Bruichladdich 1994 Black Art Edition 8.1 Aged 26 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)
Volume: 700ml ABV: 45.1% Age: 26 Years Old Country: Scotland
Built in 1881 when puffer-supplied coal was available as an alternative fuel to local peat, it is likely that Bruichladdich was specifically designed to produce the purest unpeated spirit possible. The great Alfred Barnard supports this view with a tantalising clue – the Laddie is the only distillery on Islay that he does not describe as drying its malt using peat in his fascinating exploration of the island’s distilleries in 1885. Sadly, none of that 19th century spirit survives, but the original Victorian machinery has allowed an unparalleled legacy of craft distilling to trickle down through the generations of men who make this sophisticated Islay dram. It was in 1994 that the Bruichladdich distillery closed for a significant period of time. No one knew if this modern distillery would reopen its doors and see spirits start to flow through the stills again. A period in the whisky industry that will not be forgotten for years to come.
“This spirit endured in Bruichladdich’s warehouse when the distillery had been forgotten. The quality of the liquid after 25 years is a significant sign of guardianship passing from one generation to the next. I feel quite honoured to have worked with it” – Head Distiller Adam Hannett. This is Adam’s fourth Black Arts release from the Bruichladdich Distillery, an un-peated single malt bursting with fruits and layered textures. We do not get to understand which casks types were used, it remains a secret. We do know that every drop was distilled and matured on Islay and it was bottled at 45.1% abv with no artificial colouring and it is non chill filtered. We can also identify that this release has had more of a focus on the Bruichladdich spirit. The flavour is not as intense as before, more mellowed with citrus and stone fruits being the most prominent notes. These releases from the Bruichladdich Distillery are a collectors piece or a whisky to savour in good company. Only 12,000 bottles were produced for worldwide distribution. All individually numbered.
Our Tasting Notes
Nose: Citrus notes of fresh lime and orange, orchard fruits of apricot and pears, honey sweetness and soft vanilla. There;’s some well integrated floral notes too and perhaps some leather.
Taste: Sweet oak and elegant citrus, honey sweetness with more apricots, poached pears, vanilla and soft caramel. The palate is full of Bruichladdich signature soft stone fruits which come to the fore.
Finish: Medium-long, citrus tart, poached sultanas, soft blonde caramel, hazelnuts and milk chocolate. A very enjoyable dram.
