Bruichladdich Black Art 1994 8.1 Edition 26 Year

Beautiful bouquet of toffee, caramel pear, flowers. Very smooth on the palate - vanilla, caramel, dates. A hint of bitterness going down. Smooth heat and light, refreshing aftertaste.

Nose - Vanilla bean & riesling poached pears, caramel, saline, candied ginger, pomelo/orange zest, fruity grape skins, candy apple shell sweet Taste - Poached pears, gentle ginger heat/tingle, candied oranges, dried apples, muscat raisin sweet "funk", hint of salt, milk chocolate, light caramel Finish - Lingering salty sweet apple/pear, hint of sweet dessert wine "funk", gentle heat Score - 92/100 Final Thoughts - So the initial nose on this was is just amazing. After having had a few subpar whiskies the past few days, this brings me back to what a nicely balanced dram can have. You don't have to search this dram for the aromas to come out of the glass, there's quite a lot going on & frankly it's all quite pleasant. The nose is also an accurate representation of what happens once it hits the palate as well. A big burst of a perfectly balanced dram. Bright vibrant poached pear notes with a tiny hint of caramel & dried apple. Finish is moderate to long, but everything about it is pleasant. If I had to guess the makeup of this one, I'd say there's a higher percentage of ex-bourbon and there have to be at least a few sweeter wine finished and maybe even a calvados finished? This is a perfect proof to sip on and even though I didn't add any water, I don't think it needs it. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Yes Would I buy a bottle? - Maybe another if I could find it cheaper. NOTE - All reviews are done without factoring in price.