whisky review 359 - Ardbeg Uigeadail re-reviewed 2013
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ต.ค. 2024
- . . . a return visit after about four years to reviewing a classic modern single malt.
It shows a slight change with something lost, and something gained !
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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.
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!
Ardbeg Uigeadail is one of the tastiest whiskies i've had so far
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!
I'm very much an Ardbeg guy, and the Uigeadail and the 10 are my favorite whiskies ever.
Time for another re-review, Ralfy.
has it gotten better?
It seems the sherry notes are not there anymore...
He doesn't review NAS bottlings anymore.
He does now
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.
Multinationals: Not good.
Malty nationals: Good.
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.
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)
TheJusnic82 Smells like Chesapeake bay salt marshes, I wonder how similar these are to the scottish coast?
Before listening I had a pour. “Mezcal!” I thought. I was delighted, so, so, delighted to hear you mention Mezcal in your review.
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.
. . . 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 !
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!
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.
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
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.
Another great review...thank you Ralfy! Question, in whisky review 29, you gave this 92/100...why the down grade?
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)?
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)*
Longrow 10yo and Ardmore Traditional.
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.
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?
Time for a re-review!
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?
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.
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.
probably some port cask content provided cherry/red-fruit note, but not so much now with recent batches.
Ralfy, Ardbeg Uigeadail or Lagavulin 16?
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.
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).
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.
I'm glad you think it's changed - I assumed that I'd just remembered the flavours incorrectly. Still, its a lovely dram.
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?
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.
Hi Ralfy, in 2013, do you prefer Ardbeg 10yo or Lagavulin 16yo?
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.
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.
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!!!
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.
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
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?
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?
Slick5923 Laphroaig Quarter Cask, Big Peet, Rock Oyster.
Hi Ralfy,
Wonder why the nose to me of the Ardbeg's is petroleum (gasoline) smell?
im guessing you bought yours at auction lol
Hello, i know this is an old video so i don't know if you will get this message. Im wondering if there is a way of knowing, a scale of sorts, to how much alcohol % im reducing this to per tablespoon (or half table spoon) If this is 57% and i add 2 teaspoons, where would it be then? Thank you for your time!
. . . I usuually reduce down to around 35%vol or sometime slightly lower depending on taste !
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.
Picked this one up in Taiwan for a great price after watching you original vid. Fantastic drop.
hi Ralfy.
Happy New Year maltmate!
The local state-store here in town has just loaded up the shelf with AU!!...wow was that ever a sight for (Post Holiday Stressed-out) sore eyes! However curious was the fact that it appeared to have replaced the A10 as the ten'er was conspicuous by its absence.
Ardbeg may be moving to hi-end products??
Have you heard any news regarding A10 going away??
The AU is priced at $74.99 USD where the A10 was always an accessible $49.99 and always consistent.
I guess this is a good thing.
In your opinion how old would you say is the Uigy?!
Thanks much.
Peace
So what is the greatest distillery in the world, in your opinion?
I'm trying to decide between trying the Ardbeg 10 or the Uigeadail, the Corryvreckan is a favourite and my favourite go-to when I can save up for a bottle... Someone also recommended the Lagavulin 16, I've never tried a Lagavulin before but am open to the same. Would you care to recommend one?
+Kaustuv Datta
I personally would recommend Ardbeg 10. Can't go wrong, especially for the price.
+Kaustuv Datta I would very much recommend the uigeadail. As far as peated whiskeys go, this is a very good one. It is mild despite its high ABV. If you are interested in peated whiskey you would try this one. is is relatively cheap and add a little water and it is very nice.
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!
I thought this was pretty unique. I was pleasantly surprised and it has turned out to be one of my favorites!
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?
love this whisky and this mans amazing knowledge of whisky,thanks ralfy i use these reviews as my whisky bible.
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!
My first Uigeadail was 2011 version. It was very good but I have to admit I was somehow disappointed. After reading many praising reviews I expected more. Ralfy, what version is this and what was the 92 scoring version? Thanks for reply!
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.
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?
@ralfydotcom If you could only choose between Ardbeg Uigeadail and Laphroaig Quarter Cask which one would you choose?
. . . Uigy !
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!
For not being the best distillery in the world, the Ten and Uigeadail keep getting high reviews from you. ;)
So your taste has really changed in (4) years, you dropped your rating on this whisky, so what are your 90+ single malt whiskies? Are you planning to re-review any more, I'm always a fan of yours and have learned a lot, keep up the interesting reviews.
all part of the journey !
Hi Ralfy,
I love the taste of this single malt, what others with a similar taste can you name that I can afford in America on a fixed income. The price of this single malt is out of my price range, I need to find some good single malts, under $50, please help me.
Look out for Highland Park 12yo
***** Talisker Distilers edition.
That Tomatin12 is hevy on the shery! As if it wer undermaturd n then tossd n2 a 1/4ful cask of shery.
Faux Sherry monstr... & sittin on th bottm shelf T12 is priced as such! Tomatin knows exactly wher it belongs. IMO don't thnk Ralfy'l b reviewing this guy.
Freddie, I would suggest trying Old Pulteney 12, Auchentoshan American Oak, and Glenmorangie 10 Year Old to name a few. All worth trying within your price point.
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..
Hi! do you finish the whisky dram that you pour in these videos?
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.
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.
Just got a bottle on sale for $60 US!!!
Just watching this video for the first time. Bought my first uigeadail. Much darker than yours of the time!
Ralfy, how the heck do you know what sea-shells tastes like? ... or shoe polish?
Hi Ralfy, just wondering what do u make of aged cocktails?
I love ugi 💚 this is the whisky that reconciled me with the old peat island!
Have you tried the Corryvreckan? How does this compare?!
Hi Ralfy, dow do you compare this one to Lagavulin 16? Thank you
this is better ! Laga 16 is going downhill !
I have a bottle of Lagavulin 16 and I'm getting the AU tomorrow. Though I'm far from being as experienced as Ralfy I can make a side-by-side comparison for you if you wish. :)
damillionmalania Lagavulin 16 is a great malt. My initial impression of Ardbeg Uigeadail are awful. It seriously smells of petrol, petrol and petrol with a hint of sherry somewhere in the background. It might change as I "climb" further down the bottle, but because it was so bad I have half a mind to try to go on the doubtlessly meaningless task of returning an open bottle. Expensive and awful.
Notice the orval on the background, are you going to review trappist beers ?
Nice review as always !
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.
So which one is nr 1 for you now. Im personaly dont rate them. I just sip them and still love them all. Cheers 🙋♂️
@@peatbull3426 100% Port Charlotte
That is to say, Jim is not transparent. You seem very upfront. Such a great resource.
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...)?
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.
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?
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)
yet to really try this one, check at WhiskyBase
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Excellent review from which I have seen........
Could someone please give me the Answer.Need your HELP. I saw a strange box and a bottle of Ardbeg 10 YO.The strange thing is that it's written (Single Islay Malt) instead of Islay Single Malt how written on every other Ardbeg bottle.Could you tell me is this whiskey a fake ?You may find this bottle if you will search Ardbeg 10 YO.Thanks everyone
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.
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?
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.
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.
moegreen40 Really? I much prefer even Ardbeg 10year old over Lag 16
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
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
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
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
Hi! Im really enjoy your reviews. Im wondering if you are going to review the new Ardbog? Please do :) Malty greedings from Sweden. Oh! Question! Have you tasted swedish whiskies? If you have, what do you think?
What do you think is the greatest distillery Ralfy?
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.
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.
I think the drop in quality has only happened recently. I purchased a bottle in February of 2013, and it was fantastic! Every bit as good as a PC 7. However, I purchased another bottle in November of 2013, and it is quite a drop in quality from my previous bottle which I kept about 1/8 for side by side comparison. Very disappointing. I should have known something was wrong when K&L was selling at a new low price of $52.
My favorite Islay. I think you're due for a re-re-review!
So does any ardbeg end up in Johnnie Walker ? Or is just Lagavulin and Coal Ila
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
Ralfy a new version of Ardbeg is coming out to commemorate the 200th anniversary what do you think of it? Too much hype or what?
Aria Mohammadi . . . expect a load of hype !
Ralfy, after 359 reviews, I have never seen you open a new bottle. Man that's a lot of tasting! Lol
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.
Hey Ralfy is the Uigy younger than the A10?! Thnx