Black Bull Kyloe Blended Scotch Whisky 50%

Kyloe is pronounced Kahy-loh and is the name of the cattle breed that thrives in Scottish wind and sleet. The whisky borrowed the name and the temperament: no filtration, no dilution and no apologies.

Expert description

Black Bull Kyloe is a Blended Scotch Whisky bottled at 50% without chill filtration.

The blend is put together with single malt outweighing grain whisky, which is unusual for the category and is the direct reason for the full mouthfeel. Duncan Taylor bottles the range at 50% precisely to keep the aromatic compounds that normally disappear in the chill filtration most blends go through.

Kyloe is the entry point to the Black Bull range and follows the same principles as the age-stated releases, only without the age requirement. That gives fresher fruit and more direct malt, where the older versions carry more cask spice.

Tasting notes

Nose

Full gold in colour with aromas of toffee, apple, clementine, brown sugar and toasted oak. Given time in the glass, honey and pale flowers arrive.

Palate

Soft and comfortable despite the strength. Hazelnut, chocolate and raisin, with a rich citrus running over everything alongside fresh apple and pear.

Finish

Long and creamy with vanilla and oak settling as a final layer over the malt.

Specifications

Name: Black Bull Kyloe Blended Scotch Whisky 50%
Distillery: Black Bull
Bottler: Duncan Taylor
Region/Country: Scotland
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky
ABV: 50%
Size: 70 CL
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Edition: Kyloe
EAN no.: 5060294564188

Flavour profile

Malty · Fruity · Nutty · Creamy · Powerful

Did you know?

In earlier centuries Kyloe cattle were driven on foot in large herds from the Scottish Highlands down to the Lowland markets. The journey could take weeks, and the animals were shod for the road.

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Frequently asked questions about Black Bull Kyloe Blended Scotch Whisky 50%

Why is it not chill filtered?

Because filtration removes fatty acids and esters that contribute body and aroma. In return the whisky may turn cloudy when chilled or watered. That is cosmetic, not a fault.

What does it mean that there is more malt than grain in the blend?

Most blends use grain as the largest component because it is quicker to make. When malt dominates, the whisky carries more distillery character and a heavier texture — closer to a single malt in expression.

Is 50% too strong for everyday drinking?

Not necessarily. Kyloe is soft in profile despite the strength, and you can always adjust with water. Many drinkers prefer deciding the dilution themselves rather than having it decided for them.

What separates Kyloe from the age-stated Black Bull?

Kyloe carries no age statement and is built on younger casks, which gives more fresh fruit and less oak. The 18 and 30 year old releases bring more spice, dried fruit and a deeper colour.

Can it be used in cocktails?

Yes. The 50% means it holds its character even when it meets ice and other ingredients. Try it in a Rob Roy or a whisky sour, where the malt sweetness gets some acidity to work against.

What defines an independent bottler like Duncan Taylor?

They own no distillery but buy casks and decide strength, filtration and bottling date themselves. That often produces more uncompromising releases than the distilleries' own. See more in our Independent Whisky Bottlers selection.