Bruichladdich Black Art 11.1 24-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Age

24 Years

Distillery

Bruichladdich Distillery

Region

Islay, Scotland

Description

Black Art 11.1 is the eleventh release in Bruichladdich’s revered and mysterious Black Art series. Distilled in 1994 and aged for 24 years before bottling in 2023, this unpeated Islay single malt is drawn from pre-renaissance casks—barrels filled before the distillery's 2001 revival. The exact cask composition is known only to Head Distiller Adam Hannett, preserving the arcane allure that defines the series.

This edition showcases the full maturity and elegance of aged Bruichladdich whisky, revealing an intricate narrative shaped by time, oak, and imagination. With each sip, Black Art 11.1 reveals layers of flavor shaped by decades of slow evolution in the distillery’s Islay warehouses.

Tasting Notes

• Appearance:
  Deep tawny with a rich mahogany core, hinting at decades of oak interaction and dark fruit complexity.

• Aroma:
  Opens with a bouquet of dried fruits, aged leather, and coastal air. Evolving notes of poached pear, rosehip syrup, mango, and black cherry emerge, layered with butterscotch, praline, cinnamon, and mellow oak. Subtle florals and warming cereal grains linger throughout.

• Palate:
  Velvety and rich, offering flavors of dates, raisins, barley sugar, and toasted wood. A wave of butterscotch and marzipan flows across the palate, accompanied by coconut, citrus zest, dark plum, and sweet orchard fruits. Complex yet balanced, with an interplay of sweetness, oak spice, and refined maturity.

• Finish:
  Long and harmonious. Oak-driven warmth carries notes of honey, dried fig, and spiced fruitcake, with lingering hints of marzipan, golden syrup, and a gentle echo of Islay’s maritime air.

Region

Though Islay is best known for its heavily peated whiskies, Bruichladdich showcases a different side of the island’s terroir. Situated on the windswept Rhinns of Islay, the distillery emphasizes provenance, traceability, and a deep respect for traditional craftsmanship. Black Art 11.1, however, stands apart as a deliberate departure from transparency—a celebration of artistry and mystery, created in harmony with the natural character of Islay.

Accolades

• Lauded for its depth and complexity, with top-tier reviews highlighting its luxurious mouthfeel and multi-layered flavor profile.

• Celebrated as one of the most contemplative and nuanced expressions in the Black Art lineage.

• Recognized for its ability to unfold over time, delivering a sophisticated experience that rewards slow savoring.