“The success of the earlier Taylor’s Historical Limited Editions led us to launch the third in this collection of historical bottles. These editions pay tribute to the long and rich history of Port, as well as continuing our long-standing tradition of innovation. Presented in bespoke, collectable bottles in wooden boxes, these limited editions are designed to appeal to both existing and new Port consumers and collectors. The elegant and historical presentation makes it the gift anyone would like to receive," commented Adrian Bridge, Taylor’s Managing Director.
"The Mallet" is the third in this collection of historical bottles and is inspired by the ‘mallet-cylinder’ bottle, which had become well established in England by around 1750. This limited edition bottle is inspired from that period, the immediate predecessor of today’s cylindrical wine bottle.
The blend for this limited edition was carefully crafted from specially selected Port wines from Taylor’s extensive tawny reserves. The profile is unique to this edition, presenting the characteristic richness of Taylor’s wines, with a distinctive and firm finish. The wine is a skilfully blended Reserve Tawny, harmonious and balanced, with all the intensity and finesse that derive from ageing in old oak casks.
David Guimaraens, Taylor’s winemaker, comments: “This blend displays the richness and depth of flavour characteristic of Taylor’s unique style, as well as a very long and distinctive finish”.
This historical edition comes presented in contemporary packaging, highlighting the elegance of the bottle, engraved with the distinctive “4XX” symbol used by Taylor’s. Taylor’s 4XX symbol appears on the earliest known bottle bearing a commercial trademark and came into use following the company’s foundation in 1692.
Source: Taylors Port
Day 2 takes us from the city into the heart of the Douro. We taste Fladgate's still wines from across Portugal, see harvest in full swing at Taylor's Nogueira winery, and spend a rare night at Quinta de Vargellas, the family's Douro home, with dinner alongside head winemaker David Guimaraens.
Our three-day journey with The Fladgate Partnership and Mentzendorff begins in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. From the story of how Portugal got its name to Adrian Bridge's World of Wine, a 13-wine tasting at Taylor's Lodge and a mystery Port over sushi, it was quite a first day.
International Sherry Week 2026 runs 2nd-8th November. Now in its 13th edition, it is the world's largest celebration of sherry wine. Here is everything you need to know and how to get involved.
