Kenfessions: Bolivar Belicosos Finos - Taylor's Vintage Port 2018

[Ken Gargett]

Bolivar Belicosos Finos - Taylor's Vintage Port 2018

An ever-popular cigar, matched with something that is a bit special.

First, the cigar – the Boli Beli (why does no one call it that?). It does sound like the aftermath of a dodgy Indian takeaway. These have been with us since pre-Revolution. Not surprising, as it is an ever-reliable and good value smoke. Pyramid in shape, with a length of 140mm and a ring gauge of 52mm, they come in boxes of 25.

If I may jump ahead, after smoking and doing all my notes, I did the usual thing of checking reviews on FoH and the internet to see what others thought. Was reading one internet review with interest when... continue to full article.

[Chas.Alpha]

I thought this as well. Actually, I refer to them as “BoliBellies”, one word. Great article, as usual. I became a fan of the Graham’s 40, but my pocketbook says the 20 is more my speed. Still...

Cheers!

[MrBirdman]

Thank you @Ken Gargett for giving us a glimpse into Taylor's history. I must admit I was a little puzzled by the decision to declare 2018 - port producers have long been wary of oversupply in the market, and for 2017 I believe most houses are holding back nearly 20% of their production for release later. I buy a lot of vintage port for an American, it's about a quarter of my (modest if respectable) cellar and I doubt I'll buy any 2018's except perhaps a split for fun. There are just way too many exceptional 2017 and even 2016 bottlings still available.

Port can't go declaring vintages like champagne has - it just isn't popular enough. These guys have been in business for a loooong time so I guess they know what they're doing. But if port is going to catch on again it's likely to start with a lower price point 

Any word on how they'll price the 2018's?

[Cubadust]

Have you ever thought about doing these as videos?

[MrBirdman]

8 minutes ago, Cubadust said:

Have you ever thought about doing these as videos?

Hear hear

[mprach024]

Nice review and good info Ken.  Enjoyed it as always.

[Ken Gargett]

On 1/7/2021 at 11:08 AM, Cubadust said:

Have you ever thought about doing these as videos?

seriously? is it not boring enough having rob and i doing stuff? i can't imagine me sitting by myself and yacking would be much more interesting. well, perhaps a bit more interesting. 

 

On 1/7/2021 at 10:45 AM, MrBirdman said:

Thank you @Ken Gargett for giving us a glimpse into Taylor's history. I must admit I was a little puzzled by the decision to declare 2018 - port producers have long been wary of oversupply in the market, and for 2017 I believe most houses are holding back nearly 20% of their production for release later. I buy a lot of vintage port for an American, it's about a quarter of my (modest if respectable) cellar and I doubt I'll buy any 2018's except perhaps a split for fun. There are just way too many exceptional 2017 and even 2016 bottlings still available.

Port can't go declaring vintages like champagne has - it just isn't popular enough. These guys have been in business for a loooong time so I guess they know what they're doing. But if port is going to catch on again it's likely to start with a lower price point 

Any word on how they'll price the 2018's?

if they think they have good enough vintages, i can see houses moving to more declarations but very small quantities and high prices, with the production being smaller. be a shame. 

i assume prices will be a bit similar to 17s. 

[Cubadust]

19 hours ago, Ken Gargett said:

seriously? is it not boring enough having rob and i doing stuff? i can't imagine me sitting by myself and yacking would be much more interesting. well, perhaps a bit more interesting.

Haha. But yes, seriously. Why wouldn't one want to listen to someone talk about booze and cigars

[RDB]

Monday night come on!