Ardbeg – Uigeadail (54.2%)

Ardbeg Uigeadail is an Islay single malt bottled at 54.2%. It was the first higher-strength Ardbeg released after the distillery reopened. It is made from 90% whisky matured in ex-bourbon casks and 10% from sherry casks, with the malts in both parts aged 10 years. That makes it somewhat fruitier and softer than the 10 Year Old. The nose begins with plenty of smoke, then fruity sherry sweetness moving to tobacco and espresso. Water brings out bourbon-cask vanilla and toasted-oak caramel. The palate has sweet malt and some oiliness beneath the smoke. The finish is long, smoky and aromatic, with sherry returning at the very end.