Fine Tawny is aged for about the same amount of time as Cockburn's Fine Ruby (about three years), but in smaller barrels to hasten aging to a reddish amber (tawny) color and to develop a smoother, nutty flavor. Many of these wines are also left upriver in the Douro Valley to age in the hotter climate (the Douro Bake ), thus speeding the aging process and lightening the color. Tawny port is bottled filtered and ready to drink. Tawny is a smoother, more mellow drink than Ruby.