whisky review 359 - Ardbeg Uigeadail re-reviewed 2013

[@freddieslaughter1107]

You are by far the best reviewer on single malt, I hope you keep up the great reviews. You have given me some very good advice.

[@bmorgette]

Just had my best dram of Uigeadail last night! Perfect amount of time in the glass with the perfect amount of water. I finally got it right. It was PERFECT!

[@John-iq4cj]

Ardbeg Uigeadail is one of the tastiest whiskies i've had so far

[@brianboru8858]

My first bottle of this is coming tomorrow! I’ve had the 10yr and the new committee release 8yr but heard the Uigeadail is best. Expecting good things!

[@mjanovec]

Multinationals: Not good. Malty nationals: Good.

[@TheCrimsonIdol987]

I'm very much an Ardbeg guy, and the Uigeadail and the 10 are my favorite whiskies ever.

[@samuelmorse784]

I love Laphroaig 10 but this Ardbergu Uigeadail is definitely sweet in c comparison. Very good and better than the bottle of standard Ardberg Ten I had.

[@leonidvolovik5203]

Time for another re-review, Ralfy.

[@Trevcreative1]

has it gotten better?

[@leonidvolovik5203]

It seems the sherry notes are not there anymore...

[@FEWGEE1]

He doesn't review NAS bottlings anymore.

[@Fatty-qh5jx]

He does now

[@TheJusnic82]

Finally picked out the smell! For me its a super strong smell of "simulated bacon bits" smells exactly like simulated bacon bits to me.....not sure if you have them there, but here they come in basically the same containers as bulk spices like pepper or garlic seasoning etc...(Costco sells em)

[@tyhargett5197]

TheJusnic82 Smells like Chesapeake bay salt marshes, I wonder how similar these are to the scottish coast?

[@FMichael1970]

What timing - just poured a hefty dram of the Uigeadail when I decided to see what Ralfy's been up to - lol. This is one whisky with serious pricing differences...A local store has this for $110, and just last week I purchased 3 bottles online for $55 (with shipping it was roughly $62 per bottle).

[@spiral2012]

Awesome, Ralfy! I've only got a handful of single malts, and you've already re-reviewed two of them. My two favorites in my collection.

[@StevenCalwas]

Not surprised to hear you've been drinking quality mezcal lately, Ralfy. It's delicious! I try all I can get, and here in California, I get everything that's exported from Mexico. A current and available favorite is Mezcalero #5. Top notch.

[@jackthepickledhound]

I wish I had watched this before I bought my second bottle. Ive been sitting on a 2018, unopened and now im drinking the 2022 version. I always imagined that this sherried peat would literally quench my thirst for this journey. The way folks talk about the early Uigeadail i expected it to be the perfect dram. Obviously, I don't have decades of experience but the initial disappointment does not diminish my respect for the 10 year old. At this point in my journey I have more whisky already than I could drink in a lifetime and knocking Uigeadail off the pedestal is earth shaking in my little world. Im actually tempted to blend in a dash of Glenallchie port finish or some other sherry bomb. I recently bought a Loch Gorm instead of the less expensive Sanaig. I found that to be very satisfying sweet peat after getting it down past the shoulder of the bottle. Wasn't sure Ralfy, about you reviewing NAS whiskies again but i do have complete confidence in your read of the landscape, so I thank you in advance for all your future content as we get to 1000

[@kingquaps]

I'm glad you think it's changed - I assumed that I'd just remembered the flavours incorrectly. Still, its a lovely dram.

[@islayladdie7258]

Before listening I had a pour. “Mezcal!” I thought. I was delighted, so, so, delighted to hear you mention Mezcal in your review.

[@dradatzke]

Walked into a liquor store yesterday and found an older bottle of Ardbeg 10 on the back shelf covered in dust! I'm thinking its at least 3-4 years old, has the old box and label. Lucky find just off the shelf!

[@daniel_alexander_]

I just purchased one after work at my new job. Added alongside my Ardbeg 10 that your reviews gave me great insight and the choice was delicious. As is this Uigeadail!

[@dead_yhency]

I am an official subscriber. This is my first review I have seen, been shopping around for Father's Day and needed some good advice. I seem to have found it. Plus, I love that Dalek! Drink on.

[@robtudor3785]

Ralfy, Ardbeg Uigeadail or Lagavulin 16?

[@miserablerhurensohn]

A few days ago, I poured some of this from a sample bottle I got from a friend. The glass was about a half meter from my nose and I got a whiff of Jergen's hand lotion, which I'm told is a combination of cherry and almond scents. I always loved that smell but it was short lived as the beast in the glass takes over. I noticed that it lingers in the empty glass with a mix of oak but the whole experience, start to finish was quite enjoyable. I've only had the 10yo before that. I need one of these.

[@redbaron7089]

I just wanted to say thank you, i'm a bit of a new comer and you've helped me find a couple of gems, this one being one of them.

[@stormrealestate]

After thoroughly enjoying a bottle of 12 yo Caol Ila I moved on to Ardbeg 10yo, which I have also enjoyed. When it comes to the Ardbeg 10 vs the Uigeadail I wonder if it is actually worth spending the extra money to fetch. I can get the 10yo for $40, while the best I can find the Uigeadail for is $86. Is there actually $46 of extra experience with the Uigeadail? Finally, agree regarding their marketing. It's weird.

[@maltmention4873]

Hello Ralfy, could you please tell us the code of the bottle you reviewed? I am ok with you saying our taste and experience change, but when I compare different years of Uigeadail side by side things also change quite dramatically... :-( It would be interesting to compare same whyskies from different years. Thank you for your wonderful reviews!!!

[@tundruth]

A great point at the end Ralpy! its these kinds of insights that make you so fun and informative to watch. A whisky can seem like something brand new when youre busy and dont get around to it again for a long time to come.

[@lionelburns6317]

Ralfy I've got a fair question for you. After watching your review on the Ardbeg 10yo I bought a 1L bottle. It was incredibly smooth, went down almost like water and after I found out the ABV on it I'm not sure if it was authentic or a knock off. I live in Phnom Penh and I did buy it at a fairly reputable supermarket that stocks a large selection of assorted spirits but over here that's in itself is not a given. Is there anyway that I can be assured of buying an authentic bottle? Any help you can give me would be appreciated. Spirit prices here in Cambodia overall are inexpensive (no govt or import tariff) so the $45US (Glenmorangie 10yo $32) was not out of the ordinary but before I do a repeat performance I'd like to make sure. I have looked over the seal, bottle label and box label and can't find any discrepancies.

[@Manikato1000]

Hi Ralfy, I'm interested in your marking system and whether you build in a value for money component? For example, if you score a 90, would you prefer to drink it than one you score an 89, or could an 89 mark be given to an expensive whisky (after discounting your mark for price), but you would prefer to be given a glass of it rather than a cheaper whisky you had given a 90 to (because you saw it as being better value)?

[@KickedOuttaHell]

Another Great Review! It's interesting... On one hand, I totally agree with your opinion that the excessive marketing works against Ardbeg's reputation. On the other hand, some single casks from the early 70's released by the Laing's in the early 2000's are to this day the greatest whiskies that have ever passed my lips. The old ardbegs make me emphatically believe Ardbeg at least WAS, the greatest distillery in the world. Dr. Lumsden says he wants to reopen floor maltings. I hope he succeeds!

[@AdamKeele]

Ralfy, this has me wondering about Bruichladdich these days. I was able to snatch up a Laddie Ten not long ago here in the US for $46! and wonder if its successor bottlings are going to hold up to the company's brief go as an independent. You can't get it for less than $70 around me now.

[@MrThrustSSC]

Have to admit that (allthough Ardbeg is so fashionable right now) I haven´t been disappointed by their bottlings (with exception of the Alligator). The 10yo, the Uigeadail and (as a wilder expression) the Corryvreckan are very delicious and here in Germany the prices of the mentioned malts is okayish (35 - 65 €). I also tried an older independent bottling which really was a disappointment. Seemed to be only sugary water with some peat. I´d prefer a Laddie Ten or a Springbank 10y every time.

[@garycheung1159]

Ralfy, another great review. Now, your rating on Ardbog please. Is it a worthwhile version of Ardbeg ? How does it compare, Ardbog (2013) vs. Ardbeg Day (2012) a.k.a. Ardbeg’s Feis Ile 2013 release. Thanks.

[@Gr8brit62]

Although your review of this was after the Corryvreckan, of which you gave it 90. You say this Is the best and give it an 89. So do have you or will you do a side by side of these to see which you find is the stand out?

[@tobelieve627]

Time for a re-review!

[@Trugspur]

Thank you very much. I've tasted an Ardbeg Uigeadail, bottled in 2013. I've been a little disappointed, because I missed the cherry-notes, how did they gone? Therfore I prefere the Ardbeg 10, the real Ardbeg with no compromise of a vatted Ardbeg like the Uigeadail.

[@thewhiskybothy]

probably some port cask content provided cherry/red-fruit note, but not so much now with recent batches.

[@Benne175]

Thanks for this re-review Ralfy. Now, I have a malt mention for you. Loch Lomond 17y at 48%. I have seen in my local state-owned spirit store here in sweden. It's quite exensive, at £50. The regular LL, or whatever we may call it, with blue label on, is almost half the price. £27.

[@shuboy05]

Ralfy, my Macallan 12 box states that the distillery stands by natural color which implies no caramel. However it is interesting that Macallan doesn't just simply state No Caramel Added.

[@dspada67]

Picked this one up in Taiwan for a great price after watching you original vid. Fantastic drop.

[@mlcollins10]

Good to see and hear that Ralfy can occasionally have a wee bit(I did not say too many) many drams. Still love his review and his style. You should market your jacket - I bet you could sell a few of those, not to mention the hat. Great review as always.

[@notme123123]

I'm a fan of the Ardbeg 10 and Corryvrecken. When I finally got a bottle of the Uigeadail, I tasted it head-to-head with the Corryvrecken. Neat, I preferred the Corryvrecken. With a little water, I preferred the Corryvrecken. But...with a little water and time (about 30 minutes), I found that the Uigeadail transformed into a sweet, creamy dream, while the Corryvrecken remained the same. Both were still excellent, but the Uigeadail was a better..to me.

[@Pew7070]

9 years later. Comparing it with the Wee Beastie, The 10, and the Bruichladdich Port Charlotte 10yo. Now I know what life is suppose to be lived for.

[@peatbull3426]

So which one is nr 1 for you now. Im personaly dont rate them. I just sip them and still love them all. Cheers 🙋‍♂️

[@Pew7070]

@@peatbull3426 100% Port Charlotte

[@itstotalyhappening]

Great review! I enjoy tasting as you review....one question, now that I am thoroughly in love with almost every Islay whiskey....could you recommend a single malt that I won't be disappointed in, to break away from islay and round out my collection? .. I'm having trouble getting off the island as it were! Furthest I got was Talisker, Glen moray classic, tomatin 12, glennlevit 18 and finally *Ledaig 10 (my favorite so far)*

[@thewhiskybothy]

Longrow 10yo and Ardmore Traditional.

[@ankoslitoflower]

Oh to add, I just opened a bottle of the Ocotomore 5.1, loved the spicey notes and strength, but the rest of it was a bit disappointing, especially for the price. Maybe that will aid you in my questioning. Put it against Lagavulin 16 and although the 16 tasted thin in comparison, I couldn't say which was better. Wish there was a cask strength 16 to get a hold of.

[@skinnypez]

Hey Ralfy- I'm taking a trip soon and hope to pick up a bottle of something not easily available where I live...I've read how, long term, whisky shouldn't be in contact with the cork...but I would only be able to bring it back in checked bag..so would it be ok for the short term?

[@freddieslaughter1107]

Hi Ralfy, Wonder why the nose to me of the Ardbeg's is petroleum (gasoline) smell?

[@jamieh3772]

im guessing you bought yours at auction lol

[@IanVickrey]

Just got a bottle on sale for $60 US!!!

[@HalSamuel]

Hello Ralfy, I wondered if I could run something past you: a few years ago I got unceremonious drunk and proceeded to pour a good 1/4 of a bottle of Uigeadail into a plastic hip-flask (for, as it were, the road) along with a good measure of water. Thankfully I didn't drink much of it and poured it back into the bottle, but then remembered about the water. I still have most of the bottle left, so wanted to ask if you think my drunken escapade might have had much of a negative impact on the remaining whisky. Will (accidentally) adding some water to a bottle cause noticeably adverse effects? Thank you for your sage advice.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . only way to tell is by smelling and tasting what you have left in the bottle. If it's bad, buy a new bottle and don't get un-c drunk !

[@marcinnowak3293]

Hello Ralfy! I've recently come across some German bottlings of Ardbeg Uigeadail and there was a statement on the label "mit Farbstoff" which means it has colourant added to it. Strange, isn't it?

[@bmorgette]

This has become one of my new favorites. One evening I poured a dram of this from a miniature. That's all I had that night so when I finished it, I poured a dram of the Ardbeg 10 and noticed a HUGE drop in flavor from the Uigeadail. I couldn't believe there was so much difference. I won't be following the Uigeadail with the 10 anymore.

[@jasonhilty4988]

I thought this was pretty unique. I was pleasantly surprised and it has turned out to be one of my favorites!

[@leperenoel666]

Notice the orval on the background, are you going to review trappist beers ? Nice review as always !

[@jakemarvel2516]

Thanks for that honest review. Ardbeg to me is a hype merchadise brand And yes Uigeadail is without a doubt THE BEST BUY Cheers Ralfy

[@joelholmquist]

Oh no!! :-o I've just ordered a Galileo out of pure curiosity. It will cost me 77 pound. Have I wasted my money on gimmic-whiskey? Btw. thanx for all your reviews!!! You are our malty saviour! may the ray of light shine upon you and not blend your eyes. Go in peat!

[@JETJOOBOY]

I revisited Bowmore very recently... It must be 20 years since my local offy was selling it for £15 a bottle... I think I bought the LOT! Still great..

[@redrich2000]

Hi Ralfy, in 2013, do you prefer Ardbeg 10yo or Lagavulin 16yo?

[@SpottyDorsord]

That is to say, Jim is not transparent. You seem very upfront. Such a great resource.

[@ankoslitoflower]

What do you think of the Kilchoman (any variety) and how does this and the Benriach you mentioned compared to the firey smoke flavour compared to those I've mentioned. Thanks again, and then in advance.

[@Gateau]

Ralfy, how the heck do you know what sea-shells tastes like? ... or shoe polish?

[@RadioLaboratory]

Ralfy, hey! gota tel ya ths mate. As I re-wach ths AU re-rev my Ard10yo is takn me bac2 my youth on th NJ coast. The seaside notes bring me 2 fishing poles n clams on a half-shell... tht night side beach in Brigantine 1965!! talk about emotional transfer! cheers Ralfy

[@shuboy05]

Incidentally, which did you think was worse, Serendipity or Blasda. I actually found it odd that Ardbeg would accidentally mix Ardbeg and Glen Moray (what with the two distilleries being so far apart location-wise). Did they share a warehouse hence the blending? Or was the accident story more marketing flannel?

[@danfisher5]

Ralfy, I would really be interested on your take of The Macallan 1824 series...exchanging color for years aged on the labeling...seems quite ominous malt mate!

[@vincevirtua]

I first tried this one at a bar in Edinburgh after asking the barman what he’d really recommend/what he drinks. Was not disappointed, it was a step up from everything else. In the version I had I tasted Bacon and bbq.

[@lutti7238]

Talking about maturation woods: there is a new Springbank called Calvados Wood. I think this one could be interesting, but as far as I know it is quiet expensive

[@beergut77777]

Wonderful review. Are you doing one of Ben Riach 12 yo sherrywood?

[@MehawkImonHbnLT]

Ralfy, I know you think Blast is the worse of Ardbeg range, but what are you thoughs comparing Blasda with others distillerys ranges (Glenfiddich, Jura, Talisker...)?

[@freddieslaughter1107]

Laphroaig 10 is my favorite so far

[@johncollinson4147]

Just watching this video for the first time. Bought my first uigeadail. Much darker than yours of the time!

[@TheJusnic82]

you know even though everyone in my family hates this....and initially was pretty let down....alone upstairs having a dram by myself this does taste pretty a,mazing

[@scotchgod8478]

I love ugi 💚 this is the whisky that reconciled me with the old peat island!

[@AlexMielnik]

Another great review...thank you Ralfy! Question, in whisky review 29, you gave this 92/100...why the down grade?

[@ankoslitoflower]

Hey Ralfy! I tried to PM you but couldn't find a direct place to do so, so I thought I'd give you a line here. Seeing how you've been around the block more than a few times and I have little to no places to look to for recommendations. I love the Oogy, and have been a fan of the Lagavulin 12 and 16, also the Laphroaig Quarter Cask, basically I like extremely viscous stuff that reminds me of being around a camp fire, something that lingers in the mouth, is there anything else you can recommend?

[@bryanf7899]

Ralfy in your opinion, as someone relatively new to whisky, is it best to focus on one malt per night or constantly comparing and contrasting different whiskys? or a little of both. if you have time, i know you are busy. regards.

[@TheJusnic82]

Ya I was pretty quick to write this off, being around everyone who hates it kind of tarnished my experience... back with friends who enjoy whisky and its really actually quite a great whisky. Knowing that the price here for it is actually cheaper then in the UK ill deff be buying another bottle

[@markkeneson6806]

Ralfy, is a re-review a second review of the same exact bottle after some time has passed, or is it a review of a different bottle of the same whisky?

[@Toxxyc]

He re-reviews a different (new) bottle of the same whisky. As single-malt specifically aren't blended to a flavour profile, they tend to change drastically from year to year and even from bottling to bottling, so re-reviews are often a great idea. I, for one, would LOVE to see a re-re-review of this whisky in 2019/2020.

[@nzgersfan]

love this whisky and this mans amazing knowledge of whisky,thanks ralfy i use these reviews as my whisky bible.

[@kentwong3818]

this tastes like over-cured bacon to me. When I micro-sip it, honestly tastes like leather and peat haha. Though one time, I had a "genius" idea of adding ice to it. It was REALLY bad when I put ONE ice cube into this. I think ALL of the smoke particles sank to the bottom. As I sipped it, the taste was fine. But by the old gods, the last sip was like sipping the water in the bottom of a cigarette ash tray that got slightly rained on in the outside. I highly recommend you never add ice to this. It's fine neat. I still prefer Bowmore or Laphroaig. I don't think I'll bother to go visit Ardbeg when I visit Scotland now....it really does seem like a LVMH marketing brand now...(and yes I realize Laphroaig is owned by Suntory) Solid review Ralfy!

[@Wayfarer8]

Hello, Ralfy. Interesting as always. What could You say about the McGibbons independent bottler? Is this company good or bad, or the quality is different all the time?

[@Leprince2007]

Hi you Malty... Peaty poeple!! I made myself a gift for Christmas... I know We're only Dec 13 but this gift has a long life. At least Jan 01 2015 i hope! This dram is fantastic. I'm not a fan of peaty Whisky or Sherry, wood finish etc. I am a fan of Whisky and all the subtles flavours that they can gives you. This dram is incredebdly and nicely peaty under Sherry influance with a lot of flavours that are hard to describe now (I'm drinking)! It is a serious dram. Not cheap, but what do you want? When you want something special, you will pay something special. I also have a small glass of dark Abbey beer brewed here in Quebec Canada by Mons Brewery and i feel Dark & Misterious. Uigeadail! Cheers. Michel Prince.

[@borismorrison]

Hi Ralfy! Can you review Tomintoul 16 or Glenmorangie Lasanta?

[@Deliquescentinsight]

Yeah I tried the Ardbeg, the 10 year old, I am usually a Laphroiag drinker, it is not bad-I would get it if the laph was not available-not quite as good in my book.

[@Slick5923]

Thank you for all the reviews! I am new to Scotch. I went to local store and asked for inexpensive "peaty" Scotch for 1st time buyer. I ended up buying Grangestone Islay Malt Scotch Whiskey..... very smokey! I thought I made a mistske the 1st night, but it grew on me. I liked the peaty smokiness more each night! I want more! Can you suggest other smokey/peaty/less expensive Islay whiskeys along this "smokey" line?

[@toddstevens6608]

Slick5923 Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Big Peet, Rock Oyster.

[@ALEXDUSTCULT]

you didnt mention which peated w. could be alternative to this one.

[@Dirchew]

Oddly my first bottle of Ardbeg was the best.

[@tobelieve627]

Get a second bottle

[@Dirchew]

@@tobelieve627 3 year later, I'm on my 3rd bottle! Cheers mate and happy holidays! :)

[@tobelieve627]

@@Dirchew nice! After trying the ten, I’m pretty sure this will be a keeper. Cheers and happy holidays to you!

[@brentjarvis3135]

not sure if ralfy has done this, but could you please do Glenwood 8yo.

[@shuboy05]

Both younger and older hence the lack of age statement (wouldn't want the customers to think this was young stuff). According to various sources, Uigy has some whisky in the blend or vatting from before the distillery was mothballed. But even that is running out which might explain the quality. At this rate it might be just about the same age as the Ardbeg 10 mixed with younger stuff.

[@neilprague]

My experience with Uiegedail . 2 very different bottlings, yes the main core flavours are there in the later bottling but I'd say not as much fruitiness and christams cake . Still, a lovely dram

[@VDR135]

Fab review Ralfy. Thanks so much for all your blogs & vlogs. We still have some older bottles of Uigeadail and they are defiantly different from the newer ones. I was just wondering what sort of marks you would give the version you first reviewed now that your tastes have changed a bit?

[@mu99ins]

Where do you find Mexcalero #5 in California? I live in San Jose.

[@aferguson850]

Hi Ralfy, just wondering what do u make of aged cocktails?

[@joejanca]

My favorite Islay. I think you're due for a re-re-review!

[@robinsharkey6658]

Ardbeg Lord of the Isles just sold for 4000CAD at a local auction.....

[@Herbster41]

Ralfy - in your opinion, what is the world's greatest distillery? Also - is there a Kilchoman review? I bought a bottle of the 100% Islay in Amsterdam and am waiting for the right occasion.

[@312t6]

So does any ardbeg end up in Johnnie Walker ? Or is just Lagavulin and Coal Ila

[@StevenCalwas]

K&L Wines in Redwood City has both the Mezcalero #5 and #6. As usual with El Mezcalero, both are good, but I stocked up on the #5.

[@elgringodechile]

That is a great website! Using that site, I was able to procure a couple of bottles of Ardbeg Alligator!

[@lawlbob]

Your thoughts on the Corryvreckan, Ralfy? Except for the stiff pricing, haha!

[@michaeldorman6630]

Ralfy, have you tried Marca Negra Mezcal?

[@Haribo7432]

Hi Ralfy, I've been enjoying some sherry matured peat whisky like this one. However i'd like your opinion on Laphroaig PX cask (as i feel its Uigeadail's opposite number)

[@thewhiskybothy]

yet to really try this one, check at WhiskyBase

[@WikiPeoples]

Hi! do you finish the whisky dram that you pour in these videos?

[@moegreen40]

Just added this scotch to my collection #13 after seeing Ralfy's hi score? I found it to be too briney, peaty and woody for my palette. I much prefer Lagavulin 16. I'm not telling I'm just saying.

[@TheJusnic82]

moegreen40 Really? I much prefer even Ardbeg 10year old over Lag 16

[@toddstevens6608]

moegreen40 would love to buy a bottle of lagavulin, but even their 8 year 200th anniversary edition at 48%abv was chill-filtered! no thanks Diageo, I won't pay craft bottling prices for JW Red Label post treatment! I'll wait for Signatory to put one out and with my dollar I will vote for the other party

[@freddieslaughter1107]

What is your favorite peat single malt whisky?

[@iheartveronicamars]

Have you tried the Corryvreckan? How does this compare?!

[@erikkz]

What do you think is the greatest distillery Ralfy?

[@imf1281]

Ralfy, have you tried the Ardbeg Galileo?