Ardbeg – Uigeadail (75cl, 54.2%)

This is an Islay single malt from Ardbeg, bottled at a cask strength of 54.2% ABV without chill filtration, in a 75cl bottle. It is made from malted barley peated to about 50 ppm. Uigeadail marries spirit aged in ex-bourbon barrels with spirit matured in ex-oloroso sherry casks. The name comes from Loch Uigeadail, the distillery's water source. The nose opens with Christmas cake, dried fruit, walnut oil and honeyed smoke, then cedar, pine needles and a briny note. The palate has salted caramel, treacle, dark chocolate, winter spice, tobacco and candied orange peel. The finish is extremely long, with cocoa, sea salt and fading campfire smoke.