Graham's 50y Tawny Incl. Doos

The scent of red fruit, a velvety mouthfeel and a rich body that supports and enhances the flavors of your cheese board or your chocolate dessert. But also as an aperitif with meat or cheese, or processed with ice cream or in a fresh summer cocktail, a delicious port fits. It is not for nothing that port is one of the most popular drinks among connoisseurs.

Graham's 50y Tawny is a(n) port from Portugal by the brand Graham's. It falls within the port group under the category Rode. It is one of the many references you can currently buy online at Drankenshop Broekmans.

The colour/type of this port is rood.

Tawny literally means as much as 'light brown in colour'. That colour is what port gets after a longer maturation in oak casks; the older the whisky, the deeper, richer and more seductive the colour. Tawny porto is the result of the combination of three crafts: cask knowledge, ageing and blending. More than 50 years of patience are required before this Graham's 50yo Tawny can be bottled. That in itself is a commendable achievement.

There are two essential components to this half-century. The first is a 1969 wine known as the CAS Reserve, a wine originally set aside by Peter Symington to celebrate the birth of his son Charles. CAS stands for Charles Andrew Symington, his full name. The other component is a blend of wines from between 1970 and 1973, assembled in 1982. More than 50% of the original wines were evaporated during long ageing, resulting in an exceptional concentration of flavours.

The colour of this wine is incredible. Deep orange-brown, on a base of dark walnut and with a soft edge of pale green - a first hallmark of quality in aged tawny port. The nose is complex, with orange blossom, fruit cake, toffee, tobacco and caramel. Balanced but each element gets its place in the experience. The mouthfeel is the first thing that strikes upon tasting: rich, full, creamy with an unforgettable and surprisingly youthful acidity that provides a delicate but perfect balance. Spicy wood, nutmeg, cinnamon take turns to take the lead, ending in a long, lingering finish.

This port literally spent 50 years waiting to end up in your glass, and you can taste it.

It is a version of 75 cl and has an alcohol content of 21%.