Bruichladdich Black Art 1994 07.1 Edition 25 Year

Total complexity. There are so many nuances in this whisky that it is impossible to even try to list them: each nose and sip bring you delightful new sensations. On the nose “strong” fruits such as plums and grapes, with toasted hazelnuts, vanilla biscuits and mulled creams. The first sip leaves you stunned: the first second you ask yourself "and then ???", because it seems to have neither strength nor taste, but just wait a moment to find yourself in a paradise of caramel, coconut, sherry, plums, dried fruit creams , raisins and whoever has more, put more .... It is so dense that you don't drink it, you eat it! The finish never ends, with the same strength and delight that distinguishes smell and taste. A true work of art by Adam Hannet. A question arises: how will I drink other whiskies after this ??? ______________________________________________________________________________ Complessità totale. Ci sono così tante sfumature in questo whisky che è impossibile anche solo provare ad elencarle: ogni nasata e boccata ti portano nuove inebrianti sensazioni. Al naso frutti “forti” quali prugne ed uva, con nocciole tostate, biscotti alla vaniglia e creme brûlé. Il primo sorso lascia storditi: il primo secondo ti chiedi “e quindi???”, perché sembra non avere né forza né gusto, ma basta aspettare un istante per ritrovarsi in un paradiso di creme caramel, cocco, sherry, prugne, frutta secca, uvetta e chi più ne ha più ne metta.... È così denso che non si beve, si mangia! Il finale non finisce più, con la stessa forza e delizia che contraddistingue olfatto e gusto. Una vera opera d’arte di Adam Hannet. Una domanda sorge spontanea: come farò a bere altri whisky dopo di questo???

Bruichladdich was a distillery that had to grow on me, since i wasn't fully a fan at the beggining of times, and i still think some of their more affordable expressions are often "soapy" with "shampoo" notes. Having said that, this is not the case, since this Black Art is one of their greatest releases. Black Art was an annual release by Bruichladdich, and only Jim McEwan knew the types of casks used, supposedly hand picked in the middle of a full moon light. This one is their 07.1 release, a 25yo whisky. Bottled at 48.4% abv this has a copper color. On the nose, it is outstanding. Bacon, red fruits, maraschino cherries and the almighty "soap" note i get from every "Laddie". Recently baked Brownies and a floral note. Glazed ham and freshly clean towels. Great stuff almost perfect. On the palate it is a red fruits bomb. Frozen hershey's strawberry syrup. Pepper spice and hints of salt. Metallic and red fruits. Strawberries, a beautiful red chilli as well. After some sips, it gave me brownies, chocolate and metallic notes. Incredible. Aftertaste is a wonderful finish for this great dram. Hay, tobacco, salt and sulphur. Earthy and very metallic. Super dry and fairly spicy. Overall, this one was a monster of a dram, i just loved every part of it. I don't even know why i am deducting points here, because this is so complex, with clean well delivered flavors and aromas. Really one of Bruichladdich's best offerings out there, my score for this one is 97 over 100.

Nose - Vanilla, caramel, candied ginger, orange zest, sweet golden raisins, hint of salt, fresh grape skins, cocoa powder Taste - White pepper heat, caramel, candied ginger, orange zest, bright salinity, refreshing dark golden raisins, light red grape skin dryness, hint of spicy fruity sour Finish - Lingering ginger/white pepper heat, salinity intensifies, refreshing dark golden raisin sweet, light fruity tart, similar to grape skins or cranberry skins Score - 92/100 Final Thoughts - I really like this one & I always love having a dram of this because I always try to guess what the blend comprises of and this one leads me to believe there's a high percentage of ex-bourbon, & the other flavors lead me to almost believe there might be either a sweeter dessert wine finish or maybe an amontillado/manzanilla cask mixed with a single cask of a red wine finish because of the tannic nature I get. Regardless, this has a wonderful nose & the flavors get amplified once it hits the palate. Good transition to the palate & I like how the salinity gets amplified as you progress from the nose to the finish. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe not another at current prices NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

Another great Black Art. All so good and slightly different hard to pick a favorite from 4,5,6, and 7. Amazing with notes of chocolate, tropical fruit, cherries, flowers, raisins, oranges, vanilla, almonds, hazlenuts, berries, caramel, sultanas, malt, pepper, and a little smoke. Guessing by this flavor profile, this was likely matured in a combination of bourbon, sherry, port, red wine, and sauternes casks. If there is anything that can cure this coronavirus drama, it is some black magic.

Mmmh... Intresting flavors if you dig deep enough under the tremendous layer of salt present from the first to the last moment. Salinity isn't bad but this one has so much that it kills the overall result. Also you may get similar notes with some 10yo Bunna. Expensive and dosen't really fit the gift purpose so an avoidable whisky.

Wonderful complex nose with fruit and flowers, then caramel, honey, leather. Fresh and relaxing. Caramel, honey, citrus, green apple on the tongue. Apple compote and smooth aftertaste with warmth radiating into the chest.