Ardbeg Uigeadail

I like to try whiskies from all over Scotland, but must confess that those from Islay are my favorites. And of the Islay whiskies, Ardbeg is my first and eternal love.

This whisky has all that I love in the Ardbeg 10 and more. The smoke is strong but balanced on the nose, with aromas of the malt and fruit that await on the palate. This is a complex whisky, with smoke giving way to to sea spray giving way to sweet malt and finally rounding out with the sherry fruitiness. And then the flavors reappear as you savor the sip before enjoying a final bit of smoke. The flavors are magically distinct on the tongue but also harmonious.

I pour this one on weekends when my labor is ended and I enjoy with just splash of water or maybe a very small ice cube. It's a whisky for sipping slowly while thinking or reading or just reflecting on how life unfolds.

26th November 2018

Peat and coffee and strength and balance. Excellent!

8th October 2018

Side by side tasting now with the Corryvreckan.
On the nose is band-aids (plasters), or the medicine “Seirogan” (正露丸) if one is familiar with Japanese medicine, and wood. It immediately reminded me of the familiar taste of Laphroaig 10...
On the palate is cereal and peat, then come the fruit/ sherry cask notes. After a few minutes, you get less iodine and more cask flavors emerging.
Add a few drops of water, and let it sit more a few minutes and it becomes more complex with the peat and sherry.
A long finish, with peat remaining on the tongue.
A superb whisky.

7th October 2018

I like the Corryvreckan, and the 10, and the An Oa is good though maybe overpriced compared to the 10, but for me...the Uigeadail is the best of Ardbeg.

25th August 2018

Comparing this to the Bunnahabhain 12yo, which promised a more or less similair flavour profile to this Ardbeg expression, the Uigeadail is smokier, more intensely sherried and more complex than the bunnahabhain 12. Perhaps subtle lighter malts are wasted on me, but I highly prefer this tasty malt. The sherry base would come closest to the GD 12 in my opinion, but the Ardbeg smoke gives this malt an extra diminsion. Although this malt is quite expensive it's at the very least worth the experience to give it a try.

22nd July 2018

While I normally enjoy my Speysides, sherry finishers and after experimenting with the Laphroigh Select I went straight to this monster. Oh you will be suckered in if you didn't see the proof. The nose is smoke all day long. The palette however, is not at all harsh. The smoke is there and while heavily, highly surprisingly doesn't wrestle you. It's caressing, velvety and soft. Despite being a knock around 54.2% it's very, very smooth and astonishingly the smoke completely disappears on the finish. Hell of an experience and I will definitely return for more.

28th June 2018

The first taste instantly transported me to a deserted Scottish beach on a late spring sunny day, the sun setting over the sea leaving the last of it's warm glow on the skin. The romance of it all literally bought a tear to my eye. I don't know why people say it is harsh, it isn't, its smooth with perfectly balanced subtle smoky peat kissed with sherry sweetness, even without water. For me it is perfect, I can't believe it could get any better.

30th May 2018

The blend (or is it completely one year now?) has changed compared to a few years ago, but it's still amazing whisky

12th May 2018

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

30th April 2018

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.

3rd April 2018

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.

24th March 2018

Utterly magnificent every time

16th March 2018

I’ve been a huge fan of Lagavulin for many years, but this is seriously challenging for the title. Absolutely beautiful balance of peat, malt, sherry and brown sugary goodness. This is why we drink Scotch.

27th February 2018

A mouth watering dram

19th February 2018

One of the best Ardbegs I've been drinking, if you like the 10-year old and want something extra that wont dissapoint, this is it.

8th February 2018

Was always a speyside man and always will be, I think, but this whisky is all about balance, I can't get over how the sweetness of the sherry and bourbon can match the peat.On my third bottle now and I think I'm appreciating how good it really is more now.

27th January 2018

It’s full, it’s complex, it’s well balanced, from the start to that long finish. One of the very best smokey whiskies. It does benefit from a splash (not more) of water.

19th January 2018

This is turning out to be a real epiphany, I've discovered Ardbeg late in life having been turned to the dark side by Lagavulin some 20 years ago. The Ardbeg 10 has recently become my default go to islay malt, although I have some Laphroaig 10 and Talisker 10 to keep it company. I've only just discovered Corryvreckan and Uigeadail, which are frankly in another universe! Sometimes I prefer the robustness of Corry, which is like being punched in the face then being gently laid donw on a bed of glowing cinders; other times I find myself grinning stupidly as that sweet powerful charge of the Oogie washes over, like chewing on a piece of ikea pine furniture only to discover it also tastes of fruit cake! I've just bought a bunch of tasters, and I'm afraid the Laga is simply too smooth and bland in comparison to these two majestic beasts, so the only conclusion is that I will always need both in my life.

8th January 2018

Best whisky I've ever tasted and so well priced. Knocked my head off!

5th January 2018

After reading all the stellar reviews I decided to gift myself a bottle for Xmas. My immediate reaction was one of of general disappointment as I didn't detect any huge star quality. It grew on me a little as the contents of the bottle subsided, t's a very complex whisky with quite a burn, it's not as peated or smokey as Laphroaig. It definitely benefits from a splash of water to open it up a little. For my money I'd rather a bottle of Laphroaig over a bottle of Uigeadail but (when on offer) I can get 2 bottles of Laphroaig for the price of a bottle of Uigeadail! Is my palate not as developed as I thought or is there an Emperor's New Clothes thing going on here?

4th January 2018

Bought the Arbeg 10 as i had read a review. Went to the brothers for xmas and he said try mine i have the Uigeadail. Wow the concentration and intensity of flavours blew me away. Beautiful scotch affordable price. 1 small nip each night the misserable bugger. Our Scottish ancestry is alive and well.

3rd January 2018

This is stunning. If you like peaty whiskies, this is gold. If you do not, train yourself with years of drinking it. You are missing out on the finest of whiskies if your tastebuds are not developed enough to handle then savour the delights of the peat.

25th December 2017

Over and above the rest, I taste honey-nut Cheerios and am much pleased, thereby.

6th December 2017

Nose: best nose in whisky. I love the standard nose of the Ardbeg 10, to me it's so much more complex than a Bowmore, Lagavulin or Laphroaig can manage. The Uigeadail's sherry influence builds on that nose rather than taking away from it (which some sherry casked whisky certainly have issues with). It makes the nose much more complex, with hints of peatsmoke (obviously), ripe apples/pears, lime/citrus, cereal, sugar and coffee. There's also a fresh tobacco hint which reminds me of the pipe leaf tobacco my grandfather used to smoke.

Taste: A darkish honey, coffee, tobacco, incredibly tasty smoke and sweet barley. Sweet ripe fruit makes the dram come full circle and binds everything together to a heavenly complex and rewarding taste.

Finish: The finish is stellar really. Ripe sweet fruit and caramel start off the aftertaste but the sweet sweet peat smoke, leather, coffee (espresso) beans and fresh tobacco linger on for minutes.

Overal: My favorite NAS, my favorite Ardbeg and my favorite whisky below the €100 mark. This is probably the ultimate expression of the wonders of Islay.

27th November 2017

At a fist sip you feel punch at the jaw after recovering you start to remember those days by the fire, smoke tastes in your mouth, you smell the ocean and feel the heat from the fire and afterwards loooong and smooth taste of a silky smooth caramel

26th November 2017

Effing delicious. Buy it!

15th November 2017

16th October 2017

One of the best affordable whiskys

22nd September 2017

Smoothest cask strength whisky I've tried. Also have a Glenfarclas 105 and the Glenfiddich 15yo distillery edition in my collection but this dram is alive with rich, sweet, fruity flavour before the unmistakable peaty, smoky taste of the Ardbeg 10yo starts to show itself in the long but pleasant finish. Worth every penny and is definitely in my top 3 all time favourites. It's going to be a tough one to beat..

16th September 2017

Very nice

6th September 2017

These prices are all over the map. I'd have a few bottles of Uigeadail if it sold for $56 in my part of the U.S. Here I've never seen it below $80. Standard 10-year is about $41, cheaper than listed here. Corryvreckan is about $85, more than listed here. I may have the only Kelpie in this entire state; it was $95. I have the opportunity to buy a Perpetuum and an Auriverdes for about $82 each, but I don't know if they're worth it. I have a hard time convincing myself to drink anything that sells for more than $60. Pricier Islays just sit in my bar, awaiting some momentous occasion that will probably never come.

2nd July 2017

This whisky is a real mans whisky, plenty of peat and smoke with a long finish

1st July 2017

good recommendation

18th June 2017

For some one who generally steers clear of peated Whiskies, I have to say, this is a beautiful Single Malt Scotch that, should
one who enjoys this particular genre of spirit (known as Whisk(e)y) , they would be wise to try this example of an horizon broaderer if they have not already done so!

16th June 2017

In the days of analog recording, I maintained my tape heads with a cleaning solution that smelled EXACTLY like this. It tastes as I'd imagine that cleaner did.
Apologies to the those of you that love it, it's just not for me.
At a get together where we each contributed a bottle of fine Scotch, the opinion was unanimous.

22nd April 2017

Awesome. I'm a huge fan of Ardbeg 10yo and now I'm bigger fan of Uigeadail-

13th April 2017

Tested Ardbeg Uigeadail tonight. It tastes tar, peat, smoke, sweet fruits but at the same time very smooth. Contains 54 % alc, no water neeed! Perfect! Just like it was made for me!
A bit like Ardbeg 10 but much more rich and sweet.

11th April 2017

Long mouth feel aftertaste of dry wood sherry barrels. Not a strong smell. Not a strong taste, but very good. Extremely smooth. At least 15 seconds mouth feel after drinking of dry wood. , recommended and highly recommended for price point. - Vard

12th March 2017

A total shock to the system. Quite simply full of flavour and a wonderful intense experience. Great for a cold night to give yourself a heat. Utterly tremendous

6th March 2017

A great whisky, but not as good as the Corryvreckan. For a few pounds/dollars more the comparison is notable. I trust Jim Murray as his palate is similar to mine but for me this is about a 95. - it's that good!

13th February 2017

uigeadail: colour, smell, taste all in unison. The lightness of 10y Ardbeg is gone, smoke still prevails, but the basis is more complex reminding aromatic wood/tar/liquorice originating from ximenes barrels. The whole body kicks in immediately with the same weapons already present to your nose. Plus the pepper, all over you mouth. Aftertaste, essentially the same, does not seem to subside at all. Deep, intense, even aggressive.

31st January 2017

I don’t profess to being a whisky expert or anything close. In fact my journey with whisky is in it’s very early stages. With that in mind, I cannot comment on past batches and the declining quality some note below.

All that aside, this is as close to perfection as I have come so far. Easily the most complex whisky I have ever tried. It is an extremely rich and bold expression from Ardbeg. Medicinal like layers of heavy peat eventually give way to a lovely honey sweetness courtesy of the sherry butts. The peat returns in the finish which goes on and on.

Despite the cask strength it’s not at all too much for the palate but a few drops of water here and there and you’ll find the sweet spot. Frankly it’s hard to think of something equal or better at this kind of price. Top marks all around and worthy of a place in anybody’s cabinet.

5th January 2017

Samma rökighet som 10'an men betydligt fler smakar. Man känner att den har en hög alkoholhalt i de starka smakerna men inte på spritigheten, precis som det ska vara! Någorlunda prisvärd och den jag recenserar buteljerades 2014-11-05

15th November 2016

Glad I'm not alone. Was doubting myself and wondering if my tastes have changed. Uigeadail used to taste perfect to me but my two more recent bottles were only great, not perfect. In the meantime, I have yet to taste any (affordable) whiskies that are better than my first few bottles of Uigeadail.

1st November 2016

I was lucky to get a first bottling of this. It was sublime. Nice and creamy, oily and delicious.
It has faltered, and a lot.

Some of the first bottling is there, but it's just failing to deliver. Shame.
Now its full of smoke and the sherry influence is just slightly in the background.
I'm seriously pondering if there was flavors added.

29th October 2016

This used to be amazing but the quality has slipped noticeably. Comparing a 2016 bottle to a mate's 6 or so year old one was telling. It tastes far younger and the sherry influence isn't as noticeable.

6th October 2016

My first sip was followed with Holy S#@tballsthis is freaking delicious!!!! Wow! Smooth, warm, soft, perfect amount of sweet and peat. First taste was fresh and bright with vanilla and toffee then followed by warm peatiness then some sharp but subtle heat.Was like sipping warm liquid gold. My favorite to enjoy so far. Newbie who started with Lagavulin and Balvenie and now Ardbeg Uigeadail lol. Highly recommended this drop of gorgeousness.

1st October 2016

Tried this whisky today for the second time. My first tasting two years ago was not a pleasant experience, but today after adding a couple teaspoons of water left me with a different experience. Very smooth, pleasant and flavorful. Highly recommended.

27th September 2016

This used to be my hands down favorite whisky. For years, it was my go-to bottle that I always had on hand. However, over the past 2 years it seems like the quality of the bottle has been slipping. No longer do you get the rich, complex flavor of wood, sugar, and smoke. Instead, the whisky almost seems young and on the blander side (much like many of the Ardbeg special releases I've tried of late.)

Perhaps it's my own personal tastes which have changed with the years, but I don't think so. I honestly believe something has happened to this whisky to make it lose some of its character. This latest bottle that I have purchased will likely be my last for awhile, as it is the second in a row within the past year that has been a bit of a let down. At least the Laphroaig Cask Strength still seems to be holding strong.

12th September 2016

Pour a glass, add a small splash of spring water, and leave for 10 mins to let it open up & for the odour to percolate through the whole room, lovely. I find myself sniffing at my nosing glass constantly throughout the night and enjoy this just as much as drinking it, as there's so much flavour in there. Islay malts aren't for everyone but if you like them, then ardbeg takes some beating.

11th September 2016

Dates cake rose Brown Sugar ....

The best...

8th September 2016

This is the best Islay I've ever had because it doesn't cheaply rely on smoke alone. Instead, the deep sherried notes on this make it a truly two-way whisky which appeals to us who don't like uni-dimensional Islays (think Arbbeg 10, Laphroaig 10, etc) and instead opt for sherried whiskies. Terrific value for money here given that this Ardbeg is so fantastically constructed!

5th August 2016

Smells like catarrh pills from a distance
Loved it though

10th July 2016

It's taken me a while to really get to grips with Islay malts, but I glad I have. This is a lovely sip & saver malt. It is harsh! and will take me a while to finish, but I know I will enjoy every dram.

29th June 2016

The smell alone makes the saliva run, it's one to be sipped and savoured, let the peat and smoke roll around your mouth, breathe out gently and the taste envelops you, I prefer a splash of water to mellow it slightly but each to their own👍

19th June 2016

I even prefer it to my dear Laphroaig

14th June 2016

This is well worth the price. Such a tasty, peaty treat!!

4th June 2016

Probably my favorite scotch! Tasty smoky treat!

22nd May 2016

Firm and very smooth whisky. If you are chewing it like you should it explodes on your tongue. A hot and alcoholic finish.

Firm favourite though I prefer Corryvreckan.

91/100

12th May 2016

I bought this as a newbie to Single Malts. After I bought it I read something to the effect of "newbies shouldn't try it as their palates may not be developed enough to appreciate it"...that review was spot on. My first experience as follows: upon opening I was nearly floored by the smoky smell of the peat...certainly my first thought was "barbecue before the meat gets cooking"...got past that and moved in for my first sip...smelled band aids/iodine...tasted the phenols and fish initially. I told a coworker that "I felt like I was drinking smoked fish"...as I learned the bottle and proceeded over the next few years (read: as my palate became more developed, the vanilla and caramel began to come through...really enjoyed this one. May get another one along with the 10 so I can make an accurate comparison.

6th May 2016

I have a bottle of Lagavulin 16, Laphroaig 10, and this Uigaedail. I love both the Laga and the Laph. But the Uigeadail was unpleasant when I first opened it. A deeply unpleasant burnt plastic/rubber smell. Not peaty. Toxic smelling, like bottled TianJin explosion essence. It was as if they'd left an old wellington boot in the still. It's not like I'm spooked by ppm- tried the Octomore 7.1 and loved it. I was so incredulous given the rave reviews, I brought my bottle over to compare with a friends Uigaedail side by side. And indeed, his was delicious, just as everyone said. He agreed that mine tasted like poison. I have no idea what happened to mine. I've aired it for a couple weeks and the burnt plastic has dissipated a bit so I can at least drink it. Has anyone else had this happen? I've given a mixed score because mine was awful, but my friends Uigeadail was outstanding.

30th April 2016

I will update my review from a few months ago wherein I misquoted someone else. It should have read "like drinking a burning church". Indeed! How could I possibly improve upon that description?

29th April 2016

It's pretty good... *embraces bottles and pulls the sheets over our head*

29th April 2016

Worked my way up to this one from Talisker, Caol ila and Laphroaig. Hard to top the incredible flavour and after taste, if anyone can suggest a better malt for similar price I'm all ears.

21st April 2016

American Oak primary maturation which is Jack Daniels ex bourbon, finished in sherry casks, which are an assertive wood and produce a strong influence on the final spirit.
Bubbles - not fully shaken, but long lasting, large, indicating high ABV

Appearance - light golden colour
Coatline - light thin
Legs - ran quickly and are thin, indicating young whisky.

Nose - peat, honey, fruit cake.

Palate - very long lasting, peat and fruitcake flavours remain.

Conclusion - nice whisky, but not quite the Ardbeg 10

31st March 2016

The peat taste is very strong and warming; definitely its wining character. However, beyond the peat all I can pick up in taste is band aides. Feels rough around the edges, this one's not for me.

21st March 2016

I really wish I could take credit for the following description but alas, it is not mine. I will repeat it here: "It tastes like a burning church". I could not possibly say it better. Wonderful stuff!

16th March 2016

Excellent peaty Islay. One of the best.

12th March 2016

One of the best whisky available today in reasonable price.

27th February 2016

What can I say that hasn't already been said!

Enjoyed this dram by a roaring fire on a cold winters night.
Normally I would finish off late at night with an Ardbeg but the barman persuaded me that 5 o'clock was a good time to drink Uigeadail and boy he was right, after a long walk this finished off the day perfectly.
Now I have this in my collection.
If like me you have an affection for Islay malts and sherry cask malts this is the best around for the money

25th February 2016

It is difficult for me to explain just how good this Islay is...but I'll try. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Any questions?

23rd February 2016

Got a bottle from the duty free and was waiting to open it, having heard so much about it. It was dank and drizzly, having heard so much about and a little voice inside me told me it was the right time.
The nose was incredible, honey and smoke, with the peat weaving through the sherry.
The palate was so complex I still haven't been able to decipher it completely. The coffee is strong, but the balance between the Isla notes and the sherry and sweetness keeps playing games with your senses. It's quicksilver, a little hint there and it's gone before you can catch it, to be replaced by something else. Magical. The finish is peppery, long, with the smoke coming on big as it interweaves with the peat.
I've always wondered what perfection of balance between an Isla and a sherrybomb might taste like, and this seems to be it. Incredibly complex and deep. Salivating for more.

20th February 2016

Upon first Encountering the open Cork Smells and Aromas seeping out into the Dimmed room it became apparent that this Scotch was a fine breed of Good stock, Peat, and Excellent Cask notes.
At first so overwhelmingly peaty, the smells gave way to a deep rich septic quality that drew the pallette into curiosity. Initial tasting was greeted by a smoke and pepper kick that gave a small cough and opened up the airways to breathe in more Pepperey Caramels and rich spices that were deeply aromatic and almost of sterng Vanilla or Cinnamon Oats intensity.
This aroma coats the mouth and stays for a while, it kicks off its shoes and says "Hey, we got a thing you and me, lets hang out a while and get to know each other."
Good Job Ardbeg

19th February 2016

Quite possibly the best single malt I've had to date. If you prefer a peaty whisky, then you should definitely not miss out on this treat.

17th February 2016

i could nose this all night long.the smoke and peat up front and then the sherry enters stage right.mmmgood.sweet strawberries and salted cashews into a nice smoke flavor ending off with a lovely cocoa and cream.wonderful.

28th January 2016

So a guy goes into a whiskey bar in Scotland after traveling over the sea and says to the knowledgeable bartender - I love this particular whiskey and, despite trying lots of others, just can't find others I like more. Can you help? What is it, he asks? Ardbeg Uigeadail. Answer : no.

27th January 2016

Fantastic whisky! I am fairly new to Islay single malts. The first I tried was the Caol Ila 12 year, which I absolutely loved and still do, then decided to jump ahead and skip the standard bottlings and went straight for the Laphroaig Quarter Cask, and then to this the Ardbeg Uigeadail.

The complexity and boldness of this whisky are spot on. I cannot compare it to the standard Ardbeg 10, unfortunately, but I see no reason to downgrade. This has everything I hope for in a single malt scotch. Big powerful peat, with layers of both dried fruit sweetness, savory saltiness and brine, and some bitter coffee in the finish. I've also read people detect earthy notes and leather. Never imagined what leather in a beverage would taste or smell like but I definitely get that, and I can really appreciate it.

I'm in a bit of a confusing situation, because I love this whisky so much, and am raving about it to friends, but am hesitant to share it because I don't want it to be gone! It's "affordable" but still not cheap. Hard to go back to a standard offering scotch or bourbon at half its price for your every day tasting, when you'll really desire the nose and flavor of the Uigeadail.

If you have an appreciation for smoke and peat in whisky, this one is an absolute must. I dare to say it is good enough that even someone who isn't a peat lover may appreciate it.

11th January 2016

One of the best!

6th January 2016

Very well tasting

5th January 2016

But it's something you have gotta give time and not rush it. More complex than 10 years, and as an owner of perpetuum I have to say this is better. Smoky, sweet and delicious. Not going to in to detail about what I think it tastes like, I find we are all different in that sense. But it's worth the money if you like smoky whisky.

1st January 2016

Lots of deliciousness going on -- smoke, ash, sweet peaty phenols, complex sweet fruit and spice with some brine. Even a hint of mocha coffee? A little water really makes it come alive. Quite huge. Lovely.

27th December 2015

So many layers of smell and taste. Complex and unique. Worth every penny.

25th December 2015

What a treasure! When I first opened the bottle, the smell of smoke filled the air. Very smooth, deep fruit on the back end. This is a great scotch and a must have in your collection.

22nd December 2015

This is a review a year down the line, but this was a memorable bottle.

I ordered this because of the rating received in the whiskey bible. I was curious as to what had garnered such a high score. As I am relatively new to exploring whiskeys, I liked the idea of a fantastic one at a relatively low price. I was not disappointed. The complexities of flavour that can be presented by a scotch from an area where I tend to find unpalatable, blew my mind.

Thoroughly enjoyed every dram.

16th December 2015

fast delivery

12th December 2015

There are reviewers here who have complained that the Uigeadail is overwhelming. I can see their point of view because there's no doubt that this is a heavy duty confection, a great big whisky on any showing. But that's Islay for you! For me, this is the apotheosis of single malts.

7th December 2015

One of the finest whiskys I've ever drank. Needs a splash of water due to the high abv to really open up the flavors but wow I taste a little sherry and a LOT of smoke but what's nice with this ardbeg is the sherry lets some of it's more coastal notes through the epic smokiness and finishes with a rich dark chocolate smoke. This ,laphroaig triple wood, and lagavulin 16 are the 3 best whiskys on the planet and I can never decide which I like more so I try to have all 3 at all times in my collection. The Sugarbear

5th December 2015

I am a diehard single malt fan who appreciates the quality that goes into these fine whiskies, especially the Islays. A fellow Islay lover with whom I share generally common tastes is especially big on Ardbeg, and so I got myself a bottle of this one based on customer recommendations. And while I can recognize the complexities of the tastes going on here, they are just too overwhelming on the palate. I like a subtle burn, not a fiery one, but with the Uigeadail, it's only the latter I get. (For the record, my Ardbeg-loving friend agrees.) I'm glad some people like this, but it's far, far from being my favourite Islay.

5th December 2015

Lots of great stuff going on in here, I would say if you have not experienced Islays before, for some there will be some build up required to work your way into the flavours you are about to discover and for some it just does not resonate and that is o.k.. That being said, there is layers and depth here that just keeps unfolding and coming to life, great with a piece of hard cheese as the salinity plays into the sweet and smoke notes in here.. this is a great bottle to have on hand.

1st December 2015

I'm relatively new to the world of whisky but this dram knocked my socks off. Peaty, deep, complex. This Ardbeg has it all. I have yet come across a better single malt, the Ardbeg ten comes close but ultimately comes up short against Uigedail. Utterly magnificent!

28th November 2015

I love The Islays or anything nearby that is smoky and peaty. My every day scotch is Ardbeg 10 or Springbank 10, but when I want something special I really like Uigeadail. At 54%, I take it with a few cubes of ice or a stitch of water. If I have guests who prefer something smoother, I tend to keep some Macallans around.

7th November 2015

This, My fellow Whisky drinkers, is my first Ardbeg ever. I have heard a lot of Ardbeg, most of which kept me from trying, but after my (almost spiritual) experience with the Balvenie 17 Peated cask, I just wanted a real peated one. I have done with Islay's before, being Laphroag and Lagavulin. I found those to be interesting by their own means, definately not bad, but I just don't buy another when at the shops. I did, however, buy the Ardbeg Uigeadail and I'm now convinced, God sent me a sign.

In the sniffer:
This was where the first mayor surprice was. Sinece this liqour has touched sherry butts, I'd expect some sherry in the nose, but never this much. Sharp, fresh and inviting with the smoke lurking underneath (and it will come out, given time or a splash of H2O). I got leather and coffee/chocolate and oranges (?). It's a feast for my nose.

The sip:
I'd expect some spice/burn from the high abv. Second surprice: None came. Instead this whisky layers all over the mouth and start to develop. The sherry first with citrus/orange, then an oaky, smoky sweetnes that increases in intensity. I believe to find pepper in the end.

The finish:
The finish is dominated by the smoke and sweetness but it is not as long as the Lagavulin 16 or Laphroaig 10.
I would have enjoyed a longer finish as it is pleasant, but it's solved by having another sip. Clever.

With water:
Not tried yet.

7th November 2015

If I had to chose one whisky and that was the only whisky I could drink for the rest of my life then Ardbeg Uigeadail would be it.

5th November 2015

+1

4th November 2015

Not the most complex but easy to drink and has a nice flavor. It's true what the guy below said, there is a bit of a smokey/ashy after taste on the breathe... but there's something charming about a campfire, and there's something charming about a cabin with a wood burning stove. Same theory at work, if smoke and ash connect you to the world spiritually then you will probably enjoy it as I do.

13th October 2015

Sorry, I forgot to rate this whisky. Nothing else really

13th October 2015

This was my first dabble into serious whisky. Since then I have tried over 30 different classy malts. But like a woman in a clothes shop the first one I tried was my favourite. Simply stunning. And to the people who don't get it. I feel for you.

13th October 2015

Seriously I like scotch and whiskey but not this. I detect strong notes of an ashtray and dirty boots. The finish blew the windows out of my house. It's terrible and I don't understand why.

26th September 2015

Not much more to add than the below. Ardbeg are my #1, and this is the best Ardbeg, though the 10 may be better pound for pound, being that much cheaper.

24th September 2015

Bought this to compare with my laphroaig Quarter cask. I think i'm leaning towards the Laphroaig, just because i feel its slightly sweeter and richer. However I really appreciate the body and complexity of the ardbeg. Close call, both are equally great and easily beat some bottles twice their price.

19th September 2015

For the longest time I thought peat lovers were just a bunch of contrarians declaring their love of something that tasted horrible for the sake of it's horrible-ness. It took a few years but now I see the light! So complex and powerful. I have grown to love peat (guess I have just grown up). Uigeadail is magnificent!

17th September 2015

First dram made me ponder..... so I did what any true Scotch drinker does and put my favorite Peaty whisky, Laphroaig 10 CS, against it..

Made Laphroaig seem bright, and I thought it was dark and brooding.

So, here I am on my second dram, of this Uigeadail, and I seriously am blown away at how much darker and moodier this is.

I read a lot about a scotch I'm willing to go out to buy before I try, and I must say, everything I ever read, seriously does not do it justice until you get to savor it yourself.

Definite must keep in stock.

10th September 2015

I've been looking for a whisky that has everything I want in it for a long while and never thought I'd find it. But I think I have now. What a balance. Stunning.

4th September 2015

Hands down the best bottle of scotch I ever bought. Turned me into a peat fiend. The smell gets my blood flowing with anticipation. Great complexity, bursting with flavors as soon as it hit your palate. Smoke is not that intense and gives way a myriad of different notes. Pricey in Montreal but worth every penny. First thing I'd save if there was a fire at my place.

14th August 2015

I can't wait to get this spirit on the hill at camp this fall! Dark, peaty, honey glazed tar, orange zest and burnt licorice with a smoky highlight of a high quality cigar! Add a wee dash of cool water and enjoy the nose as all drinkers of single malt will come to expect!

1st August 2015

I was a little disappointed by this. It reminded me alot of Laphroaig Select, which I don't think is a good thing. None of the richness of Ardbeg 10, either in the nose or taste. Not unpleasant, but nowhere near as enjoyable as the 10.

27th July 2015

I have ready the reviews and saw all the awards for Uigeadail and I had to try it. I bought a bottle and was glad I did. I am one of those picky Scotch drinkers that only likes peat and I am not a fan of anything sherry. BUT...this is one amazing Scotch. I had some friends of my wife try this as their first Scotch ever....they absolutely loved the finish.

26th July 2015

Go get a bottle. Best scotch ever. You will not regret it.

12th July 2015

J'ai entendu parler d'Uigeadail quand j'ai écoté la chanson du groupe Ecossais Clann An Drumma.
Je vais me renseigner où en Belgique on vend cette marque d'alcool et le déguster par la suite

2nd July 2015

Bought this as the same time as Laphroaig's latest 007 10yo cask strength and one night took some time to compare them - and very jolly I was afterwards, too. At the time, I tended to favour the Laphroaig. However, last evening I stayed with the Ardbeg in a globular wine glass. What was amazing was when the glass was nearly empty, there was the incredible combination of creosote, smoked oily fish, tobacco and coal tar soap, which sounds awful but was quite delicious. I feel another night of comparison beckoning!

30th June 2015

On a scale of 1 to 10... Truly fantastic stuff, you get a Lagavulin level of quality and sophistication with that signature Ardbeg peat and sweet - this is the best single malt available imo.

21st June 2015

Loved this dram. Still relatively new to drinking scotch. However I did have the Laphroaig QC..I found the medicinal taste overpowering the rest of the flavor, and could not enjoy it. The Ardbeg though was delicious. A burst of smokey peat, with a very nice long finish.

17th June 2015

Such an enjoyable dram. Don't take it neat, in my opinion, the alcohol level is just too high for your palate to appreciate it. It litteraly numbs the nerve endings and thereby lowers sensitivity. A splash of water opens up this Ardbeg and reveals its complexity and sweet notes together with the wonderful peat-smoke.

16th June 2015

The nose is smokey with a distinct smell of gunpowder and black tea, iodine, and fresh rubber. The phenolic content of this whiskey isn't overpowering, as the character of the peat is more floral than earthy, finding an excellent balance with the smoke. The flavor is also unique, as the peat and smoke are more pronounced at the back of the mouth and throat than at the tip of the tongue; those flavors really seems to weave out from the initial tastes of rubber and alcohol, tempering the stronger flavors by numbing the tongue. There's also a distinct sweetness that is difficult to pin, but lingers like the whisper of vermouth ought to in a perfect martini.

This is my first peated whiskey, and I'm not quite sure what to say. I recognize the reasons why it is such a well loved bottle, and that the balance of flavors is nearly perfect with the sweetness of the cask, the smokiness, and the peated flavors, but I'm not sure if I'm fond of the overall flavor of Islay whiskeys. The medicinal aspects of the cresols are a little overpowering to my palate, and certainly sit on the tongue for many hours - eating a piece of bacon brought back the distinct smokiness an hour after my first glass, but also the cresols flavors that remind many people of band-aids or Lysol. That being said, I'm very happy that I purchased the Uigeadail rather than the Ardbeg 10yo or a Talisker 10yo, as with the Uigeadail you'll have no doubts that you're getting a truly authentic experience with an Islay whiskey.

26th April 2015

absolutely incredible, nothing will ever compare to this. Old or new statements, doesn't matter, this whisky is beyond measure. I won't even get into the notes because there are so many here who have already hit the nail on the head. If you are a lover of Islays and are tired of sherry casks all tasting the same and letting you down, look no further

23rd April 2015

Wow! Powerful and muscular. I drink everything straight so this cask strength beauty really delivers a knock-out punch. A glorious whisky!

16th April 2015

the complexity of the wine, both on nose and palate, is simply stunning!! it's powerful, yet delicate and elegantly introverted. for a moment i felt tears rolling in my eyes with layers and layers of flavors attacking my taste buds. can't miss the wine!

12th April 2015

I took me a while years ago to first develop a taste for Scotch and that was
drinking blended whiskey with water.(I know...pollution!) I later traveled to
Scotland and have never had blended again. I've been trying different single malts the last few years and have enjoyed all. This was my first bottle of an
Islay ,and a heavily peated Scotch , and wow....wakes up every sense in one's
mouth and throat! Very strong and different but I need to work on my taste for
peaty whiskey. Half way through the bottle now and working diligently on on it!
Steven from Vermont.

30th March 2015

This whisky is absolutely in my top 5 of all-time whisky's. Every whisky enthousiast should have a bottle at hand.
Yes it is powerful, smoky, peaty and medicinal but the tast is deep long and lingering and somewhat delicate as well.

29th March 2015

If you rate this less than 3 stars, please stay away - your opinion is utterly useless.

29th March 2015

First, you need to love peated scotch. If you are a Glenmorengie lover you will probably find this one too smoky. That being said, for islay lover, this one is paradise. I've tried many, Lagavulin 12, 16, double matured, bowmore, benriach, talisker. This one, is just so well balanced. I love it. Even if it is cast strenght, i drink it neet while i have to put a hint of water in benriach. Usually, i try my scotch in 2 glasses; the whisky and the scotch glasses. This one if beautiful in both. Smoky, hint of caramel and dark chocolat, hint of iodine on the nose but not much in palate. I place it with my favorite Lagavulin 12 & Double Matured.

28th February 2015

This one is always in my Scotch cabinet! This is an example how a great tasting peaty Islay single malt should be! Great nose, but peaty when just poured, but softens in time and the smell of dark sugar and a herbal touch comes to live. At cask strength it's smooth enough to sip as it comes, but for me a few drops of water really brings things to live. Taste is rather sweet and smoky, peaty of course, great stuff. Long, long very nice finish, nice and spicy. Someone here says Lahproaig QC beats the Oogie but I disagree: they are both really outstanding value for money, but they differ enough tasted side by side (as I just did) Love 'm both though, as 99% of all stuff leaving either Ardbeg of Lahproaig is great!

28th February 2015

Hey pssssst. Here's a tip. Look on the back of the shelf where the Uigies are kept. Look for an older one with a pre-2010 bottling code. If you find one, then you've probably got a bottle with some 17 year Ardbeg in it. I found a 2007 Uigie that just blew me away. It had some very old Ardbeg and it was sooooooooooooooo much better than the new ones.

28th January 2015

From a newbie: One really memorable encounter from years ago (1997) with the smoothest Johnny Walker Black Label ever, inspired me to start a new hobby in 2015: tasting whisky; and to focus: single malt. My first purchase and tasting was a 12 year old Bunnahabhain, quite some adventure indeed. The Ardbeg Uigeadail (from a 2014 batch) was my second whisky: an overwhelming three zip experience never to be forgotten, everything I could wish for was there. So glad this whisky exists!

13th January 2015

What a whiskey. It entertains your the gustatory papillae for a long time.

9th January 2015

I really do enjoy this drop. It has a nice kick from its strength and it's quite peaty. However, it doesn't really compare to Laphroaig's utterly astounding quarter cask for flavour. In any choice between the two, Laphroaig wins hands down.

8th January 2015

This is obviously going to be of interest to Islay and peat enthusiasts - rather pointless to spend fifty quid on this and complain that it's "too peaty" - this is what to expect. However, yes it's strong (cask strength) and yes it's heavily peaty, but there is quite a subtle and rather lovely sweetness lurking behind the mystery too. Takes some times to open up (mine did with ice, and I don't care if people think that's some kind of heresy, that's how I like my whisky) to reveal some sherry on the nose, brown sugar on the palate and a rather pleasing spicy tang on the finish. Not amazing, but relatively cheap, so should be investigated.

7th January 2015

This is a very good whisky!

18th December 2014

Hi you Malty... Peaty poeple!! I made myself a gift for Christmas... I know We're only Dec 13 but this gift has a long life. At least Jan 01 2015 i hope! This dram is fantastic. I'm not a fan of peaty Whisky or Sherry, wood finish etc. I am a fan of Whisky and all the subtles flavours that they can gives you. This dram is incredebdly and nicely peaty under Sherry influance with a lot of flavours that are hard to describe now (I'm drinking)! It is a serious dram. Not cheap, but what do you want? When you want something special, you will pay something special. I also have a small glass of dark Abbey beer brewed here in Quebec Canada bt Mons Brewery and i feel Dark & Misterious. Uigeadail! Cheers.

13th December 2014

A true islay malt a very sophisticated dram, perfect for the occasions where you fancy perhaps just the one dram,after a long day it soothes and leaves a nice rich peaty warm glow before you tootle off to bed. Definately the best islay malt i have tried so far.

24th November 2014

It seems that Ardbeg and Ardbeg Uigeadail in particular have been 'adopted by 'experts' as the greatest whisky available to man. It has become a replacement for the King's New Coat in that people feel that they must like this or that in order to be considered an expert with taste they have to like it. In fact it is a very unbalanced and fairly unpleasant dram which is vastly overrated.

24th November 2014

I love the Ardbeg 10, especially the intense peat that reminds me of campfires. I was expecting this to me a older, cask strength, sherry finished version of that. I was at first disappointed that that is not what I got, but as I spent more time with Uigeadail, I came to appreciate it for what it is...a damn good pleated whisky, not as pungent as the 10 year old, but with notes of espresso and a wonderful sherry, at an unbelievable price. I am very happy I stumbled across this dram.

10th November 2014

Get yourself a sense of humor...

7th November 2014

This is a really interesting expression - there is nothing subtle about the sherry factor! I enjoyed it neat, but then I tried adding a solid teaspoonful of water to a 2 ounce pour and found the balance to be much preferable. It seemed to tone down the sweetness considerably, and generally rounded out the edges. This scotch has a great oiliness to it and if you like the general Ardbeg profile, and if you like sherry finish scotches from other regions, I think you would definitely enjoy this. Slightly odd, but it does bring massive amounts of flavor.

7th November 2014

Very good indeed - worth every penny

4th November 2014

Picked up this after being away from SMS for more than a year plus. Didn't know the brand or selection when I purchased this. The bottle sat on the dry bar for about 5 months when I thought "its time" last week. WOW-WOW-WOW. I was blown away. What an explosion of flavor. Its a great drink to end the day. Love It and recommend that this scotch need to be tasted.

2nd November 2014

Nameless person from unknown place that assumes they know something about Texas. Please continue to mix your single malt with Irn Bru. I am sure your are the superior human. At least my post was about the whisky. Why is it that the mention of Texas brings out the reactionary responses? Jealous much? I will ponder your opinion while I sip my Balcones One Texas Single Malt. Seriously, I it wasn't for the word "Texas", would you have even responded? (Insert disparaging profane name of your choice here.) You know who you are.
Ron from Texas

21st October 2014

To the reviewer below - a certain Ron from Texas - please be aware that everyone's views and ratings are valid. Just because you don't happen to agree then that does NOT mean that another's review should be removed. Of course Texas is not renowned for being a great believer in the opinions of others.

17th October 2014

What incredible flavours and mouth feel. So silky and supple. Its an explosion of flavour when it hit your mouth intensely enveloping it. how dare some mix this with flavoured sodas?!?! It's an insult to the expert craftsmanship that has gone into this very fine product.

15th October 2014

I just got my first taste of this. It is unbelievably great. The rating of this great whisky is unfairly lowered by including reviews by idiots that use in to mix with GINGER ALE! For Christ's sake! How would this rate among all the great whiskys of the would if the mixer's reviews were removed?
Ron in Texas

11th October 2014

After reading all the reviews here and elsewhere and hearing so much about this whisky I finally decided to try it. What a mistake. I was very patient and tried it with all my usual mixers - dry ginger, coke, Irn Bru etc but to no avail. Nothing took away the awful taste of seawater and soot. I really feel conned by these reviews and will never buy this again. I have awarded it one star for the taste and another half for the shape of the bottle

7th October 2014

Even if you have not been a fan of peaked whiskies, you might consider trying this. Beautifully balanced. The smoke is ever present but is balanced by vanilla, fruit and oak notes.

27th September 2014

One of the best. Period.

15th September 2014

We bought a bottle of this yesterday and I'm so excited!

14th September 2014

I do not pay any attention to completely negative views of any whisky, especially when there are so many positive ones; as in the case of Ardbeg Oogie. Had to try it after reading all the 'controversy.' For sure, taste is personal. But if you like Islay whisky . . . peat, smoke; and if you like sherried whisky (Higland Park, Macallan), this is the best of both. I love sherried whisky and love peat and smoke. This is the perfect marriage of the two. I love Lagavullin, Talisker, Laphroig and others, but this is it. I have been trying many and have found the perfect whisky for me. And the price is very reasonable.
The color, nose, taste . . . is superb! Don't listen to negative comments; try if for yourself.

29th August 2014

This is an excellent Cask Strength Islay Scotch Whisky. I've had it a few times and never grow tired of it. The sherry finish is a delightful contrast to the strong peat that Arbeg is known for.

I would advise other reviewers to understand what it is you are drinking before leaving a negative review on something, because it's "too peaty" or "doesn't mix well". This is a single malt whisky....you don't mix it with soda....it's from Islay, it's going to be peaty...it's what the island is known for. If you are not a scotch whisky enthusiast, keep that in mind before leaving something ignorant on here and bringing down the rating on an excellent dram.

I said good day Sir!

24th August 2014

I tried almost all of the islays, and to be honest this was not as impressive as I thought it would be by all the hyped up reviews it gets. Its definetly a wellcrafted spirit and i would buy a bottle again, but I was not superimpressed to be honest. Expected a little more. Maybe next batch? I will give it another shot.

23rd August 2014

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.

20th August 2014

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

25th July 2014

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.

8th July 2014

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

29th June 2014

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.

26th June 2014

all islay whiskies are brilliant, but this particular one i can highly recommended to anyone, best islay whisky for me.

17th June 2014

The nose is one of the best I'be ever experienced. It's rich and peaty, everything you'd want from an Islay whisky. Unfortunately the taste was a letdown for me as the fiery peat is just impenetrable. There's a very good whisky sitting behind that peat, but I just couldn't find it. I've even reserved judgement until I've finished the bottle. This is doubly disappointing given the hype surrounding this whisky!

22nd May 2014

I've only been drinking quality whisky for less than a year, and I've now progressed to this this. It's fabulous. Jim Murray gave it 97.5 and nothing has ever had higher. I can understand why.

15th May 2014

love islay whisky..especially the Lagavulin 16yr..and distillers editions...but this is just simply superb. ...

3rd May 2014

Full disclosure: I LOVE the corry. This one is similar but a little too sweet. Basically like the corry, but with a little sherry added to it. You still get all the peaty goodness, but in my mind it's an odd combination. If I want a sherry-y scotch I'll get a sherry-y scotch, and if I want a peaty scotch I'll go with an Islay standard. This is somewhere in between and just not doing it for me. But it does definitely add some dimension to your typical Islay scotches so I can see how it would be well-received. I just prefer the more subtle (other than peat) dimensions of the corry. Still, this is quite good and I'd take it any day over many more expensive bottles.

29th April 2014

Yes - Ardbeg is hyped and everthing was better "the old days".
That said, The Oogie is great value for money.

28th April 2014

more milk chocolate and raisin, but corryvreckan is even BETTER with so MUCH welcoming pine sweet darkness and you come in another way. WUF, both are good. i think there is some older stuff in corry, in this something VERY young. and paprika in this more even, and yes green it is. corry is beast this is feast. forgive me, i havent reviewed many:=

13th April 2014

To pour it away is a waste of whisky regardless of the price, a true whisky drinker would at least try to find a friend that enjoys it and let them have it. As for saying that people who like this clearly don't drink such high end drinks as you is to not understand the spirit of whisky. If you like it you like it, great stuff. If you don't that's fine too, it doesn't mean it's necessarily a bad quality whisky, it's just not to your liking.

5th April 2014

Have always thought of myself as a no-peat whisky aficionado as I generally don't like strong peat (a bit of smoke absolutely) but thought I would try this as, you know, I don't want to miss out.

I have to say that I was extremely impressed - the peat was powerful but did not overwhelm the richness and complexity. This is a different beast to Ardbeg 10yo, which was far too medicinal for my taste, and will definitely be getting my hands on a bottle of this is the very near future.

3rd April 2014

I have tasted many 'high end tipples' as you call them, and I find the Uigeadail of very high quality regardless of the price. It is actually better than most 200- 400 pound bottles of Ardbeg that I have had. It is far better than super nova, Alligator and even Galileo. I feel you may have been trolling, but if not, you should really stop paying so much for whiskey as you obviously dont understand it.

2nd April 2014

"Those on here who suggest that this is a great Whisky obviously do not partake in the higher end tipple." Are you serious? you are certainly entitled to your opinion and no one is saying you must love this fine whisky, but almost every respected whisky reviewer and writer of note has rated Ardbeg Uigeadail very highly. Insulting the people on this site by saying they don't know good whisky is being an arrogant ass.

26th March 2014

I had L.11 - Starts off with sweet ripe berries, then moves to a malty taste, and ends with a delicious smokey peaty finish. The balance between these flavors is perfect. This is a great bargain.

18th March 2014

A masterfully designed dram that transcends the senses. fiery...peaty...smoky then pepper, coffee grounds, dark chocolate, burnt orange and leather, followed by the sea- salty brine, kelp and iodine. Long lingering finish of Christmas cake and sherry.

2nd March 2014

Have tried and loved lots of Islays ....always whiskies of choice... over the last couple of decades and always considered Lagavulin 16 yr old the all round standard bearer, at least for me. A blind tasting of this Ardbeg blew me away. I think I'll easily be able to manage a bottle (or more) a month. A sublimely addictive revelation. Would welcome recommendations of any other Islay in the same kind of price band that might match it. As for now, am more than thoroughly content.

21st February 2014

Truly excellent. If I had just one single malt in my possession this would be it. You'd have to be dead or dumb not to appreciate how phenomenal a drink this is. Long finish, lots of peaty smoke but it's not like drinking a campfire. It gives way to one flavor after another over minutes. Lingers. A couple drops of water are essential.

8th February 2014

Of all the Islays I have at home at the moment, Ardbeg 10, Laphroaig 10, Laphroaig Qtr, Bowmore 12, it is the least expressive on the nose (supressed by the sherry?), and completely out of whack on the palate-with an astringent burn, burnt finish although given 30-40 seconds a pleasurable, very Islay aftertaste. But what's gone wrong in the middle? Although I like all of the above, the pick is the Laphroaig Qtr for me, lovely balance at higher strength, very complimentary sherry and absolutely none of the Islay hit missing-and a lovely long, pleasant smokey finish. In fact, basically what I was hoping for but didn't find in the Uigeadail!

21st January 2014

If you love peat then you will love this. Smokey, brown sugar, last a long time, simply amazing. Worth very penny.

18th January 2014

It's been a couple of years since I last bought a bottle of Uigeadail. I'd forgotten how amazing this Whisky is. I won't be leaving it so long again to buy another bottle.

16th January 2014

Very moorish dram! Smoke, peat and well balanced - this is my whisky of choice with 'Lagavulin 16yo' a very close 2nd!

15th January 2014

Great with or without a sprinkle of water. Its complex enough to fit just about every mood.

9th January 2014

Drinking this makes me wonder why I would bother buying anything else in this price range.

4th January 2014

Not sure if the bottle I got for Xmas was just a bad batch, but this whisky tasted really muddy and earthy, not what I was expecting and not enjoyable at all

30th December 2013

This is not the same whisky as Uigeadail produced before 2010. It's much more immature and lacks the depth of the ones from even a few years ago. It tastes less rich, and more like a cask strength version of the Ten that was finished for a short time in a sherry cask.

23rd December 2013

So smoke. Much peat. Many fruit. Malt lvl 10. So balance. Wow.

21st December 2013

I bought a bottle of this fine single malt yesterday all I can say it is a heavy hitter and I find it to be very complex this is sit down stuff to be enjoyed slowly cheers to the aredbeg distillery keep up the great work-FC.

15th December 2013

Lately if I've had Uigeadail next to a Corryvreckan I find the Uige somehow much less expressive and strong than I remember from previous years. It always seems to lose although I remember preferring it more originally. I hope it's me, not the whisky.

3rd December 2013

Wow! as above review, this will always be in my life.

2nd December 2013

Don't think I could ever be without this in my life! Truly amazing!

21st November 2013

Deep, dark peat, smoke and licorice. Phenolic. (you love it or you hate it)Syrupy sweetness and lots of sherry-like dark fruits. Briny, seafood... Add 2 teaspoons of water and let it sit for 10 minutes to release the flavors and get ready for the ride of your life!

10th November 2013

I too sit nosing and sipping a glass of this ardbeg thinking its a great scotch. My wife puts her nose up as I pour it but as she smells it on me later on ... She admires it. Lagavulin, Oban ... Ardbeg, uigeadail is tops.

10th November 2013

This is the real 'Nectar of the Gods'! Superb Islay and (relatively) affordable. Such a fantastic nose and palate. Add two teaspoons of water and let it sit for 10 minutes to release the aromas. Then get ready for the ride of your life...

8th November 2013

Incredible. By far the most fantastic whisky I ever had.

26th October 2013

Could you tell us some high end tipple that you've enjoyed? It's always good to hear what others have enjoyed.

I can understand the good comments about this whisky, and I enjoyed it, but am in two minds about the hot alcohol on the finish. I prefer the Corryvreckan to this.

25th October 2013

This is in the top 3 whiskys i have ever tried. The pricetag is a joke... It should cost much more. But hey... i'm not complaining ;)

9th October 2013

This is a fantastic drink. Had it for the first time yesterday, and I'm still smiling as I remember how good it was. Long, beautiful finish as well. Giving this bad boy full marks for taste and character.

4th October 2013

I only tried this today. I was at Frankfurt airport and there was a tasting desk there. It would have been rude to walk on by wouldn't it? I'm glad i didn't. This simply blew me away. I am a fan of the 10, but i had heard that this was just too peaty, so i had avoided it. Not anymore i won't be. It is quite simply beautiful, add a bit of water and it is peat sent from heaven. This is the best Islay i've tasted yet.

22nd September 2013

Imagine a beautiful, dark mysterious leather clad woman, dipped in smoked honey. Her perfume intoxicates you, she then makes violent, passionate love to your tongue. She has her way with you and leaves you breathless, wanting more and ruining all others for you. Such is the nature of Uigeadail....

20th September 2013

Dark mysterious! Great balance with intensity!

13th September 2013

I find that this stuff is great for cleaning toilets, as that is where it went after one taste.
Horrendous.
Those on here who suggest that this is a great Whisky obviously do not partake in the higher end tipple.

12th September 2013

Dark and light, ashen and honeyed, peat and sherry, with a finish that seems to never end, careening from tar to caramel. You will want to share with the world, and hide it away for yourself, a sip before the last gulp of air. It's that good.

24th August 2013

Ten stars of course

24th August 2013

Just openened the bottle and tasted it for the first time, i'm still smiling.
This is an unbelievably complex Islay Malt, very intense.
Put your nose in the glass and the first impression is: Smoke and salt. A lot of smoke.
Add a tad of water and nose again: very rich still, fruit and leather, tobacco and caramel.
Then take a sip: Oily, smoke is still very present, smooth and then it explodes in your mouth, licorice, fruity again, malt, a tad of honey.
Finish: Looooong, charcoal fire, chocolats raisins, and mocca.
Truly, a revelation. The best Islay malt i have had so far, period.

24th August 2013

Probably the best Islay Whisky in the world?!
If I was to choose one bottle to bring to a deserted island this would def be the one!
Perfection by Ardbeg!
/mike-stockholm-sweden

22nd August 2013

I read so much about this Whisky and all of it positive. I was not disappointed. Amazing taste and nose. Unbelievable. Look no further, this is the only stuff you need.

15th August 2013

Scent of flaming raisins and vanilla. A syrupy palate of cherry and hot ash. 100 further subtleties. This malt manages to simultaneously challenge and reward: delivering full and fiery complexity while you bask in its sweet balance.

8th August 2013

Wow!....what a brilliant whiskey, tastes like it should cost more

24th July 2013

And you can also drink it without water! Very difficult for a gask strength Islay whisky but you can and you SHOULD drink it straight.

17th July 2013

Believe the hype. This dram is so smooth you can't even tell that it is cask strength. pure quality

15th July 2013

This took me to a fine place on the very first sip

9th July 2013

It may seem laughable to call this an "affordable" whisky. It's usually far more expensive than most drinkers are willing to pay for, particularly here in Australia. However, this is, in some ways, at a perfect point of price versus quality. You can pay much more for something less complex and worthwhile, and of course, paying less, you will usually get something less engaging than this.

This whisky is almost the perfect balance of things that aficionados talk about as counting towards a quality dram. Naturally, it has the peaty punch, being Ardbeg, but it also has a welter of flavours beyond that. You can taste leather, cured meat, rich and dark compost to name a few. But lo and behold, the sherry finish has also given it a delicious sweetness that almost perfectly tempers those more pungent flavours. For those trying to get a sense of it, it might best be described as a less iodine-laden Ardbeg, married with a small amount of Glenmorangie Lasanta, which is particularly apparent on the finish.

It is best to taste this one neat, then add some water to taste. Despite its high alcohol content, it doesn't need that much to open it up even more. If you're even considering buying this, then you simply must. Your tastebuds will thank you for it and you will surely have one of the most rewarding flavour experiences you've had. It's worthwhile to note that this has something for everyone, not only the peatheads. And yes, it's better than the standard 10 year. MUCH better. It's hard to top this.

9th July 2013

Love it

1st June 2013

The best islay there is on the market! This is truly the king.
/Mike Sthlm Sweden.

29th May 2013

forgot to rate :)

29th May 2013

the wife always knows when i'm drinking oogy as she can first smell it across the room, then she gives me the occasional annoyed look as I constantly nose and sniff it right through the movie, taking in the wonderful aromas. I like to try a few different whisky's through the course of an evening but generally finish with an ardbeg, its wonderful.

29th May 2013

If I had to have only one whisky for the rest of my life, it will probably be this one!

17th May 2013

Balance between peat monstrosity and sherry, something amazing. Highly recommended.

7th May 2013

My favorite at the moment. Very very good balance between the flavours. I can't recommend it enough! Greetings from Norway.

28th April 2013

Now if this malt doesn't put hair on your chest, check your pulse. I was taken back a bit with how much peatiness this Uigeadail has, despite reading many reviews. I had to drink this one a bit slower than other malts, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it. I have a sense that I will like this malt more so after having a few more glasses. For now, 9 out of 10 is pretty good as it's a very well crafted malt. I almost gave it an 8, but I think this one will take some time for me to get familiar with.

12th April 2013

i am no Scotch reviewer but i know what i like, i have been a long time fan of the 10yr Ardbeg and decided to throw caution to the wind and spend the money on this, money WELL spent, big peat but sweet undertones, crosses the tongue like velvet, a slight burn going down that leaves a taste of honey, in short YUM

1st March 2013

What a dram! While I really enjoy the Ardbeg 10 and the Lagavulin 16, Uigeadail kicks it up two or three notches on each. Where the Ardgeg 10 is big and peaty, the Oogie is bigger and peatier and far more complex. Where the Laga 16 is a complex and smooth and sherried whisky, Oogie, again, is more of each. The unimaginable balance combined with what I can only describe as unbridled passion, Oogie is the guy or gal you know you shouldn't pursue and yet you cannot, or choose not to, resist.

26th January 2013

I once saw a man drinking this. It was in his glass and some in a bottle.

24th January 2013

My husband and I are new to the single malt world, but have been really enjoying ourselves. We were set on the Lagavulin 16 being our preferred scotch and this one puts it to shame. So glad I listened to the reviewers on this site and gave it a try. It is absolutely just as peaty as the Lagavulin 16 but is much more well balanced and rich. The smoothness was extraordinary and a single drop just spread like butter over every taste bud in my mouth. It hits all the notes in perfect harmony. The caramel at the end was a nice finish in conjunction with the smokiness. Never thought I'd get turned on by a scotch, but this one blew me away.

20th December 2012

I got a bottle of this for my birthday a couple of years ago. Having been a bit underwhelmed by the 10 yr old, this was just in a different league to anything I've tried before or since. An absolute beauty that gave Lagavulin 16 a comfortable nudge off my top spot. Shame I can rarely afford to buy this, but if it comes along once in a while for a special occasion, then it makes it all the better to look after and enjoy. Brilliant, brilliant stuff!

11th December 2012

Stick to water its suits you best.
For the ardbeg whisky its a complex assortent of sweetness,peatyness and slight medicinal/aniseed taste.Medium/oily bodied, Very smooth, even at 54% I add just a teaspoon of water to bring out the flavours.very easy drinking and well balanced.I would score this 93 points its just amazing dram.

9th November 2012

I have for many years enjoyed my malts by adding Irn Bru. I find this adds flavour and body to the malts and really does smooth them. However this Ardbeg really did not work with the Irn Bru. In future I will be more selective with the whiskies I choose.

1st November 2012

Drinking this whisky is the ultimate, the taste, wonderful, the smoke, the peat, the balance is bang on perfect. This is a whisky that will be in the back of my cabinet for my consumption only.

17th October 2012

1st or 2nd on my list. like a 16 lagavulin blended with sex.

5th August 2012

I haven't tried the above, being a big Talisker fan and somewhat underwhelmed by the Ardbeg 10 year old. However, I'm very impressed with all your comments. I will take the plunge and when I resurface, I will no doubt be praising it.

12th May 2012

incredibly smooth, yet powerful, smoky, silky, sherry at the end...One of my favorites! Truly recommendable.

24th April 2012

I recently first tasted the Corryvreckan and was blown away, it immediately became my new favorite. Now I fear the Corry was already replaced by the Oogy. Great stuff!

18th April 2012

This lad is like a rich mans Talisker. It is definitely in the heavyweight division when it comes to flavor and the finish is longer than a stretch limo. All in all a must try.

Tip: If you are decking your mates supply of whiskys make sure you roll with this one last as any other whisky u taste after it is ruined.

Jackie Jr

3rd March 2012

I found this resembled smoking a massive cigar, if I had to sum it up in one sentence - in a good way though.

29th December 2011

Well it is up there with the best. Highly recommended.

27th December 2011

Intensely smokey and spicy, somewhat sweet, and with a great and long finish; exactly what I want from an Islay. Highly recommended.

27th November 2011

worth the money - tried several bottles of this liqid

5th October 2011

I never thought this was worth the money. Ardbeg is getting a reputation for hype and price. Did you get the emails and posted fliers re Alligator - proves my point.

21st September 2011

I would describe Uigeadail to be a thorough upgrade from the regular 10 yr Ardbeg. Kind of like the difference between a model of car with standard features (still a great car) to the model with all the upgrades. Seemed to have a brown sugar flavor mixed with coffee. This is the immediate flavor that is quickly transitioned to what you expect from an Islay. More complex peaty and smoke flavors and a generous portion of malt followed by honey and back to the smokey flavor. Surprisingly good since I prefer Speyside scotch as a general rule.

20th September 2011

Massive flavour, so smooth and such well defined sherry sweetness and smoke. My favorite whisky at current time. I have a 2 cases in the mail ;D

17th September 2011

Outstanding whisky. Son brought a bottle back to me and we enjoyed it all winter. Got to get another.

22nd August 2011

I love a good peaty whisky and was excited by the reviews above. It is definitely yummy but the aftertaste left me feeling like I had smoked a couple of cigarettes! Prefer the Laphraoig eleven year old.

2nd May 2011

in our 2011 blind tasting of 15 whiskies, this was a winner again - to match its victories in 2009 and 2010. You really can't go wrong - even though it may vary slightly batch to batch. For those who are interested the Talisker 175th Anniversary Edition was a close second - indeed, on a FPTP system it had most 1st places and would have won! But using AV, and also using average scores, the Ardbeg held up as the favourite.

18th April 2011

By definition whisky is not whisky without oak. I know everyone will be looking for TCP,smoke,tar, and then go in search of the honey and sherry notes,(and everything from wet clothes to whatever). Keep in mind the cask. The effect of the oak on this whisky is fantastic and there is even that wee lemon oak note if you wait.It might be a bit brash but this is really splendid stuff that clearly shows the skill of the people behind it. I agree with all the opinions before - just wanted to give a shout for the oak.

17th March 2011

Under details this is listed as chill filtered is it - don't think this is right is it?

Also don't think it's single cask is it.

How does the Corrtvreckan comapre to this?

9th March 2011

It's the best whisky I've tasted in years. Gone through three bottles already. A real pleasure, every dram. I'll have to buy a bottle and tuck it away for future years, as I'll want to visit this old friend down the road. Buy this with no hesitation, trust me.

21st January 2011

Won our blind tastings (comprising regular and non-regular whisky drinkers) 2 years in a row. Though given how distinctive the taste is whether it is truly blind is another matter... Huge whisky and worth the few pounds over a standard malt.

11th December 2010

This "dark and mysterious" dram stood out out for me in a tasting field of over 30. Highly recommended. Do yourself a flavour.

7th December 2010

but not as good as "Almost There - Ardbeg 9 yr old" in my opinion...
but still a good whisky

30th October 2010

This is just unbelievably good. The nose hits you with smokey chunks of charred rock-salt drizzled in dark honey, cracked pepper, cocoa, pecan toffee and brown butter, then a bonfire on a sandy beach, salt spray on seaweed, and ashes. The official house dram. I want to be buried with a bottle of it, Egyptian style, for the next world.

18th September 2010

Simply the best, i've ever tasted - sooo deep tart smoke, sweet dead fallen leaves, nuts and dark chocolate - and the whole mix is flaming with hot fire. Super!

Peter Benkoczki

6th September 2010

I'm a huge fan of the 10 year old, so though't I'd give this a go today, its certainly very different and benifits from the addition of water (though I normally wouldnt). Without water this whisky is almost oily, popcorny start, then a bit hit of smokey, peaty flavour with a very long finish of white pepper. Water softens the whisky and defines the peaty notes much more, very impressed.

20th August 2010

I purchased this along with an 18 yr old Highland Park, to be honest this is in a different league to the HP. More flavour than I knew what to do with, I will ensure I drink this one as slowly as possible.

18th July 2010

Its' a really fantastic whisky! Ardbeg..king of Islay!

27th May 2010

this whisky has a great taste that will transform you as you sit back and sip it. its just beautifull.buy two bottles well worth the price

25th January 2010

Given most reviews then the reputation precedes this whisky - it can't be that good can it? It most certainly is! A masterpiece of the art of vatting Single Malts. Superb from nose to finish. Immaculate! Bruichladdich eat your heart out!

15th December 2009

What a great whisky!

2nd November 2009

Powerful, deep, very rich – it’s like bacon and Nik Naks in whisky form. One of my favourite malts of all time – keep up the good work Ardbeg!

27th October 2009

The best i've tasted. So powerful, so rich. Love it.

6th October 2009

Soooo mcuh complexity and depth, but also sweet and fruity! Cant recommend it enough.

6th October 2009

Your senses tell you that Ardbeg Uigeadail is a £80+ bottle. Even at that price, it would be an absolute steal. Of all my personal whisky stock Uigeadail has by far and away the highest turnover. It is so complex, feisty and delicious that i don't think I'll ever get bored of it. What an offer!

6th August 2009