespers at the cheesecake factory. my wife then had to drag me back to the hotel, she was not happy as it was the first night and she couldn't remember where we were staying. Luckily the special homing sense you get when you're that drunk kicked in and we made it back. But apperently bouncing off the walls as you try to make it to the lift is not the way to make an entrance at a swish hotel :D well that was the gist of what the wife said to me the next morning. :)) Thank god for Kate's kitchen and the huge breakfast they serve, it sorted me right out.

    EDIT: not sure if this will work but here's a link to a photo of the night

    http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1015247944725&f=1&e=0#/photo.php?pid=902179&id=786873583
    Purvis,Wade...........GRRRRRRRR!

    www.scottacademymartialarts.co.uk
  • Thunderbird 2Thunderbird 2 East of Cardiff, Wales.Posts: 2,774MI6 Agent
    Agent_M wrote:
    EDIT: not sure if this will work but here's a link to a photo of the night

    http://www.facebook.com/inbox/readmessage.php?t=1015247944725&f=1&e=0#/photo.php?pid=902179&id=786873583
    Sorry Agent M, for those of us who don't use facebook, its only showing the login page!
    This is Thunderbird 2, how can I be of assistance?
  • i expect u2 diei expect u2 die LondonPosts: 583MI6 Agent
    Great post!

    Having just turned 18, I've been eager to venture into the world of 'proper' drinks - and this one is certainly top of the list.

    I've persuaded a friend to join me in a local bar tonight (at which another friend is a barman).
    We will be starting the night with a Vesper.

    I, however, am certainly not the most adept at holding his drink. 6 of them may be wishful thinking :D
  • A7ceA7ce Birmingham, EnglandPosts: 655MI6 Agent
    If I'd had a can of motor oil by the bed, I'd have drunk that too.....

    -{


    LOL !
  • LoeffelholzLoeffelholz The United States, With LovePosts: 8,988Quartermasters
    edited January 2009
    Another Loeff and I had the opportunity to make this fine drink on Christmas day, when spending the night at our parents' house. We used Gordon's Gin and Smirnoff Vodka (the GQ article suggests substituting 94 proof Tangueray and 100 proof Stolichnaya, but logistical issues were insurmountable), and Lillet Blanc. A dash of bitters stood in for the recommended tiny pinch of quinine powder, to overcome the reformulation of the Lillet, in the 1980s, from its former 'Kina' incarnation...

    I was surprised by how dangerously smooth they were, given the potency -{

    As you can see by the clock behind us, it was 11:20 at night when we got started---after a day of beers---so we only consumed two each. My brother accurately described the feeling of drinking just one of these as the equivalent of "a full body massage" B-)

    img0203hv2.jpg

    Photo taken by Loeffelholz Jr :D
    Check out my Amazon author page! Mark Loeffelholz
    "I am not an entrant in the Shakespeare Stakes." - Ian Fleming
    "Screw 'em." - Daniel Craig, The Best James Bond EverTM
  • zig zagzig zag EnglandPosts: 244MI6 Agent
    Hats off to ya TN,I find it hard to booze like that these days,gettin to old I guess.
    Would like to try a vesper,but the pubs near me are lager and bitter,anything cocktail like is frowned upon,will have to go to elsewhere.
    Definetly the top post!!{[]
    "Yes,dammit,I said "was".The bitch is dead now."

    "It's not difficult to get a double 0 number if your prepared to kill people"
  • i expect u2 diei expect u2 die LondonPosts: 583MI6 Agent
    edited January 2009
    And so I enjoyed my first ever Vesper last night!

    Its so smooth - dangerous, considering its potency ;)


    I'm new to cocktails really, is a 'Vesper' basically a blend of a normal martini, and a vodka martini - therefore containing BOTH vodka and gin?

    And when I see these big green 'MARTINI' bottles - are they essentially just Vermouth?

    Thanks :D

    here's a snap:

    DSC09520.jpg
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