1992 Bruichladdich Black Art Edition 5.1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 48.4%           Age: 24 Years Old           Country: Scotland

The fifth incarnation of this now legendary single malt is the first by head distiller Adam Hannett. As enigmatic as ever, the composition of casks remains a mystery.

“Just before Master Distiller Jim McEwan retired in 2015 he took me to one side and handed me his recipe for the next iteration, Black Art 5.  It was an emotional moment, the handing over of responsibility of one of the greatest drams we’ve ever created.  I have to say I took the recipe from Jim’s hand and dutifully ignored it.  This had to be my Black Art.”   —  Adam Hannett, Head Distiller

Official Tasting Notes

Character: Years in the making, this alchemical expression is the best of our cellars and spirit. There were many sleepless nights involved in its creation.

Colour: Antique copper.

Nose: It takes time to decipher the full array of sensory magic on offer. As the warmth of your hand heats the glass you will tease the threads apart to find lavish fruit notes of cherry, mango, apricot, damson and a warming orange citrus all swathed in an oak blanket of soft brown sugar, vanilla and figs dipped in syrup. Each time you go back to the glass there will be different notes coming to the fore as the constant evolution of flavour hints at the depth and secret complexity of this dram.

Taste: There is a grace with which the whisky gently settles on your palate; a black velvet quality that comes from the age of the spirit, with the pedigree of casks coming together to give you a mouthfeel that is unlike anything else. The influence of great wood is decadently expressed through the never-ending release of fruit. On the nose, you find damson, mango, pineapple, melon strawberry, plum and apricot. One after the other they weave in and out of focus on your palate while the structure of the oak gives honey, tobacco, vanilla and hints of spicy cinnamon. as elegant and refined a dram as you will find.

Finish: The true DNA of Bruichladdich spirit shines through on the finish. Light stone fruits and a cream texture are a delight with a perfect balance of oak, malt and fruit. As the flavours begin to fade a gentle floral mellowness settles to leave a lasting impression.

Mood: While walking the dark warehouses drawing inspiration for my first edition of Black Art, i would recall the lessons learned at the hands of the legendary distiller. Finally arriving at this moment has been a spiritual journey in every sense for me.