Beyond a Single Beverage: The Graham's Name
While many people search for a single, definitive 'Graham's drink,' the reality is that the name is synonymous with one of Portugal's most esteemed port houses, W. & J. Graham's. Far from being just one beverage, the Graham's brand encompasses a wide range of exquisite fortified wines, each with its own character and heritage. In recent years, one specific cocktail, the refreshing Port & Tonic, has also become a modern symbol of the Graham's name, especially since the company created a white port specifically for mixing. It is also important to address the potential for confusion with a completely separate company, Graham's Family Dairy, which produces a yogurt drink in Scotland.
W. & J. Graham's Port: The Origin
The story of W. & J. Graham's began in 1820 when two Scottish brothers, William and John Graham, started a textile business in Portugal and accepted 27 pipes of port wine as payment for a debt. This serendipitous moment launched their legacy as port wine producers. The brand quickly gained prestige for its exceptional ports, and in 1890, they acquired the renowned Quinta dos Malvedos vineyard in the Douro Valley. Though the company is now owned by the Symington family since 1970, it continues to uphold its rich traditions and reputation for excellence. The foundation of all Graham's products lies in the unique terroir of the Douro Valley and the generations of expertise in winemaking.
The Famous Port & Tonic Aperitif
The Port & Tonic, or 'Portonic,' has become a popular and modern way to enjoy port, especially in warmer weather. It provides a lighter, more refreshing alternative to the traditional after-dinner serving. To cater to this trend, Graham's released Blend Nº5, a white port specifically blended for mixing. Here is a simple recipe to create the perfect Port & Tonic:
- Fill a tall glass with plenty of ice.
- Pour 50ml of Graham's Blend Nº5 White Port.
- Top up with your favorite tonic water.
- Garnish with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint.
This cocktail showcases the floral and fruity notes of the white port, perfectly balanced by the crispness of the tonic, resulting in a vibrant and delicious drink.
A Tale of Two Grahams: Clearing Up Confusion
Because of their shared name, it's easy to mistake the fortified wine producer for a completely different company. To clarify, here is a distinction between the two:
Graham's Port: The Fortified Wine
This is the Portuguese company established in 1820 that is the focus of this article. They are known for high-quality, fortified wines produced in the Douro Valley. Their product line ranges from classic Vintage Ports to aged Tawnies and modern mixing ports like Blend Nº5. These are alcoholic beverages for sipping or mixing in cocktails.
Graham's Family Dairy: The Yogurt Drink
This is a Scottish family-run dairy company that offers a range of dairy products, including a protein-rich yogurt drink. Their 'Protein 25' yogurt drink comes in flavors like strawberry and is a non-alcoholic, health-focused beverage. It is unrelated to the port company and is a entirely different kind of product.
A Closer Look at Graham's Port Varieties
To fully understand the diversity of Graham's offerings, it is useful to explore some of their key port styles:
- Vintage Port: The pinnacle of port production, made only in exceptional years and declared as a vintage. These are powerful, long-lived wines with intense fruit flavors that age beautifully.
- Late Bottled Vintage (LBV): A port from a single year, aged for a longer period in wood before bottling than Vintage Port. It is ready to drink upon release and offers great complexity.
- Tawny Port: Aged in wooden casks, Tawny Ports develop a mellow, nutty character over time. Graham's offers Tawnies aged for 10, 20, 30, and 40 years, with a richer flavor profile as they mature.
- Six Grapes: A reserve ruby port known for its rich, youthful, and fruity character. It is made from grapes of the same quality as those destined for the company's Vintage Ports.
Comparing Graham's Port Drink Options
| Drink/Port Type | Taste Profile | Typical Serving | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port & Tonic | Refreshing, light, with floral and fruity notes | Chilled, in a tall glass | Aperitif, summer cocktail |
| Vintage Port | Rich, complex, intensely fruity (when young) | After a meal, in a small glass | Dessert wine, special occasions |
| Aged Tawny Port | Nutty, mellow, with notes of dried fruit and caramel | After a meal, in a small glass | Digestif, dessert wine |
| Six Grapes | Fruity, full-bodied, and rich | After a meal, in a small glass | Accessible reserve port |
Serving Suggestions and Food Pairings
Serving temperature and pairings can significantly enhance the enjoyment of a Graham's drink. The Port & Tonic should be served very cold to maximize its refreshing qualities, making it a perfect aperitif. Aged Tawny Ports are best served slightly chilled and pair wonderfully with desserts featuring nuts, figs, or caramel, as well as hard cheeses. Vintage and LBV Ports, known for their powerful fruit, complement strong cheeses like Stilton or chocolate-based desserts.
Conclusion: The Versatility of Graham's Drink
In summary, asking "what is Graham's drink?" doesn't have a single answer, but rather points to a whole family of beverages from a legendary Portuguese port house. From their highly coveted Vintage Ports to the popular, light, and refreshing Port & Tonic, Graham's provides a versatile drinking experience for various occasions. Whether you prefer a rich, contemplative glass after dinner or a crisp, invigorating cocktail on a warm day, the legacy of W. & J. Graham's has a drink to offer. For more information on their history and products, a good resource is the company's official site, available at https://www.grahams-port.com/.
