Bruichladdich Black Art 1990 04.1 Edition 23 Year

Wow I thought the Dalmore Cigar wasn't to bad and a 4 star. This shoots straight to 5 on the first sip. I have paid a lot more for a lot less. It reminds me of a great Glendronach in a lot of ways although sweeter and with different components to the usual straight olorosso or px flavour. Bam raisins and dark fruit nose and palate. There is a hell of a lot more going on a mere mortal like me can't comprehend, sauternes influence is all over it, rich cognac like flavours. Personally I thought Bruchladdich was over rated. Most of their stuff is weak flavored. Even their Octomore range I find over priced and thin (but still 4 star rating before everyone starts sharpening their pitchforks :-) ), missing the richness of other Islays. This however has viscosity and richness to burn. Alcohol at 49.2% is perfectly balanced. It would almost be an instant 5 but I'm finding it a bit to sweet and syrupy the longer I get into it so more around the 4.5 mark, maybe slightly lower. Still very very nice and not a 4 so must be a 5. One of those weird situations where I rate something a must buy but I wouldn't due to the syrupy sweetness.

The flavor of the Black Art is definitely a unique one. It has a quite interesting dry fruit taste that I didn’t found on any other whiskey I’ve tried. The finish was a bit too dry to my taste, and the alcohol kick on the palate is just a tiny bit too harsh. A drop of water will solve the problem. Overall, a fantastic whiskey! I’m not quite sure how much I have left in my bottle, because I can’t really see through :p