To tawny or not to tawny, that is the question! Well, it should be at least because too many folk still think Port is just for Christmas, but it makes a stunningly refreshing drink served chilled when the mercury is rising.
Yeah, I did say chilled and that was one of the original ways in which it used to be served. In years gone by, your butler would chill a Tawny port and pass it round at the end of a heavy meal as a palate cleanser and they really do hit the spot, especially the aged versions.
These days, we have summer barbecues with all the problems that brings, trying to match burgers a la napalm to wine, so a chilled tawny that miraculously seems to match all the food on offer is a great trick to pull! The same combination of Christmas Cake, vanilla and caramel converts from a room temperature fireside zipper to a palate zinger when served around 5* C.
You can even make a whole raft of fancy cocktails with them if pink umbrellas float your boat but personally, I prefer them as nature intended, with nothing added.
Warre's Otima 10 year old Tawny Port
This is just sublime, from the gorgeous mahogany colour in the glass to the dried figs dipped in honey on the palate. The finish is long and memorable with toasted nuts and a touch of cinder toffee.
Corney & Barrow £17.50
Taylors 10 YO Tawny
Soft summer fruits on the nose leading into a fabulous palate of cocoa, vanilla nuts and toffee. A real stunner for the price folks.
Master of Malt £22.45
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