Bruichladdich Black Art 10

Volume: 700ml / ABV: 45.1%

The tenth instalment of Bruichladddich's Black Art series, this unpeated Islay single malt combines whiskies drawn from a secret selection of casks, known only to head distiller Adam Hannett. It's the sixth in the series to have been overseen by Hannett, combining malts distilled prior to the Bruichladdich's closure in the mid-nineties (praise the island gods, it reopened in 2001!). Matured for a generous 29 years in the aforementioned mystery casks, in the darkness of Bruichladdich's warehouse, before being bottled at cask strength.

Tasting Note

Nose

Warm and inviting, a bright fruity note welcomes you. the fragrant toasted oak brings chocolate praline, cedar, leather, and subtle hints of clove and nutmeg, before moving to fruit notes of sweet apricot jam, ripe melon, dark cherries and blackcurrants. there is a light touch of citrus with lemon zest and gooseberries dipped in honey, with delicate floral notes of geranium and honeysuckle balanced with a hint of iodine and leather.

Palate

Orange barley sugars, ginger nut biscuits, and lemon meringue pie are followed by sweet apricot jam and marzipan. The toasted oak brings smooth chocolate and vanilla notes, beautifully complemented with syrupy fruit, raisins, plum, and melon. Over time, iodine and a hint of coconut come through, with delicate oak spices of warming ginger and cinnamon. A velvet texture, the depth and balance of this single malt glides across the palate.

Finish

Tablet and smooth fudge bring a softness to the finish, while ripe soft fruits, subtle tobacco, and a hint of ginger linger.