As a wine writer and tertiary level educator, I’ve been privileged to introduce enthusiastic learners to the world of beverages and to share my knowledge. I’ve always taken note of what they liked to drink when they first started versus what they got excited about by the end of semester. Most of my graduates are in the 24-30 age bracket, are well informed about the world and eager to learn. What I have observed perhaps the most, in recent years, is that the current generation is drinking less, but drinking better. What is abundantly clear as well is that younger adults are more judicious about what they choose to imbibe and if it’s something their parents didn’t drink or talk about then they were more likely to try and often accept as a new discovery for themselves. One of those beverages is port.
Port is garnering a new generation of drinkers. It’s a beverage that has a great story and history as well as delivering high-impact aromas, silky cream textures, and generous mid-palate flavours. Any sweetness is contrasted by texture, age and alcohol.
Producer is paramount when it comes to port with flagship styles and special bottlings leading reputation. The history of each company is of equal importance demonstrating commitment to quality and the pursuit of excellence. Taylor’s is one such company and with almost 330 years of experience, it is an exemplar of fine ports. For everyday drinking their 10 and 20-year-aged tawnies tick all the boxes for flavour and just enough sweetness. Single harvest, single quinta and special bottlings might look like special-occasion-only ports, but every day is a special occasion – right? And Christmas certainly qualifies.
If you’re buying port as a gift for our new generation of drinkers, I suggest you buy the Mallet, a tawny style special bottling beautifully presented in an old-school style, onion-shaped vessel. Definitely one to be enjoyed immediately and not left in the cupboard.
Try out these delicious port cocktail recipes, full of Christmas cheer:
Port Old Fashioned Cocktail
Ingredients:
- 30ml Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny Port
- 25ml Santiago de Cuba 12 Year Old (Whisky Bourbon or Aged Rum)
- 1 barspoon marmalade
- 20ml soda
To prepare:
Fill the glass with ice. Place the following ingredients in the shaker: Taylor Fladgate 10 Year Old Tawny, whisky bourbon and a barspoon of marmalade. Shake. Double strain into the glass. Add the soda and stir gently. Garnish with marmalade.
Red Fruit Spritz
Ingredients:
- 30ml Taylor Fladgate LBV
- 20ml Campari
- 10ml Red fruits Vinegar
- 1 barspoon Cherry jam
- 60ml Piper Heidsieck Cuvee Brut (Brut Champagne)
- 30ml Soda
To prepare:
Fill a white wine glass with ice. Add Taylor Fladgate LBV, campari, Red fruits Vinegar and cherry jam. Stir well. Then, add the champagne and the soda. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary.
For more information, visit taylor.pt
