April 14th, 2010
Black Bull, 40 year old, 40.2%, $250
A whopping 90% malt and 10% grain whisky. Soft with the oak remarkably restrained for its age. Soothingly sweet, with toffee apple, vanilla-spiked sponge cake, nougat, butterscotch, sultana, and cut grass. A peppering of cinnamon and coconut throughout, with teasing, gentle polished oak on the finish. Deftly balanced and oh so drinkable. (Available in the U.S. in June.)
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 92
May 8th, 2009
Well, what have we here? A blend of 50% malt and 50% grain (a very high malt content for a blend), and bottled at 50% too! The whisky was blended first (very unusual), before being aged in sherry cask for its entire life. (Click on the whisky name below to link to their website for more information and an image. It will be available in the U.S. in July.)
Black Bull, 30 year old, 50%, $200
Antique amber/chestnut color. Full sherry impact, but never cloying—the higher alcohol level and grain whisky cut through the sherry and add balance and drinkability. This is a fruity confection delight, with, raisin chutney, fig cake, orange almond scone, and chocolate-covered cherry. Add to the mix richly textured toffee, old oak, polished leather, and a cinnamon-spiced, tobacco finish. A rare treat! A great old blend that malt drinkers will embrace.
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 94
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