Black Bull 12 Year Old

     I love going into The Wine and Cheese Place in Clayton because I always find something new.  Today I foundBlack Bull 12 Year Old.  I bought a bottle of the Black Bull 30 Year Old a couple of months back based on “What John Knows,” a blog put together by John Hanell of Malt Advocate.  John’s, as well as other blogs, raved about this bottle.  It is 50% malt, 50% grain, bottled at 50% alcohol.   This stuff is great.  W&C has is for $149, a great value as it is $200 at other places. 

     While I was in there today Paul Hayden told me they just received the Black Bull 12 Year Old.  I originally went in there to buy Black Bottle 10 Year Old for my collection (I just read that they are not making it anymore) and left with that and the Black Bull.  I couldn’t wait to try the Black Bull, but being the conservative that I am, I waited till 5:00 to open the Black Bull.   

     Right away I noticed the coloring, a deep red.  This is non-chill filtered, as it should be, so this is natural coloring.   It is due to the 12 years aged in a sherry cask.  Like the 30 year old, this is 50% malt, grain, and alcohol, and boy is it good.  I like the fact that it is 50% alcohol, otherwise it may be too smooth.  I like cask strength, so therefore I like this higher alcohol content…it gives just enough bite.   The flavor is toffee and vanilla and the finish is creamy and fruity.  W&C is selling this for $41.99, which I am sure is a fantastic buy as they usually beat Lukas Liquor by at least$5 a bottle, and $10 a bottle at Friar Tucks and Wine Merchant. 

     If you like the sherry based whiskies, like Macallen, Glenfarclas,  and Aberlour, then you will like Black Bull 12 Year Old, at $42, it is a great bargin.