Whisky Names Explained: Ardbeg Uigeadail

Monday, 06 October 2025 at 15:03

It's time once again to dissect the etymology of a whisky name. This week, we're featuring a unique Ardbeg. This time th one by the name of "Uigeadail." Incidentally, the distillery named this whisky after its origin point, the source from which all its whiskies are born.

Ardbeg boasts an array of whiskies, all intertwined with hints (and often more than just hints) of peat and smoke. In this edition of "Whisky Names Explained," we delve into the origin of that peaty gusto, and the role Ardbeg Uigeadail plays in it.

Dark and Mysterious

Ardbeg Uigeadail is named after an immeasurably crucial location. To the north of the Islay distillery lies a loch that has served for centuries as the primary water source for Ardbeg. As you may have guessed, this loch is named Uigeadail.

The Gaelic translation of 'Uigeadail' (pronounced Oog-a-dal) is 'dark and mysterious', attributes inspired by the loch's strikingly deep, shadowy waters. The loch itself is 500 meters long, 300 meters wide, and sits about 800 feet above sea level. Its water contains peat, imparting a distinct character to Ardbeg whiskies.

Ardbeg whisky is crafted from malted barley that's peated to around 50 phenol parts per million. At the distillery, the barley's mashed with water from Loch Uigeadail before being fermented in special Oregon Pine washbacks.

Curious about Ardbeg Uigeadail? Get your bottle here.

Ardbeg Uigeadail

Ardbeg's hallmark flavor shines through in this golden-amber dram from the Islay distillery. This time, it mingles the distinct peaty notes with sweeter ones derived from sherry casks. Bottled at 54.2 percent ABV, the result is a well-rounded, complex whisky with a rich flavor profile. From sweet to spicy to smoky, its tasting notes are quite diverse:

Nose: Powerful and complex, with smoky scents mingling with notes of peat, walnut oil, maritime herbs, pine needles, coal fire, and tanned leather. The sweetness of syrup waffles, espresso, and chocolate raisins weave in and out.
Palate: Full-bodied and rich, striking a balance between sweetness, spice, and deep smoky flavors. Initially, the sweetness emerges, but then a burst of smoky spices, licorice, honey, and syrup takes over.
Finish: Very long and robust, with lingering notes of raisin, mocha, and smoke.

Ardbeg Uigeadail was unveiled when non-age statement whiskies were yet to capture popular fancy. Still, among 120,000 Ardbeg Committee members, this was named the favorite. It has won numerous accolades, including Whisky of the Year 2021 with a score of 95.9 points.