Cú Dhub means Black Canine in Gaelic (though thre are some doubts in regards to the spelling). This whisky is marketed because the Black Blended Malt Whisky.
It takes inspiration from Loch Dhu, a cult bottling from Mannochmore distillery, launched in 1996. Loch Dhu was an extremely darkish single malt, partly as a result of it was matured in ‘double-charred’ casks, but additionally as a result of huge portions of E150 colouring have been used to get this distinctive color. It didn’t dwell lengthy: though it received some followers in Scandinavia, most whisky purists thought it was one of many worst whiskies ever made.
In 2008 Cú Dhub was launched, a NAS single malt from Speyside distillery, created for the Danish market. Not too long ago a brand new model appeared, nonetheless made by Speyside distillery for Mac Y in Denmark, albeit now as a blended malt. Initially a 5 yr previous Speyside single malt aged in refill casks, it was then despatched to Denmark to be reworked right into a black whisky by including a considerable amount of caramel colouring.
Cú Dhub – The Black Blended Malt (43%, OB +/- 2023)
Nostril: molasses, darkish roast espresso beans, prunes and hints of raisins. Hints of burnt sugar and liquorice, in addition to dose of oak char. Tobacco, pencil shavings and orange peels carry it up. Then there’s additionally a aromatic aspect to it, in between floral notes and heady dried herbs. One thing bitter and tangy comes out as effectively.
Mouth: much less okay now. Numerous bitterness from oak char, dried natural extracts and bitter chocolate. Seville oranges, extra liquorice, chilly espresso and black peppercorns. Darkish tea and every kind of burnt edges, with a touch of carboard.
End: not that lengthy, on the identical espresso, oak char, burnt grassy nots and overinfused black tea.
An overdose of woody extracts and caramel colouring (with the related bitterness) make this difficult to take pleasure in. However maybe nonetheless ‘satisfactory’ and never as painful as anticipated. And hey, some individuals are into BDSM in spite of everything.
