Oh hell yeah, we’re tasting 1970s Black Bull today! Black Bull whisky is a blended Scotch put out by Duncan Taylor that has been around for over 150 years and is a semi-legend in the whisky world. What we’re tasting today is the standard Black Bull that was put out by the George Willsher & Co. who owned it before DT bought the brand in 2001.
Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to taste the standard 12 on several occasions, the 21 several times, the 30 twice and one fantastic evening I got to enjoy a couple of heavy pours of the Black Bull 40 which was magnificent; I was floored by how deep and flavorful the 40 was. So how does the 1970s Black Bull stack up? Let’s find out shall we.
1970s Black Bull Info
Region: Scotland
Blender: George Willsher & Co
Blend: Scottish Grain Whisky and Scottish Single Malt
Cask: Various
Age: NAS
ABV: 40%
Price: NA – Auction, Specialty Store or Private Seller
1970s Black Bull Review
EYE
Gold
NOSE
OBE, honey, buttery malt, fruit, graham and a light bit of cinnamon oil, peat and melon.
PALATE
OBE, honey, pears, peat, graham, red licorice and toffee with a touch of spice and vanilla.
FINISH
Long spicy fade of peat, fruit and a bit of soap.
BALANCE, BODY & FEEL
Well balanced, medium body and soft light feel.
OVERALL
1970s Black Bull is good. Nothing to scream about, but nothing to poo poo either. It’s a fun drinker with a nice overall character that shows why it was so well regarded for so long and eventually acquired by Duncan Taylor. The aroma carries a nice subtle roasty / toasty character and the palate is a more robust version of that with a bit more depth. This is executed like a blend should be, it’s not weak or uninteresting.
It is a bit subtle, but it’s also unique in it’s total delivery. It’s not very bold or deep, but that’s what the 21, 30 and the amazing 40 are for; to get that heaviness and depth. As a daily drinker this would do well… if we lived in the 70s that is
SCORE: 85/100 (B)
