Black Bull 12yo (50%, OB, +/2010)

On the nose there are some high alcohol notes which are quickly overcome by a rich lusciousness that seems to be hovering just under the alcohol. Time in the glass only improves the picture and the richness only becomes more apparent and takes the form of some slight green (or grain notes) and then some really good deep Christmas cake, loads of dried fruits (raisins, prunes and apricots) but more of the darker fruits and maybe even macerated with rum. The taste is also very rich but more balanced (the malt and the grain whiskies together) and quite strong; this is a big dram and very good, more of the fruitiness now with some good oak spice (perhaps a little leather and a little unlit Virginia tobacco. Also a little clove (just a bit) and still the big richness. The finish is very warming and long with all the previous descriptors in abundance and at the middle of the finish some very good chocolate malt and dark chocolate (slightly bitter) pops up and then they fade off together, ever so slowly.

Forget a wee splash in a Glencairn; pour a large measure into an old fashioned whisky glass and have a big guzzle. Or two.

$49

Score 89 points

Read some more on this award winning whisky here

Part two of three this week looking at three very distinctive blended Scotch whiskies.