A long forgotten Sherry is making a revival at upmarket British grocer Waitrose to mark the anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in April.
The vintage Sherry, named As You Like It after the poet’s comedic play, is being sold by Waitrose to coincide with the anniversary on April 23 thanks to Williams & Humbert who have revived the drink after it was almost lost.
The Sherry was created by the co-founder of the company back in the late 18th century, Sir Alexander Williams, who added a spoonful of sugar to his wife’s glass of Amontillado and handed it to her with the words ‘as you like it’.
The drink became so popular with friends and family that Sir Alexander produced the sherry for sale. It was eventually put out of production 90 years later by new shareholders.
However, cellar master Don Manuel Offerall chose to ignore this and hid 27 butts of the sack amongst other casks, where they remained hidden for more than 25 years.
It wasn’t until 2012 that the casks were found and the drink revived for a new generation of sherry drinkers to enjoy.
The sherry has aromas of hazelnuts and the flavour of dried fruits.
Sherry was made famous by Shakespeare thanks to one of the Playwright’s characters, Sir John Falstaff in Henry IV Part two.
Williams & Humbert 'As You Like It' Medium Sweet Amontillado Sherry is available from Waitrose and the waitrosecellar website for £22.99 (37.5cl).
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