Bruichladdich Black Art 5.1 / 1992 / 24 Year Old

The Black Art 05.1 is Adam Hannet’s first. Adam is the protégé and successor to the legendary Jim McEwan. The youngest whisky in this vatting – of which the cask types are a closely guarded secret – is 24 years old and was put in cask in 1992. Adam claims he does not follow any set of rules while creating Black Art. ‘There are no rules, only instinct to follow. It’s a whisky I love to create’. Wel, Adam, it’s a whisky I love to sip, thank you very much!

The nose is quite different from the previous release. A lot sweeter, less sharp, more allround if you ask me. Lovely notes of dried fruit, coconut, apricots, soft orange marmalade, some earthy notes and a whole lot of citrus. Something green as well. Sage or parsley. It works. This is very attractive.

Lovely, almost creamy arrival. Lots of oranges again, but also apricots, mocha, nectarine, mango, nougat… it keeps going. A sour note. Agrums. Some paprika and black pepper. A bitter note of tannins. Well, hello there, you complex and beautifully balanced malt. Kudos!

The long finish initially offers some sourness, then some bitterness, but dies a bitter death on nuts and caramel.

Adam was clearly a good student, for this Black Art is outstanding.

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