Ardbeg Uigeadail 2005 54,2% sample NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (92)

No I haven't got any laser codes or whatnot, but this one is recent for sure. The latest version I've tried was bottled circa 2010 and I loved it (WF 92). Colour: gold. Nose: it's not complicated, and I guess there's less super-old Ardbeg than in earlier batches anyway, but balance was found, with some straight smoke (exhaust) and then a combo of vanilla fudge, custard and lemon curd. A little wet paint as well, some leather and just a little tobacco. Maybe it's narrower than the first Uigeadails but so far, so good. And I enjoy these black olives that come out after ten minutes. With water: swims perfectly. Putty, almonds, seashells... Mouth (neat): it's perfect. Simple, but perfect. Impressive mouth feel. Lemon zests, bitter herbs, tar, brine and liquorice. It's certainly less rich and opulent than the first Uigeadails from ten years ago, but I'm not sure it's lost anything. I enjoy this more chiselled style. With water: smoother, with some orange blossom honey, but the tarry and liquoricy side remains big. Also kumquats and bergamots. Finish: long, with even more tar and smoke. Comments: by far my favourite current/recent official Ardbeg. I think the styles change a bit, but quality remains evenly high, if I may say so.

Gal Granov (90)

Colour: Gold.

Nose: Peat overshadowed by the Oloroso notes. leather and sweet fruits. Less peaty on the nose than the YU but smoky, even if less smoky. Hints of Orange marmalade.

Palate: Mouth coating with spice and sweet Demerara sugar hitting the palate along with smoke, and some Marmalade.

Finish: Intense smoke, ashes off a distant wood fire, less winey notes, the espresso is really toned down in comparison wit the YU. Long, smoke just last forever.