Ardbeg Uigeadahl

Score: 76

This whisky is where Islay’s raw power meets Speyside’s finesse. Finished in ex-Oloroso sherry casks, it’s a dram that bridges two worlds, bringing the signature Ardbeg peat and smoke into harmony with rich sweetness and dark fruit complexity. The nose opens with classic Ardbeg intensity: medicinal peat, campfire smoke, and earthy depth. But then the sherry influence rolls in, raisins, figs, molasses, and a subtle nuttiness that rounds out the edges. It’s bold, but balanced. On the palate, the peat leads the charge, but it’s quickly joined by a swirl of flavours: cracked pepper, grilled spice rub, charred meat, and a savoury richness that evokes a perfectly seasoned steak sizzling over coals. Hints of dark chocolate and leather emerge mid-palate, while the finish lingers with smoky embers, dried fruit, and a faint citrus lift. It’s a dram that evolves with each sip, layered, expressive, and deeply satisfying. A night where peat dominated the mood, Uigeadail claimed 2nd place in the tasting. It won over both sherry lovers and peat purists, offering enough complexity to spark conversation and enough balance to keep everyone engaged. It wasn’t the loudest dram of the evening, but it was one of the most articulate—proving that when smoke and sweetness dance well together, the result is unforgettable.