Black Art 5.1

Black Art 5.1, 24 YO, 48.4 %

The Black Art series is shrouded in mystery. The Black Art 5.1 is no exception. It is a vintage 1992, bottled in 2016, with a total run of 12 000 bottles. Other than that only Adam Hannett, Head Distiller at Bruichladdich, knows. In previous incarnations there has certainly been some wine casks in the mix, and I’m fairly certain that is still the case with this release.

Here is the official blurb on the Black Art 5.1:

The fifth incarnation of this now legendary single malt is the first by head distiller Adam Hannett. As enigmatic as ever, the composition of casks remains a mystery. Working with the very finest American and French oak to explore that most esoteric relationship between spirit and wood, Black Art 5 is Head Distiller Adam Hannett’s personal voyage into the heart of Bruichladdich. We believe in the soul of the artisan.

The Black Art 5.1 is sadly sold out. It sold for NOK 3499 in Norway up until fairly recently.

Nose: Rich and complex but hard to define. No surprise there, I guess. It is a Black Art, after all. It certainly shows its age. This is dusty and oaky. Deep floral and fruity notes. The fruitiness is multilayered; I find orchard fruits as well as citrus and a tropical hint or two. Brown sugar and vanilla. 

Taste: Medium body and pleasant mouthfeel. Well balanced between floral notes, spices and sweetness. It is a certain oaky vibrancy to it. Malt and dried fruits.

Finish: Long and lingering finish. Rich, creamy honey, vanilla ice-cream with a sprinkling of crushed nuts, served with a cool Eiswein. 

Comment: Black Art remains magical under the new reign of Adam Hannett.

Score 90/100

Sláinte!
- Thomas