Ardbeg Uigeadail Scotch Whisky
Ardbeg Uigeadail Scotch Whisky (pronounced "Oog-a-dal") is a cask-strength Islay single malt at 54.2% ABV (108.4 proof) — a special vatting that marries Ardbeg's traditional deep, smoky spirit with the luscious, raisiny tones of old ex-sherry casks. Matured in American oak ex-bourbon barrels and old Oloroso sherry casks, bottled non chill-filtered at natural colour, it is named for Loch Uigeadail — the "dark, mysterious place" that is the distillery's peaty water source. Named World Whisky of the Year in Jim Murray's 2009 Whisky Bible with a then-record 97.5 points. A 750mL bottle. Order Islay Scotch whisky online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 54.2% (108.4 proof, cask strength)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: No age statement
- Origin: Isle of Islay, Scotland — Ardbeg Distillery (The Glenmorangie Company / LVMH)
- Casks: Ex-bourbon American oak + old Oloroso sherry casks; non chill-filtered, natural colour
Smoke Meets Sherry at Full Strength
Uigeadail is where Ardbeg's peat — around 50 parts per million of phenol, double-distilled in copper pot stills and fermented in Oregon pine washbacks — collides with the deepest sherry wood in the warehouse. The result is the distillery's most decorated expression: tarry ropes and creosote wrapped around blackcurrants, muscovado sugar and dark chocolate. More Ardbeg Islay malts for the peat-devoted, or barrel-proof American whiskeys for fellow high-proof seekers.
Tasting Notes
Ardbeg distillery notes: heady and intense — tarry ropes, creosote, dark chocolate, blackcurrants, muscovado sugar and plump cherries on the nose, with briny seaweed, smoky bacon, vanilla, clove, menthol and treacle; deep, peppery and chewy on the palate — peppered steak, crispy seaweed, black tarry espresso, blackcurrants, blueberries, cherries, bitter almond, star anise and hickory; a long, chewy finish of raisiny depth, mocha tones and rich aromatic smoke.
How to Enjoy
At cask strength, water is your friend — add it drop by drop until the sherry fruit blooms. A few drops also tame the smoke for newcomers without dulling the peat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Uigeadail? "Oog-a-dal" — it is named for Loch Uigeadail, Ardbeg's peaty water source; the Gaelic means "dark, mysterious place."
What proof is Ardbeg Uigeadail? 108.4 proof (54.2% ABV) — bottled at cask strength, non chill-filtered.
Why is Uigeadail famous? Jim Murray named it World Whisky of the Year 2009 with 97.5 points — then the highest score he had ever awarded — and it has been Ardbeg's most decorated expression since.
The peat-and-sherry legend at full strength — get Ardbeg Uigeadail online from Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
