An Introduction to Ardbeg Uigeadail
- Distillery: Ardbeg (Islay, Scotland)
- ABV: 54.2%
- Maturation: A vatting of whisky matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks
- Category: Peated Single Malt
- Age: No Age Statement
- Master Distiller: Dr. Bill Lumsden
Founded in 1815, Ardbeg is celebrated for its intensely peated single malts. Its core expressions include Ardbeg Ten, Wee Beastie, Uigeadail, An Oa, and Corryvreckan — a cult favorite among peat lovers.
Tasting Notes
Appearance:
Deep golden with amber hues, bright and viscous in the glass.
Nose:
Intense aromas of fruit cake, peat smoke, burnt heather, iodine, bacon fat, and fresh-cut tree.
Palate:
Bold, oily mouthfeel. Rich waves of peat and smoke balanced by sweet raisin, briny sea air, vanilla, kippers, treacle and earthy tobacco.
Finish:
Long, smooth, and warming. Lingering notes of smoke, raisins, and coastal salinity.
Texture:
Full-bodied and chewy with strong structure and layered complexity.
Cask Influence
Ardbeg Uigeadail is not a finished whisky — it’s a marriage of fully matured spirits aged separately in ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso sherry casks.
- Bourbon casks contribute vanilla, spice, and citrus brightness.
- Sherry casks bring rich sweetness, raisin depth, and a rounded, warm character.
This dual maturation adds significant depth, complexity, and cult status among peat lovers.
Final Verdict
Ardbeg Uigeadail lives up to its name — “dark and mysterious place” — with depth, warmth, and power. It’s a richly peated dram with sweet, sherried undertones and savory hints that linger well into the finish. One of the best examples of what sherried peat can achieve when done right. An iconic Islay whisky.
Recommended Pairings
- Grilled lamb
- Dark chocolate
- Aged blue cheese
Sláinte!
