For over 200 years, Ardbeg has been made on the small, remote Scottish Isle of Islay. Some people travel to Ardbeg along the winding road from Port Ellen. Others follow their nose, their destiny or the advice of a good friend.

Pronounced ‘Oog-a-dal’, it’s a special vatting that marries Ardbeg’s traditional deep, smoky notes with luscious, raisiny tones of old ex-Sherry casks. Ardbeg Uigeadail was voted by the 120,000+ strong Ardbeg Committee as their favourite Ardbeg.

Nose: Rich and weighty with heady and smoky aromatics. At full strength, the initial aroma is a beguiling mix of warm Christmas cake and walnut oil fused with fresh ocean spice, cedar and pine needles, followed by a smoky coal fire and a deep scent of well-oiled leather. The sweetness of treacle toffee and chocolate-coated raisins bring indulgence through the smoke. With water, the deep smokiness increases in intensity, reminiscent of Christmas pudding on fire; flowering currants and warm baked banana-and-walnut bread.

Palate: Full-flavoured and rich with a deep mouth-coating texture, the taste is an intriguing balance between sweet, spicy and deep smoky flavours. The flavour is initially sweet as Christmas cake begins to soak into the tongue. A burst of winter spices sets off a smoky-spicy explosion countered by a sumptuous mid-palate of honey-glazed smoked food and chewy treacle.

Finish: Amazingly long and chewy with lingering raisin, deep mocha tones and rich aromatic smoke into the perfectly integrated finish.