Country: Scotland
Brand: Black Bull
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky
Age: 12 Years
ABV: 50 %
Date: 27/10/2013
Colour: Amber
Nose: Much richer/fatter than your average Blend. The Malt and other Cereals are better balanced as well. The Alcohol is not yet fully integrated. Medium Sweet with Sherry, Oak, Vanilla, Toffee, Dried Fruits like Sultanas, Nuts, Honey, Lemon, Orange, Mango, Pineapple, Red Fruit, light Licorice, light Spices (Pepper and Nutmeg), Butter, Chocolate and hints of Mint, Pencil Shavings, Coconut Husks, Leather, Espresso and Tobacco. In the background there's a faint Salty coastal element but I can't quite identify it. It's like Brine or Salted Meat but not quite. There's certainly more to discover in the Black Bull than in your regular Blend.
Palate: Not quite as good as the Nose promises but still okay. The Oak is slightly Bitter and the Orange and Red Fruits are a tad Sour. Still, much more complex than the average Blend with Chocolate, Sherry, Coconut, Nuts, Mango, Orange, Red Fruits, Dried Fruits, Brown Sugar, Treacle, Cereals, Pepper, light Cinnamon and a sprinkle of Salt.
Finish: Sweet at first but Dry and a bit Edgy towards the end with Oak, Vanilla, Toffee, slightly Bitter Orange, Coconut Husks, Pepper, light Cinnamon and a hint of Dark Chocolate.
The Black Bull does not improve with added Water
The Black Bull does not improve with added Water
Rating: 83
Nose: 21.5 - Taste: 20.5 - Finish: 20.5 - Overall: 20.5
General Remarks: The History of the Black Bull Blend goes back to 1864 when it was the first 100 Proof that was released in the USA. It really took off after Prohibition ended in 1933. In 2001, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Ltd revived the Blend and gradually released the 30, 12, 40 years old and Special Reserve. All these Black Bulls are a Blend of 50% Grain - and 50% Malt Whiskies and all are bottled at 50%. It is not Chill-Filtered. The Malt content is mainly sourced in the Highlands. Black Bull 12 is sold at around 60 US Dollars.
Duncan Taylor of Huntly near Speyside are Whisky Merchants with a history that goes back to around 1860. The company selects and matures Casks from all over Scotland and currently owns the world's largest private collection of vintage Scotch Whisky.
Drinking Experience Neat: Good
Conclusion: This is certainly one of the better affordable Blends that I've tasted so far. There's much more to discover than in your average Blend. The Nose is interesting and pretty good. There are some flaws on the Palate, mainly the light Bitterness of the Oak and the Sourness of the Fruit. And the Finish is a bit Edgy. The name Black Bull suggests a fiery and aggressive Whisky. That's a bit misleading because this Blend is quite the opposite with its clear Speyside components, mixed with Highlands and (at least one) coastal distillery. Despite the minor flaws it's highly drinkable and certainly a candidate as your daily to-go-to Blend. It's worthwhile to give it a try!
Jan van den Ende October, 2013
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