So, it's Thursday again and I'm looking through the list of new wines, ports and whiskeys (yes!) that I tried back in October 2013 during the Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival.
One of the unique ports that I had the opportunity to try was from Taylor Fladgate Tawny Ports. The reason they are called tawny is because as these age they often take on a amber colour known as 'tawny'.
The first one I tried was the 10 year old Tawny Port. This one was very good with a sweet caramel finish. As I sipped the port it almost seemed to become more and more complex. The representative noted that the taste of port can depend on the barrel they are made in - either French oak or American. The taste can also depend on how the oak was treated. This 10 year old Tawny Port retails for about $33-35 which would be a reasonable price if you are looking at a port to add to your collection. I am thinking it would be a good port to keep around for using in small quantities for mains, desserts or paired with cheese.
As for the 40 year old port, well the name in itself certainly indicates maturity. This one was not only very rich and buttery in flavour but also lingered longer in the mouth. I can only imagine that it would pair very well with a gouda or a pecorino. Certainly, given that it is 40 years old, this port retails for $190.
As for me, I am leaning towards the 10 year old Tawny Port to add to my collection. A quick look at the Taylor Fladgate' website indicates that there are some recipes available to try and even cheese pairings!
Have you tried either of these ports? Or do you have another favourite port that you like? Let me know in the comments below!
