The Uigeadail is one of the Ardbeg’s range All Stars, still (relatively) easy to find at a (relatively) affordable price. Return on a few years old batch.
Nose : That’s heavy. Our head goes through a cloud of smoke to find a peat fire barbecue on which we would cook both meat and tires. The frame might not be appetizing, but it well resumes in my mind this impressive nose. We also find oysters, salt and then, in a more subtle way at first and more precisely after a few minutes of opening, some dried fruits, walnuts and almonds notably (a priori there are sherry casks in this deal) with caramel. The alcohol is perfectly integrated and the whole is very cohesive despite the complexity. If adding water is not compulsory, it emphasizes rounder flavors of vanilla and honey (a priori there are also bourbon casks in this deal).
Mouth : The attack is peaty and smoky (smoked meat mostly), with also some ashes and salt. We are in the « surf & turf » dearest to the cooks, the maritime and iodine side cohabiting with a pronounced land aspect. This Uigeadail is very well structured and doesn’t weaken for one second in mouth. Some fruits are also in the mix (raisins, prunes). The alcohol slightly tingles and a few drops of water don’t hurt, on the contrary, subliming once again this magnificent mouth with a nice wood and spices (pepper, nutmeg).
Finish : long, on smoke, peat, dried fruits, light spices… Joy.
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