Distillery: Ardbeg Distillery
Region: Port Ellen, Islay, Scotland
Aging: No Age Statement – finished in ex-Oloroso Sherry Casks
ABV: 54.2% ABV
Proof: 108.4 Proof
Mash Bill: 100% Islay Single Malt
Non-Chill Filtered: Yes
MSRP Price: $95
Ardbeg Uigeadail Tasting Notes
Appearance: Amber
Nose: Peat, smoke, vanilla, dark fruits, oak, cinnamon, baking spice, chocolate covered cherries, light pepper
Palate: Rich peat, smoke, barbeque campfire, meaty, smoked meats, dark fruits, cherry, plum, spices, pepper
Finish: Medium finish with a bit of heat but a nice oily mouthfeel that leaves you with lasting peat and smoke flavors layered on top of meaty smoked peppered meats and dark fruits
Is Ardbeg Uigeadail an Approachable Whisky?
Every time I sip on Ardbeg Uigeadail I think of sitting around a campfire with smoked brisket and steaks on the grill. And maybe some home-made beef jerky with black pepper spice.
If you’re a fan of those things, then this is most certainly an approachable whiskey.
If you’re new to the peaty world of Scotch whisky, then this bottle may throw your nose and taste buds for a loop – one worth taking.
Is Ardbeg Uigeadail Complex?
Ardbeg Uigeadail is surprisingly complex.
The nose gives you the classic Ardbeg peat and smoke, but since it is finished in ex-oloroso sherry casks, it has a balanced level of sweetness and dark fruits that mellow out some of the initial smokiness.
When the whisky hits your palate, the peat and smoke are front and center with an entire orchestra of flavors that swirl through quickly after.
The first notes I taste are meaty, salty, and rich bbq flavors.
Think of the seasonings you would cook your finest steaks in if you want a nice pepper and spice seasoning that is really going to cook up nicely on the grill and create a nice smokey meat flavor.
That is what I get when I sip on this pour.
Then the finish sets it and the dark fruits really shine through as you’re left with a nice oily mouthfeel that has a little bit of heat, but the good kind that is full of rich beautiful flavors.
It really invites you to take another sip each time you put it down.
What are Ardbeg Uigeadail’s strongest attributes/flavors?
Ardbeg Uigeadail’s strongest attribute would most certainly be its peaty smokiness, but what helps this bottle stand above the standard Ardbeg 10 Year is that the finishing in ex-oloroso sherry casks really helps create a beautifully balanced flavor profile.
The finishing adds the perfect level of sweetness and dark fruits to create the depth of flavor that makes this bottle shine.
Is Ardbeg Uigeadail a go-to whisky?
Ardbeg Uigeadail is a decent step up in price from the standard Ardbeg 10 Year but it is worth it.
I’m a big fan of Ardbeg 10 Year, but the additional finishing on this bottle makes it significantly more enjoyable to me and I would almost always spend the extra money to get Ardbeg Uigeadail over the 10 Year if you have the extra cash.
Is Ardbeg Uigeadail priced accurately to its quality?
Ardbeg Uigeadail delivers on its price tag.
I’m rarely disappointed when I buy a bottle of Ardbeg and this bottle is no exception.
When it comes to Ardbeg and peaty Scotches in general, I highly recommend going with either this bottle of Ardbeg Uigeadail or Ardbeg Corryvreckan.
Conclusion for Ardbeg Uigeadail
Ardbeg is one of my favorite peaty Scotches.
When it comes to deciding which bottle I will buy, it always comes down to either Ardbeg Uigeadail or Ardbeg Corryvreckan.
They are both similar in price and offer such a lovely balance on top of the classic bold peat flavor profile of Ardbeg Scotch Whisky.
You really can’t go wrong with this bottle and I recommend picking yourself up a bottle if you haven’t had it yet.
Let Us Know What You Think
I hope you enjoyed this tasting experience with me.
If you decide to give this bottle a shot, please let me know on social media via Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Thanks for reading and cheers!
0 Comments