Black Bull Himinjod

Black Bull Himinjod, NAS, 50 %

A peated blend specially made for Norway. Duncan Taylor, the producer of Black Bull. The Black Bull Himinjod is, I am told, the core range product Black Bull Kyloe with added peated Bunnahabhain in the mix.

The official description of the Kyloe includes these details, which will then also be true for Himinjod:

“Speyside malt whiskies matured in a blend of refill bourbon and sherry casks, but with a bourbon slant, blended together with aged grain, and bottled at a punchy 50 % ABV.”

The name Himinjod is from Norse myhthology (originally Himinhrjótr). It was the name of Hyme’s largest ox. Thor used the head of Himinjod as bait for the Midgard Serpent (Jǫrmungandr).

Black Bull was first produced as a blend by the Dundee-based blenders George Willsher & Company in 1864, and has been on the market since. Duncan Taylor acquired the brand in the 1990s.

You can buy the Black Bull Himinjod in Norway (only) starting March 5 at NOK 545 (12800801).

Nose: Soft wood smoke. Medium sweetness. Mild caramel mixed with soft notes of orchard fruits and rich malt. With time a bit green.

Taste: Full bodied and more fruity on the palate. Also milder and rounder than expected from the nose. Licorice, ashes and sweet wood smoke. Malt and apples.

Finish: Medium long finish. Drier now. Softly oaky bitterness and bitter smoke. Dark chocolate. Hints of citrus and herbs in the end.

Comment: Well balanced and warming. Not bullish at all!

Score 85/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas