Black Bull Peated Edition 50% - Duncan Taylor
The current holders of Whisky Magazine’s Grain Independent Bottler of the Year, this latest blend in their portfolio came as a result of producing a whisky for Brewdog’s Boilermaker Series last year. Skeleton Key was launched to complement their Jet Black Heart stout and showcased bold maritime and peat smoke aromas. It sparked a conversation about producing a stunning blend that was different to the rest of the Black Bull range but still packed a punch with its uniqueness.
Tasting Notes
Nose: Immediate dry smoke, a light saline touch, dark malty tones with green apples and brown sugar beneath the smoke.
Taste: Earthy peat, roasted salt nuts, some citrus balancing sweetness to the peat, Dutch Stroopwafels creamy mouthfeel, subtly complex.
Finish: Good length, warming, salt and sweet, baked spiced apples with cinnamon and cloves, lingering smoky embers.
Appearance: Pale gold, forms a thick line which quickly beads before falling as thick, slow legs.
Nose: Dry, ashy smoke. Hints of smoked meats, Demerara sugar sweetness, citrus fruit. Time in the glass brings apple and a damp, earthy note.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel with an initial burst of dry peat smoke. Nuttiness with a hint of salinity, dried citrus fruit, cinnamon and ginger spice. Add a few drops of water and more of that creamy nuttiness and a brioche note appear.
Finish: Cinnamon spice and peat smoke, water brings out more of the smoke and seems to extend an already good finish. Lingers well on the palate.Summary: This is bottled at 50% and is already very drinkable neat, however this is one of those which opens up beautifully with a few drops of water. There's a lot to like here, and I suspect will appeal to a wide audience. There's enough smoke in there to please but not overwhelm, this definitely isn't a one-trick pony. At an RRP of £33 this is great value for money and managed to find it's way onto my shopping list.
If you would like to know more about Duncan Taylor and their whiskies, follow the link to the company website
This sample was part of a 5 dram tasting selection from the current Duncan Taylor range as part of a #TweetTasting session organised by @TheWhiskyWire and Duncan Taylor.
Transparency: No goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested for this independent review.
