Bruichladdich 1990 23 YO Black Art 04.1

Bruichladdich 1990 23 YO Black Art 04.1, 49,2 %

Magic time! I finally get to try the latest arcane potion from the master alchemist Jim McEwen. Bruichladdich 1990 23 YO Black ARt 04.1 is the latest installment in his series of unholy potions. It is said that no one  really knows what Jim has put in these concoctions, but it certainly is a lot of different casks involved. A fair bit has to be wine casks as well, as the color usually is leaning towards the cooler reddish tones - so also for this expression.

The Bruichladdich 1990 23 YO Black Art 04.1 was a limited release of 6000 bottles. It is more or less sold out by now, but you can still get it online at around GBP 170.

Nose (22/25): Light and fresh, with mild wine notes. Slightly fruity. Grapes and strawberries. Some creamy notes here as well, the Bruichladdich character does show through. I like that. Merely a whiff of smoke here, if anything at all.

Taste (22/25): Very smooth. Full-bodied and full-on taste-wise. A lot going on here - all at the same time. Slightly overwhelming.

Finish (23/25): Long, lingering and warm. Lovely, soft landing. Honey sweetness mixed with caramel swirls. Almost a bit sugary right there at the end.

Balance (23/25): A clear case of a whole that is greater than the simple sum of its parts. This dram leaves you - well, it doesn't really leave you at all - with a sense of well-being.

Score (90/100)

Image from Bruichladdich Distillery.

Sláinte! - Thomas