Bruichladdich has launched Black Art 8.1. The latest edition to the Islay distillery’s unique collection of unknown cask type Whiskies has been aged for 26 years and that’s about all that anyone knows outside of Head Distiller Adam Hannett.
Bruichladdich Black Art 1994 Edition 08.1 was distilled back in 1994 as an unpeated Islay single malt Scotch Whisky and matured for 26 years in undisclosed cask types. It was bottled at a cask strength of 45.1% ABV.
“The cask influence here is not in the same style as previous editions but it has shaped this spirit beautifully, allowing a more mellow, less intense style to come through,” said Hannett.
Described as “a lighter Black Art created to explore an idea rather than fit a mould,” Edition 08.1 is a hazel, rich copper color. In good news, Bruichladdich is kind enough to give some pretty descriptive tasting notes:
Nose – The complexity of flavours combining on the nose makes this a joy to try and decipher. Initially a Citrus, lime zest, fresh orange style is met with a rich caramel and oaky notes of dried apricot, pipe tobacco, maple syrup. Oak shavings and toasted hazelnuts. Vanilla syrup. Leather and poached pears with honey and apricot jam coming through as the complexity opens up and the Floral nature of our spirit shows its hand with rose and geranium and after a little time a hint of wild thyme on the breeze. The balance between the spirit and the oak is beautiful, with the oak nurturing the delicate nature of the spirit. That is the hallmark of this edition of Black Art.
Taste – That citrus style, lemon zest and then the sweetness from the oak meets the palate beautifully. The texture is like warm honey, and brings notes of maple syrup, walnut, toasted oak and coconut. That delicate sweetness floods the palate with vanilla, dried apricot, caramel and millionaires shortbread. The light creamy texture and palate is so soft and gentle but packed with depth and as we draw towards the finish the delicate Bruichladdich DNA of soft stoned fruit comes to the fore.
Finish – The finish is gentle, sweet caramel, dried fruit, sultana, lemon drizzle cake. Hazel nuts, milk chocolate. It’s softness is calming.
Character – This Black Art edition stands alone when compared to its brothers. The style is much more about the DNA of the spirit and how the casks will highlight that soft fruit style and zesty character. A lighter Black Art created to explore an idea rather than fit a mould.
Limited to just 12,000 individually numbered bottles, Bruichladdich Black Art 1994 Edition 8.1 is priced at £280.00 ($367 USD) per 700ml bottle and can be found via the distillery’s official store, The Whisky Exchange, and a variety of other specialty retailers.
At the beginning of October, Bruichladdich launched the Octomore 11 series as well as the Octomore 10 Years Old (2020 Edition).
