Black Bull 40 Years Old (Duncan Taylor)

Black Bull 40 Years Old (Duncan Taylor) is a blended Scotch from Duncan Taylor. It marries malt and grain whiskies into a balanced whole. Speyside malt such as Tamdhu lends a rich, sherried fruit to such whiskies.

Grain whisky lends a lighter frame while the malts bring depth and fruit. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. The maker selects casks for the balance each lends, then marries the whiskies before bottling. The maker marries the whiskies to a house style before bottling. A blend folds together malt and grain, or malts from several distilleries. Sherried Speyside malt lends a dried fruit richness to such whiskies. The casks are chosen for the depth and fruit each brings. A period of marrying lets the whiskies settle together. The result is a rounded, fruity Scotch. Speyside malts have long been the heart of fine blends. A rich, fruity profile runs through it.

At its natural 40.2% it is concentrated. Dried fruit, orchard fruit and a warm spice run through it, with a soft oak depth. A dried fruit and a nutty oak give it real depth. A warming, sherried finish lingers. A characterful blended Scotch.