Black Bull 40 Years Old (Duncan Taylor) (41.9%)

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 was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending vanilla and honey. 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. The maker marries the whiskies to a house style before bottling.

Undiluted at 41.9%, it is layered. Dried fruit, orchard fruit and a warm spice run through it, with a soft oak depth. Soft orchard fruit and raisin sit behind the spice. It closes long, sherried and warm. A characterful blended Scotch.