A little background
Of Ardbeg’s expressions, Ardbeg Uigeadail stood out in 2009 as it won Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible “Whisky of the Year”. This whisky is a peated whisky from the Islay region of Scotland. It sits at 108.4 proof, a higher proof than many other scotches. The name comes from the loch that the distillery uses for fresh water. It is aged for an undisclosed time in ex-sherry casks, giving it some sweeter notes to pair with the traditional smoky notes. This single malt whisky can be purchased for around $65.
(Tasted neat from a Halo Glass)
Color
Yellow Hay
Nose
Smokey notes from the peat combine with sweeter notes to form a spice cake-like aroma. Raisins and oil-coated leather come in upon a heavier nosing. A certain brininess is present as well, something that was also found in Ardbeg’s 10 year expression. A hint of vanilla frosting rounds everything out.
Palate
With a medium-thick body, smoke and spiced cake dominate the palate. There is a very distinct spiciness that coats the entire palate in an extremely pleasant manner. A strong, beautiful tobacco note amplifies the smokiness and spiciness that are already present, much like a dark, spicy cigar. A briny saltiness is present at the back of the palate.
Finish
The finish is long and smoky, with the saltiness lingering on the mid palate. Dark, sticky notes of coffee settle on the back of the palate.
In conclusion
Ardbeg Uigeadail is a great whisky. The balance of the smokiness and sweetness is a beautiful harmony. Paired with the intense spice, it makes for a well-rounded palate that does not leave one wanting more. I would love to pair this with a maduro cigar. For the price, I would absolutely buy this whisky again and again.
Ardbeg Uigeadail
108.4 Proof
The Good
- Flavor
- Balance
- Value
The Bad
- Availability
Complexity
9
Nose
9
Palate
10
Finish
9.5
Value
10
I do not wish to post notes at this moment but rather enjoy the dram (again).
However, if I must, I only discovered this delight a few months ago and while, I’ve had the Lagavulin 16 as my personal undisputed champion of all peated whiskeys for over a decade, I think that despite what changes may have appeared at this late stage of 2021/2022 in it’s production, it very well may be the best bloody peated whiskey that I have ever tasted.
I apologize for not posting notes on flavours (I actually have my own journal for that, and there are things that no one has managed to accurately describe e. g.: camphor, incense, liquorice, cinnamon.. that really creates an almost indescribable mix of flavours that have captured both my and the fruit flies attention) and yet, I am recalibrating my senses by identifying what others have almost universally said that I have not expressed or identified in whiskey for the last 15 years (read: shoe leather oil, linseed, honeyed meats and tobacco -but they seem to map well with my own interpretation of tastes in my mind)
Regardless of the above, each metric of assessment I’ve seen published or have created myself points to the fact that each aspect of this whiskey is really great, but more importantly, the whole is makes it even better than the sum of its parts.
Lastly, I wished to avoid writing a whole review. Damn.