Cockburn's Fine Tawny Port

Cockburn's Fine Tawny Porto

Symington Family Estates

Origin: Portugal

Alcohol: 20%

Port (or Porto) used to be quite the popular drink back in the day.  For some reason, a lot of people don't drink it much anymore, kind of like sherry or madeira.  Somehow it lost its luster with time.  But, I enjoy it! And you should give it a chance, especially if you enjoy wine!

Port is a fortified type of wine from the Douro region of Portugal.  Douro is the third-oldest protected wine region in the world, established in 1756.  Port is typically fortified with a spirit similar to brandy to an alcohol content of 20%.  In the past, this was useful in helping it stay preserved longer than wine and hey, it works! Once a bottle is opened, it will stay good for several weeks, although reportedly longer.  Not that I ever let mine go past a week, though, since I drink it all!  Compared to standard wine, port tends to be thicker, sweeter, and richer.  Tawny is a particular style in that ages in oak barrels like stronger spirits, giving the port some very unique flavors. 

Cockburn's Fine Tawny Port pours a semi-murky reddish copper-brown color, almost having a color between a rose' wine and bourbon.  It smells of toffee, raspberry, and nuts.  You take a sip and get strong butterscotch, dark fruits, oak, and a strong, yet smooth sense of alcohol with a lingering buttery finish.  This is actually quite a bit better than I was expecting, plus it seemed to grow on me after a few days.  

Drink This: if you want  to try a decent example of a historic drink style (Tawny Port) that has been fading from the mainstream.

Don't Drink This: if you don't like alcoholic drinks stronger than wine.  The 20% alcohol is evident, yet somehow stays rather subdued in the flavor profile.  Also, don't drink this if you don't like butterscotch since that is very predominant.  But hey, if you do enjoy wine and butterscotch, give this is a try! It grows on you with time.  I know it's made me a convert to Port...