Black Bull 40 Years Old (Duncan Taylor)

Black Bull 40 Years Old (Duncan Taylor) is a 40 year old blended Scotch from Duncan Taylor. It marries malt and grain whiskies, with Speyside malt such as Glenfarclas for a rich, fruity core. Glenfarclas brings the depth of a richly sherried Speyside malt to the blend.

Glenfarclas's full malt rounds it with a deep, fruity weight. A refill bourbon hogshead held it, keeping the full character to the fore. The wood lends a gentle vanilla over the fruit. It drinks soft and full, the fruit carried on a gentle oak. The whole is balanced and easy, the malt and grain in step. The finish is long and warm, fruit fading into a dry oak. The malt and grain marry over the years into a smooth, rounded whole. Age has knit the components together, the edges long since softened. The blend holds a warm, fruity centre with a soft, dry finish. The fruit deepens with age towards raisin, fig and a soft spice. The sherried Speyside malt gives it depth, the grain a lighter, sweeter lift.

At a hearty 40.2% it carries real weight. Raisin, chocolate and a warm spice run through it. Beneath it run dried fruit, dark sugar and a warm spice. It finishes long, full and fruity. A characterful blended Scotch.