October 19th is my Grandfather's birthday and if he was still alive he would be a mere 112. As he was Scottish I decided to have a little snifter of Malt Whisky to celebrate and the one I chose was Glenmorangie Port Wood Finish (as I had a miniature). Very pleasant but a little hot but it put me in a Port frame of mind and Lady K wanted something that was not whisky so the Dow 20 came out.

Colour is a beautiful tawny-amber with a feint pink tinge, clear as a bell and sticking to the sides like first year students at the Fresher's Ball. The nose is filled with raisins and oranges with a fair alcoholic kick. Mouthfeel is a gorgeous texture and the orange flavour smashes to the fore like the Tango man with a kipper. A fair kick comes from the alcohol but it doesn't overwhelm the flavours just making a nice, warm feeling as it settles. Can't spot any toasted nuts which is unusual when I'm on Tawnies - might pick them up tomorrow or Friday when the vicar comes to tea. Maybe a little simple for a 20 year old.

Tried after a heavily aged Gruyere - died.

Tried after straight-up Cadbury's Dairy Milk chocolate - not bad, became a little grapefruity but the milk ruined it a bit making it too bitter.

Tried after Hachez Cocoa d'Arriba 77% chocolate - ooohh, lovely. Strong orange peel notes and a wonderful warm feeling made by high quality chocolate and pretty good Port.

I don't do marks out of a hundred and I'm not big on Tawnies but this is a very pleasant drink with a nice blend of black and citrus fruit and warmth - would buy again if I could get the same price (@£15).

Good choice. Dow 20 is one of my favorites. The 30 is even better than the 20 OR 40 IMO.

I just finished with some hurricane prep, so I might reward myself with some 20 now.

Nice TN, KillerB - Dow's might be my favorite 20YOT from the Symington's. Next time, try it with some lightly roasted almonds and / or air dried, not too salty ham: bliss!

Stevie - I still have some left (the joys of Tawny). I may have some almonds hanging around and I'll poke around for some ham.

Tried another drop last night and it is a genuinely nice Port. Maybe if I get some roasted almonds I might pick up some roasted almonds in the flavours!!

It's been too long since I drank the Dow 20YOT. Really must try it again sometime soon. Thanks for the note KillerB!

quote:

would buy again if I could get the same price (@£15).

KillerB - When did you purchase this for £15? It's around $50 US here! Almost double!! Agreed that it's nice, but it'd be nicer at your price...

PH

I bought it within the last year. A supermarket chain, Safeway (like yours but different), was bought out by another, Morrisons. Morrisons cleared out a lot of stock - I only managed to get one of these.

Thanks, KillerB.

I took a look on winesearcher and an outfit called:

Sainsbury's Wine shows some at or around £18, fwiw.

Address: FREEPOST, Lon 16498, Richmond, London TW9 2BR
Contact: Tel: 0800 917 4092

Still a bargain compared to US pricing!

PH

Thanks - I didn't see it at my local Sainsbury's today but I did pick up two bottles of Fonseca Guimerans 1986 SQ VP for £13.33 each - also a bargain.

Tried Stevie's suggestion of a lightly salty dry ham - some fairly decent Parma and it did go nicely but no additional note sto add - Thanks Stevie.

A couple of the people that were round lat night gave it a go and were suitably please to have chosen port instead of white wine (a Nobilo SB), beer (Becks, Bluebird or Landlord), tea (Typhoo) or coffee (Nespressso pods). Can't say I blame them.

Nice price on that Guimaraens, KillerB! I'd be interested in what you think of it (I believe I posted a TN on it once). Come to think of it, I still have one bottle left...time to revisit it again...

Have I been remiss with my 'e's again? Guimaraens.

Was the 86 any good?

It was nice enough, but nothing really special. A bit simple, if I recall correctly. But nicely drinking now, and certainly good for the price you paid.

Had some last night - TN later.

Looking forward to your TN, KillerB. Mine can be found in this thread.