Ardbeg Uigeadail Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Distillery Background and History

Ardbeg Distillery, founded in 1815 on Scotland’s rugged Islay coast, was closed several times before being revived in 1997 under Glenmorangie and later owned by LVMH. Revered for its flagship peaty expressions, Ardbeg is celebrated for producing some of the most robust and complex whiskies of the island  .

Master Distiller and Production Philosophy

Colin Gordon, Master Distiller since 2020, carries on Ardbeg’s tradition of intense peat-driven whiskies. He emphasizes deep phenol character (~54 ppm), non-chill filtration, slow distillation, and marrying Bourbon and Sherry casks to balance smoke with rich sweetness  .

Source of Ingredients (Grain, Water, Yeast)

Made from 100 % malted barley, typically sourced from Port Ellen maltings. Water is from the peat-filtered Loch Uigeadail. Fermented in Oregon pine washbacks with proprietary yeast strains, the production honors terroir and tradition  .

Distillation Process

Double-distilled in traditional copper pot stills (one wash, one spirit). The spirit run is deliberately slow to retain oily texture, peat, and flavor richness  .

Maturation & Cask Information

A marriage of ex‑bourbon barrels and old ex‑Oloroso/Sherry butts. The non‑age-stated whisky blends younger spirit with Sherry-matured stock from the 1990s, imparting deep complexity and sweet spice  .

Tasting Notes

Rich gold-amber color. Nose: smoky peat, tar, seaweed, licorice, dark fruit, espresso. Palate: oily, intense peat, black pepper, dark chocolate, walnut, raisins. Finish: long, medicinal sea salt, spicy warmth  .

Food Pairing Suggestions

Ideal with smoked meats, blue cheese, oysters, dark chocolate desserts, and rich charcuterie—each dish complements the whisky’s smoky intensity and Sherry sweetness.

Serving Suggestions and Ideal Glassware

Serve neat or with a few drops of water to open layers, at around 18–20 °C in a Glencairn or tulip glass. Let sit 10 minutes to unlock depth.

Storage and Aging Potential

Store upright in a cool, dark place. Once opened, it retains character well for years, though bottle aging won’t notably enhance flavor.

Grain Type & Mash Bill

Single malt Scotch—100 % heavily-peated malted barley (~54 ppm).

ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

54.2 % ABV, non-chill filtered  .

Scores

• 97.5 – Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible (World Whisky of the Year 2009) 

• 96 – Whisky Advocate (Double Gold Medals 2011 & 2012, 95 score) 

• 95 – Whisky Magazine (World’s Best Single Malt 2010) ()

• 91.5 – Distiller (community average)