Bruichladdich debuts Black Art 10

Islay-based Bruichladdich Distillery has launched the 10th annual release in its Black Art whisky series.

Since its inception in 2012, the limited edition Black Art series has been said to ‘intrigue’ whisky fans across the world with its ‘mysterious allure’.

The series is the antithesis to Bruichladdich’s traditional commitment to total transparency. Rather than revealing all details of production, from cask type to specific barley varietal, as is usual with Bruichladdich, Black Art is created in total secrecy – the vintage alone has been revealed.

Only head distiller Adam Hannett knows the recipe to Black Art 10. He explained: “As a whisky brand committed to giving our customers as much information as we possibly can, our Black Art series is a real leap of faith.”

“The creative freedom I have when creating this single malt is a privilege. It allows me to take risks and explore the realms of possibility. Whisky making relies on the harmonious marriage between cask and spirit, and Black Art 10 is a celebration of the extraordinary things that can happen when we abandon the detail and simply appreciate and enjoy the flavour.”

A 1993 vintage, the unpeated 29-year-old single malt has been created using pre-renaissance casks from Bruichladdich Distillery that have been maturing exclusively on Islay for almost three decades.

The whisky offers bright and fruity notes on the nose that move into praline, cedar and leather.

Orange barley sugars, ginger nut biscuits and lemon meringue pie can be detected on the palate, with toasted oak bringing smooth chocolate and vanilla.

Velvet in texture, the smooth finish has notes of tablet and fudge, with subtle tobacco and a hint of ginger linger.

Black Art Edition 10 is available now at bruichladdich.com and selected specialist whisky retailers, priced at RRP £395 (US$443.26).

Each 700ml bottle is presented at 45.1% ABV.