Environment:
My experience with this one comes from multiple Whisky Guild tasting events. I never shy away from it, rather I seek it out. In 2009 Jim Murray’s Whisky bible named Ardbeg Uigeadail “World Whisky of the Year”!
Ardbeg Uigeadail (pronounced ‘Oog-a-dal’) is actually the loch from which all the peat-laden Ardbeg waters flow. For this expression though, it is a union of the classic smoky Ardbeg characteristics and ex-Sherry casks. There is an amber and gold hue...definitely darker than the 10 Year, but still a bit pale for how deep this one goes. All of the flavors are harnessed as this one is bottled at or near cask strength, and non chill-filtered…54.20% ABV.
Nose: The pungent peat smoke sets the stage, but once it passes you by, there are layers. There are raisins, and an almost meaty scent, like cleaning a grill. Some water opens it up a bit (due to the high ABV) and it kind of smells like banana bread.
Palate: Rich, and full bodied on the tongue. Complex…there is a lot going on here. It is sweet and spicy and hounded by a changing smoke, like charcoal now. More sweet fruits and cocoa on the way down, like chocolate covered raisins.
Finish: Long, it takes minutes for the ashy smoke to fade. A bit of oak and sweet fruit (raisins) on the exhale.
Conclusion
This did not have quite the sherry punch I expected, but boy does it lend some sweetness! I am an admitted member of the Ardbeg Committee, and I always have an Ardbeg on my shelf. I can see what all the excitement is about as this one just leaves you gasping for air, and wanting more at the same time. Just a wonderful ride, and so balanced. If I had to pick an MVP here, it would likely be the nose. I literally stood there and just kept nosing it over and over and jotting down my notes as new things kept emerging. This is truly a gem…I don’t think that I could ever get bored of it.
Score: 87
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| Tasting Notes from 2011 & 2012 |
Joe,
ReplyDeleteYou have to try the Supernova. Best Islay scotch I've ever had. It costs quite a bit, ($150 for a fifth), but I think its worth every penny. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
Best,
Brandon
Hi Brandon,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for visiting, and funny you should mention that!
Just a few months ago, my little sister got married, and I was fortunate enough to find a bottle of the Ardbeg Supernova 2010 to help celebrate it.
Now that I think about it, I am pretty sure I even took some nifty photos of the bottle with the dress and things like that…
I’d be honored to 'take a request', post my notes on that one, and put up some pics.
I’d love to hear your thoughts in greater detail too…I’ll get to work on that post.
Cheers,
Joe