What a monster! I'm pretty sure that's the reaction Ardbeg was looking for when they crafted this whisky (that name!). Similar profile to the 10 year old (bacon and cigar), but with the smoke character dialled way up. So much so that it drowns out everything else, even when water was added. The finish was a little harsh for me and definitely more unctuous than the 10, courtesy of a rather textural body. Interesting whisky, but not one I'd reach for. Definitely getting a better picture of the Ardberg signature at this point.
NB: Interestingly, it made a great 1:1 mixer with the Coal Ila 12, pulling out lots of marine and earthy flavours. — 3 years ago
The mildest of the Diageo peated whiskies I've had so far. Definitely not the campfire peat monsters of Ardbeg, or the distinct maritime peat of Talisker, or the more medicinal peat of Lagavulin... The peat here comes off as sweet and aromatic, almost like incense. The body seems to be the lightest of the lot too (comparing apples and apples), although it's hard to say without seeing them all next to each other (definitely lighter than the Ardberg and even Glen Elgin here). Palate flavours are subtle in the Caol Ila, but citrus notes come through clearly. Finishes a touch short with a sort of grassy earthy quality that I quite enjoy. Not a blockbuster whisky, yet I find it quite drinkable.
NB: Better mixed 1:1 with the Ardbeg Wee Beastie. Seems to balance out the extreme smoke of the Ardberg, drawing out lovely saline notes. — 3 years ago
Very similar to the 10 year old Ardberg I had 16 weeks ago - see Delectable note. Love these peaty Islay malts. Didn’t realise this Uigeadail is different to the previous bottle. Should have tasted them side by side to note any differences. This had raisiny notes on the palate from old Sherry casks. — 4 years ago
Straw color. Peat, garden hose, sea spray, green apples, sage, iodine, crushed oyster shells. Long, elegant finish. — 4 years ago
Jay Kline
Although this purportedly has the highest amount of peat ever used by Ardbeg, you would never be able to tell from the nose. While sure, it’s clearly a peated whisky, it’s almost pretty on the nose with floral and soft fruit tones. On the palate, the peat is much more pronounced but still very much in balance. A tremendously beautiful expression of Ardbeg. — a year ago