Scotch

Whisky Review: Bruichladdich Black Art 11.1

We review Bruichladdich Black Arts 11.1, aged 24 years in a maturation situation known only to the head distiller at Bruichladdich.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Bruichladdich Black Arts 11.1 review

Tasting Notes

About:

24-years-old; Unknown maturation cask; 88.4 proof (44.2% ABV); $549.99/750ml.
Appearance:
Orange marmalade.
Nose:
Dried apricots and caramel butterscotch richly fill the nose, with candle wax, green apples, nutmeg, and rosemary finding their place between the two.
Palate:
Caramel rears its head, while dried currants and coriander seeds slightly mute it. I can’t help but notice a slight iodine or marine quality, but it is lost in notes of pats and honey on cedar. The finish is a mix of almonds, oak and flint.
Finish:
Comments:
This is a lovely dram that grows on you with each successive sip, layering on new complexity but never overwhelms. Tending toward balance, no one flavor pulls too strongly and is unquestionably smooth with a slight spice to let you know its still there. The high price of entry encourages savoring, which seems to be the intent of the whisky anyhow, though I would be curious to know how it stacks up against other Black Art releases, just to know how individual it really is.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Jeffrey Nitschke

Jeffrey Nitschke is Portland area attorney whose career has dovetailed with a love of fine spirits and cigars. His hometown is rich with microdistilleries, which has afforded him the opportunity to learn the nuances of whiskey tasting and whiskey making. His writing and enthusiasm for the hobby has led to lasting friendships with other whiskey aficionados and connisures across the United States.

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