Single Malt
Scotland
No
Yes
This stunning expression from Islay's Ardbeg distillery on the Kildalton Coast is named after a nearby loch (pronounced "Oog-a-dal"). It's the perfect example of how sweet and savoury notes can work together spectacularly - you'll find Ardbeg's maritime salinity intact here, combined with dried fruit notes imparted by time spent in sherry casks. Kind of like when you mix sweet popcorn and salty popcorn together, it results in something absolutely wonderful.
Multifaceted, notes of peat and little flourishes of dark sugar, freshly ground espresso beans, cereal notes and a most sophisticated tar.
Led by sweet, ripe fruit and black forest honey. A good helping of malt. The throne then usurped by a powerful peat and smoked barley.
Very long, caramel and malt weave their way through peat smoke and dark sugar and just a hint of fresh espresso coffee before it finally peters out.
Such deft balance! How wonderful to sample Ardbeg so beautifully complimented by sherry.
Was: £192.90Now: £191.90
The blend (or is it completely one year now?) has changed compared to a few years ago, but it's still amazing whisky
If you like peat and Sherry this is the one. Better than the Ardbeg 10 and in the same leage as Lagavulin 16 (but not as sweet) Better than Laphroaig 10. Kilchoman Machir Bay is probably about the same age (both young NAS) but Mackir Bay has got a raw and unfinished touch. Uigeadail taste like an old whisky. Only problem is that it has too much ABV. E
I’m a fan of smoky whiskies, and my fridge includes Machir Bay, Lagavulin16 and Tastival 2016, plus Springbank 15 and 18. But, my Goodness – Uigeadail is massive. Massive smoke, massive peat, massive sweet sherry and massive alcohol. Personally, I prefer Machir Bay – the flavours are cleaner and clearer, and it’s much lighter on its feet. Although Machir has some Sherry influence, it’s primarily Bourbon – and that (IMHO) helps the smoke and peat to sing, whereas the heavy sherry of Uigeadail seems to muffle and smother it. I can understand why so many on this page wax lyrical about Uigeadail – it’s a grand dram built for big open log fires in the depths of winter, for those who love big smoke and big sherry. But, for me, it’s just a bit too OTT. I’ll still enjoy the rest of the bottle, though.
A truly incredible whisky. The nose alone is worth the price, you could get lost in there for hours. On tasting, it blows all others out of the water, a perfect balance of complex and friendly, as long as you enjoy peated whisky. The finish goes on forever, and you're left with a oily feel, coating your mouth with a lingering smoke and richness. Overall, the best ardbeg for me, and great value too.
Utterly magnificent every time
