BEER FOR AN HEIR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21100, 6 February 1932, Page 2 (Supplement)

BEER FOR AN HEIR.

KEPT FOR 21* YEARS. BIRTHDAY OF VISCOUNT. In the vaults of Wentworth Woodhouse, the Botherham, South Yorkshire, residence of Earl Fitzwilliam, there were recently several casks of beer. They had remained there in the darkness for 21 years until tho day whon Viscount Milton, the onlv son of the earl, should come of age. This was on December 31, when the casks wero broached and the beer served at the celebration luncheon. When Viscount Milton was born, after four daughters had - preceded him, several hogsheads of this special brew of beer were laid down in the vaults of tho house. From time to time there has been the solemn ceremony of tasting, when tho quiet of the vaults has been disturbed by the butler, the only one who has access to the casks. It is reported that it now has a rich, dark colour and a delicious nutty flavour. And on December 31 tenants who called to congratulate the viscount tasted such beer as few can enjoy to-day. The celebrations included the roasting of an ox, and tenants of tho Rotherham estate and tho estate at Malton, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, sent presents to tho viscount.