Bruichladdich Black Art 8.1 is a 26-year-old single malt Islay Scotch whisky. Distilled in 1994 and bottled in 2020, it is aged in casks known only to the head distiller. It is non-peated, non-chill filtered and bottled at 90.2 proof. It is limited to 12,000 individually numbered bottles. Bruichladdich Distillery, located on the Rhinns of Islay, Scotland, primarily produces single malt Scotch whisky and is owned by Rémy Cointreau.
There’s furniture polish austerity here, but also lots of lingering sherry, banana, and Christmas cake notes. Beautiful stuff that dazzles with its immersive complexity — it’s hard to put down, as it seems something new is perking up in the glass with every additional sip.
The whisky is on the sweet side with just a touch of bitterness. Would be perfect to end a meal and have either as dessert or paired with cheesecake or a fruit trifle.
I’ve always liked the ‘purer’ Bruichladdichs better than these – some have become extraordinary – but I have to say this new batch was surely well composed.
