I’m a big fan of Ardbeg and when I last purchased a bottle of 10 year it came with 2 small samples, one of Corryvreckan and one of Uigeadail.  I already reviewed Corryvreckan and I’ve been meaning to try Uigeadail for a while so this was a pleasant coincidence.

Uigeadail has a unique flavor relative to the other members of the Ardbeg collection.

First of all I notice that there is almost no nose.  Just the scent of ethanol but no discernible fragrance like with Corryvreckan.

Then the first drink.  The flavor is very strong, I would say the strongest I’ve ever had.  It doesn’t sneak up on you either.  The second it enters your mouth, BOOM, it hits you all at once.  The flavors I taste are: tar, coal, smoke, leather, oil paint or shoe polish, fresh asphalt in the summer.  It has a slightly salty taste but not at all like Ardbog or 10 year.  In comparison Corryvreckan is lighter and smells and tastes like grass, 10 year has a lighter salty taste.  Uigeadail is heavy, very heavy.  I feel like I’m sinking into my chair as I swallow each sip.  This one is a little more complex than other Ardbeg scotches and it’s flavors carry a powerful punch.  There is a slight bitter aftertaste, a little like an IPA.  It’s not a scotch for the weak, those who like smooth delicate flavors.  I will definitely have to get a full bottle of this.

Copyright 2014 David R Bergman