Black Bull 30
Added on Saturday, Oct 17, 2009 at 09:42 PM
  Bottler: Duncan Taylor
  Age: 30 yrs Type: Scotch
  Vintage: N/A Subtype: Blend
  ABV: 50.00 % Region: Scotland
  Price: $150 Availability: Specialty Stores
This was married as it went into the barrel, meaning the malt whiskies and grain whiskies spent the full maturation period (in sherry casks) together.  50/50 grain and malt, unchillfiltered and no coloring.
Member Ratings and Notes
Adam
 
This is the best blended scotch whisky I've tasted to date (beating Chivas 25). It's a blend that definitely tastes like a blend, but in a great way -- the grain whiskies in here work well, increasing the overall flavor experience and adding complexity. Generally, this is mostly a big caramel number, with sherry notes fluttering about, and a lovely, oaky finish (I don't ever use the word "lovely" so that means a lot). Sweetish, with vanilla, and a mix of red and white fruits. I'm just blown away by how well the whole package works, it does what it does excellently. Yes, please!
Chris
 
Figgy sherry on the nose with some glue.  Moderately sherried but then opens up into some bourbony corn flavors, coconut, and spicy wood notes.  As Adam noted, the grain really adds some positive complexity and yields a unique experience.   Nice work.
Ries
 

n: rich, full-bodied nose, light smoke, lots of dried red berries, more tropical sweetness, honey, and an nice oak.

 

t: inital is a rush of dried tropical fruit mix and waxy floral with a smoky sweet character. In the middle a nice grain sweetness shows for this blend that goes into a nice oak finish that stays on the semi-sweet side. Everything stays balanced, the sherry influence is a minor detail that I only got at the very end. Very lush and evolving; probably the best blend out there still available. 

 

B+/A- 

Fuji
 
Red gummy bears, toasted sourdough, umeboshi (japanese pickeled plum), and the earthy-ness of mushrooms.  Theres some dark bitter sweet stuff as well: dark oolong tea and coffee grind.  The sherry component is vibrant and bright.  B+/B
Sku
 

Nose:  Heavy sherry with some sulfur.

Palate: Very sweet with sherry, prunes...it gets fruitier at the end.

Finish: Mild and short.

Andy
 

n: Dates, toasted oats

 

p:  Yummy.  Dark fruits and a hint of nut oil.  Whole wheat grain toward the finish.  Bit thin on the mouthfeel. 

 

One of the best blends out there. 

Dan
 
Very dark purple hue. The nose portends to a sweet palate. Some maltiness in the background, very fruity with a little oak. The palate is just nice and balanced. I am with the others, this is a great blend. [7/25/14]
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