Ardbeg Uigeadail

Victor Ramos
May 20
2 min read

Country: Scotland

Region: Islay

Producer: Ardbeg Distillery Ltd (LVHM)

Category: Single Malt

Age: NAS

Barrel Type: Bourbon & Oloroso Sherry

Alcohol Content: 54.2% (108.4 proof)

Size: 750ml

Level: Casual

Ardbeg Uigeadail (pronounced "Oog-a-dal") was first released in 2003 when Stuart Thomson still was the distillery manager. The first bottles are said to have included some whisky from sherry casks matured in 1970s.

After LVMH took over the distillery, Ardbeg Uigeadail was the second expression to join the distillery's core range. It is named after the lake that serves as the distillery's water source, located high in the hills behind it and flowing into Airigh Nam Beist Lake and then into a reservoir called Charlie's Dam at the distillery. This water is peaty, which reportedly contributes to the whisky's character. The name Uigeadail means "dark and mysterious place" in Scottish Gaelic, hinting at the whisky's depth and character.

Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet and malty, chocolate, peat (iodine and saltay), vanilla and toasted

Taste: Surprisingly round, spicy, oily, hazelnut and it reminds me of some cherries covered with chocolate.

Aftertaste: Medium, warm and ashy

In 2009 Jim Murray named it Whisky of the Year, which significantly boosted its popularity. Personally, it reminds me of Lagavulin Distillery Edition, and when drinking it neat during these hot days, I can't help but think of sweet liqueurs, like Frangelico.

With water, it transforms; the nose opens to wood (resin), I perceive more smoke, and a citrus note appears underneath. The rounded body is lost on the palate, but it remains quite oily; I sense the presence of raisins and caramel along with a sulfurous note from the peat. The finish is rougher and shorter. In conclusion, with water, it changes, but I like it more neat; I could even consider drinking it instead of a digestif, a nice whisky to finish a good meal.

Nuestra Clasificación:

Nivel: Casual

Aroma: 4/5

Boca: 5/5

Complejidad: 5/5

Amistoso: 4/5

Clasificación General: 9/10

Official website: https://www.ardbeg.com/

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