Black Bull 12 Year Old Scotch Whisky is a bold and luxurious blend, crafted with a precise 50:50 ratio of Highland and Speyside malts to Lowland grains, matured for 12 years in sherry and bourbon casks. Bottled at a robust 50% ABV, this unfiltered whisky delivers a rich sensory experience with a nose of chocolate, sherry, and toffee, followed by a creamy palate of treacle, roasted apples, pears, and sweet vanilla. The finish is long and silky, with hints of spice and buttery toffee, making it a standout choice for whisky enthusiasts seeking depth and character.
Process & Profile
The Black Bull 12 Year Old is a blend of
50% malt whisky and 50% grain whisky, setting a higher-than-usual malt ratio for a deeper, more complex taste profile. Each component is carefully selected and matured for 12 years in a combination of
ex-bourbon casks and ex-oloroso sherry casks. Remarkably, the whisky is
un-chill filtered, preserving its natural character and offering a full-bodied finish. Bottled at a robust
50% ABV, this blend delivers a bold, authentic Scotch whisky experience.
Tasting Notes
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Appearance: A rich dark amber hue with radiant golden highlights.
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Nose: A symphony of aromas featuring toffee, chocolate, red fruits, vanilla, and a subtle nuttiness from sherry cask influences.
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Palate: Silky and indulgent, with flavors of milk chocolate, dark toffee, raisins, and a hint of espresso. The interplay of dried fruits and delicate wood spice adds complexity.
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Finish: Long, creamy, and slightly spicy, leaving lingering notes of oak, vanilla, and dried cherries.
What Makes It Special
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Traditional Craftsmanship: Black Bull 12 is crafted by Duncan Taylor, a distinguished independent bottler with decades of expertise and access to some of Scotland's rarest casks.
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50/50 Blend Formula: The equal mix of premium malt and grain whiskies provides a rich and complex mouthfeel, distinct from typical blended whiskies.
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Maturation Excellence: Aging in both ex-sherry and ex-bourbon casks creates a harmonious balance of sweetness, spice, and depth.
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Natural Integrity: With no chill-filtration or added coloring, this whisky is as authentic as it gets.
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Award-Winning: A recipient of multiple gold medals, including honors from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and International Wine & Spirit Competition.
How to Enjoy Black Bull 12 Year Old
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Neat or With Water: Savor its rich complexity directly or add a few drops of water to unlock hidden layers of flavor.
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On the Rocks: Diluting slightly with ice creates a chilled, mellow sip.
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As a Cocktail Ingredient: Its bold, high-ABV profile beautifully enhances whisky cocktails like an Old Fashioned or Rob Roy.
Why Black Bull 12 Year Old Stands Out
Whether you're a seasoned Scotch enthusiast or exploring premium blends,
Black Bull 12 Year Old delivers a whisky journey that is both robust and refined. With its distinctive flavor, impressive heritage, and superior craftsmanship, it's a must-have addition to your whisky collection. Enjoy a dram that's as bold as its name, embodying the spirit of tradition and innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the alcohol content of Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky?
Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 50%, which is equivalent to 100 US proof.
What type of casks are used to mature Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky?
This whisky is matured in a combination of refill ex-bourbon American oak hogsheads and finished in ex-Oloroso European butts, creating a rich and complex flavor profile.
What are the key flavor notes of Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky?
The whisky offers a robust nose with aromas of chocolate, toffee, sherry, and vanilla. On the palate, you'll find flavors of creamy milk chocolate, treacle toffee, pears, green apples, and sweet vanilla. The finish is long with buttery toffee and heavier fruity notes.
Is Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky chill filtered?
No, it is not chill filtered. This allows the full character of the whisky to shine through, preserving its natural taste and texture.
How does Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky differ from other blended Scotch whiskies?
Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky contains a higher malt whisky content (50% malt to 50% grain) compared to many blended Scotch whiskies. This creates a richer and more robust profile that stands out in its category.
Can Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky be enjoyed as part of a cocktail?
Yes, while it is excellent neat or with a splash of water, Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky is versatile and can also be used as a component in cocktails.
What awards has Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky won?
Black Bull has been recognized for its quality with numerous awards, including Gold Medals from the International Spirits Challenge and Best Scotch Blended Whisky Awards by the World Whisky Awards.
Who produces Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky?
It is produced by Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky Limited, a company known for its high standards and heritage in whisky blending.
What is the best way to enjoy Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky?
It is recommended to enjoy this whisky neat to fully experience its robust flavors, though it can also be diluted with a drop of water to open up the aromas.
Is Black Bull 12 Year Scotch Whisky suitable for gifting?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for the whisky enthusiast in your life. Its rich flavor and higher ABV make it a standout gift for anyone who appreciates premium Scotch whisky.