A fine drop of Ardbeg bottled at cask strength. A marriage of Ardbeg from bourbon barrels and sherry butts which gives a sweet and smoky finish to this malt. Uigeadail is the loch from which all Ardbeg water flows. An absolutely stunning whisky, and following the demise of Airigh nam Beist, this probably represents the best value in the core range.
Tasting Notes from the Producer
NOSE
Rich and weighty with heady and smoky aromatics. At full strength, the initial aroma is a beguiling mix of warm Christmas cake and walnut oil fused with fresh ocean spice, cedar and pine needles, followed by a smoky coal fire and a deep scent of well-oiled leather. The sweetness of treacle toffee and chocolate-coated raisins bring indulgence through the smoke. With water, the deep smokiness increases in intensity, reminiscent of Christmas pudding on fire; flowering currants and warm baked banana-and-walnut bread.
PALATE
Full-flavoured and rich with a deep mouth-coating texture, the taste is an intriguing balance between sweet, spicy and deep smoky flavours. The flavour is initially sweet as Christmas cake begins to soak into the tongue. A burst of winter spices sets off a smoky-spicy explosion countered by a sumptuous mid-palate of honey-glazed smoked food and chewy treacle.
FINISH
Amazingly long and chewy with lingering raisin, deep mocha tones and rich aromatic smoke into the perfectly integrated finish.