Ardbeg Uigeadail

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. 

Tasting Notes

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

Tasting Notes from 2011 & 2012