Bruichladdich Black Art 11.1 Edition 24 Year (2023 Release)

Octomore Series 15 Tasting, The Oak Barrel, Sydney. November 13, 2024. Whisky #1 Nose: Sweet, candy-like fruity scents, bubblegum gelato, nectarine, peach, vanilla, frangipani. The nose doesn't evolve with time in the glass, nor does it improve with water. Palate: An orchard, citrus fruit, and cereal arrival with developing sweet notes of tropical fruit, honey, sultanas, vanilla, and milk chocolate. Dried fruit and wood spices appear as it progresses, but there's also an unusual soapy-floral note. The texture is full but not oily. Finish: Medium. Woody, herbal, and mineral. There's the faintest trace of brine in the aftertaste. Adding water enhances ginger and a touch of white pepper on the palate, which lingers into the aftertaste. Dilution also introduces a sour note to the finish, which isn't a positive effect. I found this malt to be more delicate than it initially appeared and it deteriorated once watered down. It's a pleasant whisky, but in my view, not one of the best Black Art releases, and not worth the asking price. It's warm, inviting, and very easy to enjoy, but at this price point, I expect a whisky to be complex and offer something for extended exploration. While this is a good malt, it's also somewhat monotonous. "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars)

Nose - A hint of salt, golden raisins, freshly cut apples, nectarines, and light caramel. Taste - Light fruity brine, a subtle lactic funk, ripe cut apples, gentle hints of cinnamon and clove, goji berries, lightly sour raspberries, and a subtle herbal note like sage or tarragon. Finish - Tarragon? Sage? Salt, lightly medicinal berries, fresh apples, golden raisins, with a slight drying sensation. Score - 80/100 Final Thoughts - I believe the highlight of this release was the aroma. It was pleasantly fruity, suggesting some Sauternes influence or perhaps white wine barrel aging and funk. On the palate, you're met with a nice salinity and a hint of lactic funk (imagine fruity sour milk, but in a pleasant way!). Freshly cut apples are prominent, with an intermittent presence of savory herbs and a slightly medicinal quality reminiscent of goji berries or dried Chinese dates. The finish mirrored the palate with herbs and fresh apples. This felt somewhat disappointing; I'm unsure if a single subpar cask was included in the blend, but there was a faint herbal bitterness towards the end that didn't quite fit. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are conducted without considering price.

Certainly superior to the 10-year expression. Likely aged in a combination of red wine and Sauternes casks. Nose: Sultanas, Apricots, Morello Cherries, Salted Toffee, Blueberries, Cranberries, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Stewed Green Apples Palate: Raisins, Dates, Blueberries, Strawberries, Sultanas, Bananas, Maple Syrup, Peaches, Treacle, Smoke, Salted Butterscotch Finish: Blueberries, Dates, Cranberries, Seville Oranges, Almonds, Figs

Tasted at the distillery. Subtle/muted. It's good but not as impressive as anticipated for the price.

Acceptable. Extremely let down. Not bad, but certainly not worth the cost.