The 2022 limited edition of Bruichladdich's Black Art was distilled using unpeated barley, before the distillery shut down in the mid-nineties, only to re-open in 2001. As with past releases, there's no information on what type of casks make up the maturation, so it could be anything. That doesn't seem to put off collectors who are hooked on the series. It's the tenth instalment and the sixth to have been overseen by Adam Hannett as Master Distiller. 45.1% Alc./Vol. Notes from the producer... Nose: Warm and inviting, a bright fruity note welcomes you. the fragrant toasted oak brings chocolate praline, cedar, leather, and subtle hints of clove and nutmeg, before moving to fruit notes of sweet apricot jam, ripe melon, dark cherries and blackcurrants. there is a light touch of citrus with lemon zest and gooseberries dipped in honey, with delicate floral notes of geranium and honeysuckle balanced with a hint of iodine and leather. Palate: Orange barley sugars, ginger nut biscuits, and lemon meringue pie are followed by sweet apricot jam and marzipan. The toasted oak brings smooth chocolate and vanilla notes, beautifully complemented with syrupy fruit, raisins, plum, and melon. Over time, iodine and a hint of coconut come through, with delicate oak spices of warming ginger and cinnamon. A velvet texture, the depth and balance of this single malt glides across the palate. Finish: Tablet and smooth fudge bring a softness to the finish, while ripe soft fruits, subtle tobacco, and a hint of ginger linger.

Bruichladdich is known for the most heavily peated scotch you can find, but its core whisky, the Classic Laddie, is actually unpeated. Now, more than two decades after it reopened, the distillery is releasing its first 18 year-old expressions as part of its high-end "Redefined" lineup with a classic bourbon matured malt. 50% Alc./Vol.