Bruichladdich Black Art 11 — a Whisky ‘Created in Total Secrecy’ — Has Landed

Bruichladdich unveiled Black Art 11, a whisky shrouded in mystery. (Photo: Bruichladdich)

Bruichladdich Black Art 11, a whisky with mysterious origins, debuted from the Islay-based distillery on Nov. 1. Bruichladdich describes the whisky as having been “created in total secrecy.”

The whisky is part of the Bruichladdich brand’s Black Art series, which was established in 2012. In a news release, the brand referred to the Black Art series as the “antithesis to Bruichladdich Distillery’s traditional commitment to total transparency.”

Each annual expression is unique to the vintage, and this year’s Black Art is bottled at 44.2% ABV.

The 2022 release of Black Art received a score of 8/10 at Whiskey Raiders. And despite the fact that the distillery remained mum about what type of casks were used in the release, some light was shed on the matter. The expression hosted a 29-year-old age statement — the oldest whiskeys in its stocks — and the whisky was distilled before Bruichladdich shut down and reopened in 2001.

As for this year’s expression, very little information has been given. Head Distiller Adam Hannett is the only person with any information about the recipe, casks used, and the origins of the whiskey.

Black Art 11.1 is aged 24 years and can be purchased from ReserveBar for $558.

Black Art is the antithesis of the releases that are typical from Bruichladdich. In October, Bruichladdich released Bere Barley 2013, a whisky composed of one of the most “genetically diverse” barley grains.

With utmost transparency, the distillery shared the expression was aged in first-fill bourbon barrels and second-fill wine casks from the Bordeaux wine region of Pauillac. The expression hosted a suggested retail price of $140.

Despite the fact that the distillery touts secrecy for its latest Black Art release, Bruichladdich hasn’t been shy about sharing tasting notes.

The brand describes this year’s offering as having aromas of “dried fruits, dates, raisins, barley sugar, leather, and oak” on the palate. The whisky also possesses a “butterscotch sweetness,” with praline, coconut and citrus fruit, according to Bruichladdich.

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