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.
I've never considered myself a peat man, and always thought I didn't like this style of whisky. In any case, out of sheer curiosity I decided to get a sample and, lo and behold, I was blown away. It is now a firm favourite and, along with Redbreast 15 yo, will never be absent from my drinks cabinet.
After finally delving into the peat monsters: Mainly Lagevulin 16 and The Laphroigs I was back and fourth on getting a bottle of Ardbeg. Well... while "browsing" at my local shop, the proprietor had special ordered Uigeadail for a customer so he had a few bottles left over, so I grabbed one of the shelf and my journey began. From the first sip to the last...it was quite an experience and frankly my favorite of the Peaty's. Its worth every effort to find a bottle
Definately the best whisky in that price range, absolutely outstanding. Port Charlotte Peat Project and Kilchoman MB could match it, but appart from them this one is superb. If you like Islay but do not want the sting you might get from a young Laphroaig or dito Ardbeg, and you still do not want it too smooth like 18y Laphroig this one is perfect.
Add it to the list of human creations that make life really enjoyable. A bargain actually because you only need it in small quantity to appreciate its increadible complexity
After all the rave reviews I decided to try this - what a mistake. It was simply awful. I have tried drinks before in a Green glass bottle - Stone's Ginger Wine being a good one. But in this case the glass did not help the whisky and it was sour.
