Ardbeg Uigeadail

About the Ardbeg Uigeadail

Ardbeg Uigeadail (pronounced “OO-ga-dahl”) is a core release from Ardbeg Distillery on Islay, Scotland. It was first released in 2003 as Ardbeg’s inaugural no-age-statement whisky and has since gained iconic status among peat whisky fans. This whisky is made from 100 % malted barley. It is matured partly in ex‑bourbon American oak barrels and finished in Oloroso sherry casks to bring in dark fruit sweetness. The blend of casks creates its signature smoky-sherry balance. Uigeadail is bottled at 54.2 % ABV, non‑chill filtered, and carries no added colour. In the glass, it shows a deep amber colour. On the nose, expect intense peat smoke—ash, seaweed, iodine—balanced by sweet dark fruits like raisins, plums, and dried cherries. You may also detect black pepper, leather, and barbecue-sauce notes. The palate is rich and oily. Flavours of salted caramel, dark chocolate, stewed fruits, spice, and smoky pepper build across the mid-palate. The combination of sherry and peat delivers a satisfying complexity. The finish is long, warming, and balanced—sweet dried fruits fade into smoky ash, pepper, vanilla, and lingering maritime salt. Uigeadail has earned acclaim—including Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible naming it World Whisky of the Year in 2009 and again in 2010. At the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, it won multiple Double Gold and Gold medals between 2006–2012. This whisky is ideal for those who enjoy bold peat smoke with rich sherry character. It’s approachable despite its strength, though beginners may find it intense. A few drops of water can soften the smoke and reveal citrus or floral hints. Uigeadail is widely available and remains a benchmark for smoky, sherried Islay malts.