In the world of peaty whiskies, the battle of the Titans takes centre stage today as we delve into the intriguing matchup of the Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Islay single malt Scotch whisky. These two expressions from the renowned Ardbeg distillery are not for the faint of heart. Deciding a favourite between them might be challenging.
Ardbeg, hailed as a bastion for bold, peated, and complex whiskies, has garnered a cult following, especially among peat enthusiasts.
The Ardbeg distillery is a Scotch whisky distillery on the south coast of the isle of Islay. The distillery is part of the Louis Vuitton stable, that also includes the Glenmorangie distillery.
All the malt for Ardbeg is peated to a level of 50ppm. There have been no floor maltings at Ardbeg since 1981, so all the malt that is used in production comes from the maltings in the village of Port Ellen.
I have examined the difference between the Ardbeg 10 yo and An Oa, and there are pronounced differences. The differences between the Uigeadail and the Corryvreckan seem less clear in my individual tasting notes.
The Corryvreckan and Uigeadail are part of the Ardbeg core range together with the An Oa and the Ardbeg 10 yo whisky.
However, today, I shine the spotlight on the Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Uigeadail whiskies from their core range, exploring the nuances that set them apart.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan Whisky
Let’s kick off our expedition with the Corryvreckan, often regarded as the embodiment of the untamed spirit of Islay. Released in 2008 to succeed Airigh Nam Beist, this non-chill-filtered dram takes its name from the notorious whirlpool north of Islay.
Matured in a blend of French oak and Burgundy wine casks, the Corryvreckan Islay single malt Scotch whisky is a non-age statement (NAS) release. It has a peat level ranging between 50-55 ppm.
Ardbeg Uigeadail Whisky
On the opposing side, we have the Uigeadail, a name derived from the Scottish Gaelic for ‘dark and mysterious place,’ paying homage to the loch that provides Ardbeg with its peat-laden waters.
Launched around 2003, this award-winning expression is non-chill-filtered and matured in ex-sherry and ex-bourbon barrels. The Uigeadail Islay single malt Scotch whisky has a peat level of around 50 ppm.
Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail Whisky
| Ardbeg Corryvreckan | Ardbeg Uigeadail | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Islay Whisky | Islay Whisky |
| ABV | 57.3% | 54.2% |
| Colour | Dark amber | Light amber |
| Nose | Peat even at a distance. Earthy peat, smoke and sea salt come through. There are medicinal notes with some creamy butter, hints of sweetness, pepper, and leather. | Peat hits you like a wet cloth in the face. Smoke, iodine, and medicinal notes will follow soon after. Raisins, hints of honey and spice follow in the background. |
| Palate | At first, it tastes like having a peat bog in your mouth. The initial notes are followed by liquorice and vanilla. There are smoke, tar and medicinal notes mixed with ash and wood. This whisky is wonderfully smooth with hints of salt, lemon pepper and a little fresh fruit. | A big and bold mouthful whisky. Peat, drying ash and smoke fill your mouth. Notes of sherry and Christmas cake mixed with honey and dark chocolate. |
| Finish | Long and lingering. There are notes of fishy peat, spice, pepper and toffee. Oak and vanilla float about. Smoke and salt at the finish. | Long and lingering. Raisins and honey, pepper and espresso. Along the way, it evolves in complexity and richness and continues long after you have swallowed. |
| My Rating | Divine | Excellent |
| Price | £61 | £51 |
As we uncork these two formidable drams, both are memorable and robust. They definitely are not suitable for novice whisky drinkers. Each delivers the quintessential Islay experience with potent peat, iodine notes, and a symphony of smoke, ash, and wood. Despite their high alcohol by volume (ABV), neither succumbs to overpowering alcohol heat.
The Corryvreckan showcases a more traditional Islay influence. It echoes the ocean with notes of seaweed, sea salt, and wet fishy peat. Bold smoke and hints of lemon pepper dance on the palate, creating captivating flavours.
In contrast, the Uigeadail takes a different route, offering fruitier notes and a sweeter profile with a touch of medicinal peat. Old leather, espresso, Christmas cake, and dark chocolate come together harmoniously. Its elegance is apparent without compromising on the inherent boldness of Islay peat.
Personal taste plays a pivotal role in the subjective world of whisky preferences. For some, the Corryvreckan’s in-your-face boldness and pronounced peat might be the pinnacle of Islay perfection. On the flip side, the Uigeadail, with its more refined and elegant character, captures the hearts of those seeking a sweeter, sherry-influenced experience.
Personally, the Uigeadail resonated more with my palate, thanks to its delightful sherry notes. In John’s case, the Corryvreckan emerged victorious. He enjoyed the bolder, medicinal nuances it offered.
The beauty of this showdown lies in the diversity of flavours, ensuring that there’s an Ardbeg for every discerning whisky lover. Whether you lean towards the untamed seas of the Corryvreckan or the dark mysteries of the Uigeadail, one thing is sure – Ardbeg has once again proven its prowess in crafting exceptional peated whiskies.
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Alex
I’m confused by the scoring. Why did the Corry get a Divine and the Oogie an Excellent if you liked the Oogie better? How do you do the scoring, and how do you weight John’s opinion along with your own in the final score?