For The Love Of Port

Anyone have an opinion on what the best 50 year-old Tawny is? I've read comments that the Graham's is excellent as is the Quinta do Noval. I'm curious who has tasted some and what your opinion is. I've only had the Pocas 50 year-old and that was great both times that I had it.

I’ve really liked the Quinta das Carvalhas 50 Yr.

For me the best 50 Year Old Tawny Port is currently DR.

In my experience, a lot of producers' 50s seem to be out-of-character for their house styles. I.e. the 50 does not seem like it fits into the 10-20-30-40 progression. Noval is an example of that - their 50 is (at least to me) dramatically more acidic than their 20 and 40. Because of that, I like their 40 better than their 50.

Of course if you like extra-acidic Ports, you're going to love a lot of these 50s that I don't really enjoy.

Grahams is excellent. Haven't had the Noval yet.

Eric Ifune wrote: ↑Wed Apr 22, 2026 2:49 pm Grahams is excellent. Haven't had the Noval yet.

I've heard Graham's is very, very good, but it is obscenely priced. I think it's gouging.

Mike J. W. wrote: ↑Wed Apr 22, 2026 7:14 pm

Eric Ifune wrote: ↑Wed Apr 22, 2026 2:49 pm Grahams is excellent. Haven't had the Noval yet.

I've heard Graham's is very, very good, but it is obscenely priced. I think it's gouging.

It is very good, but at least for me it isn't in the running for the "best" 50 Year Old Tawny Port.

And yes, their prices are extremely high compared to the rest of the market. It's possible that they're just trying to manage their stocks in order to be able to keep making this quality level of Tawny Port, though. Kopke has also always been priced higher than others, and it has served them very well over the decades.

Glenn E. wrote: ↑Thu Apr 23, 2026 8:50 am

Mike J. W. wrote: ↑Wed Apr 22, 2026 7:14 pm

Eric Ifune wrote: ↑Wed Apr 22, 2026 2:49 pm Grahams is excellent. Haven't had the Noval yet.

I've heard Graham's is very, very good, but it is obscenely priced. I think it's gouging.

It is very good, but at least for me it isn't in the running for the "best" 50 Year Old Tawny Port.

And yes, their prices are extremely high compared to the rest of the market. It's possible that they're just trying to manage their stocks in order to be able to keep making this quality level of Tawny Port, though. Kopke has also always been priced higher than others, and it has served them very well over the decades.

That's a fair point about Graham's, but I still hate the pricing. Strangely enough, I was able to purchase the Kopke 50 year-old for under $230.