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 confected fruity aromas, bubblegum gelato, nectarine, peach, vanilla, frangipani. The nose does not open with time in the glass and neither is it improved by water. Palate: An orchard, citrus fruit and cereal arrival with emerging sweet notes of tropical fruit, honey, sultanas, vanilla and milk chocolate. Dried fruit and wood spices appear as it develops but there is also an unusual soapy-floral note. The texture is full but not oily. Finish: Medium. Woody, herbal and mineral. There is the faintest touch of brine in the aftertaste. Water builds ginger and a touch of white pepper on the palate and this persists into the aftertaste. Reduction also introduces a sour note on the finish and it is not a positive effect. I felt this malt was more delicate than it seemed at first and it fell apart once watered. It’s a pleasant whisky but in my opinion not one of the best Black Art expressions, and not worth the asking price. It is warm, inviting and very easy to enjoy but at this price point I expect a whisky to be complex and offer me something to explore at length. While this is a good malt it is also somewhat monotonous. “Good” : 84/100 (3.75 stars)

Nose - Hint of salt, golden raisins, fresh cut apples, nectarines, light caramel Taste - Light fruity brine, light lactic funk, ripe cut apples, gentle hints of cinnamon and clove, goji berries, lightly sour raspberries, lightly herbal like sage or tarragon Finish - Tarragon? Sage? salt, lightly medicinal berries, fresh apples, golden raisins, lightly drying Score - 80/100 Final Thoughts - So I think the best thing about this release was the nose. It was nice and fruity, gave off some sauternes and maybe some white wine barrel influence/funk. On the palate you're hit with the nice saline and a hint of lactic funk (think fruity sour milk, but in a good way?). Fresh cut apples dominate with this in and out vibe of sort of savory herbs and a tiny bit medicinal vibe like that of goji berries or dried Chinese dates. The finish was pretty much the same with the herbs and fresh cut apples. This felt a bit underwhelming and not sure if a single bad cask made it into the blend or not, but there was this faint herbal bitterness at the end into the finish that just didn't seem to fit. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.

Sampled at dostillery. Subtle/muted. Its good but not as amazing as expected for the price.

Definitely better than the 10. Was likely aged in a mix 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