In this latest installment of our side-by-side whisky comparison series, we delve into the world of Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa, two exceptional peaty expressions from the renowned Ardbeg distillery. Peaty Ardbeg has unquestionably earned its status as a cult favourite globally in recent years. Whisky enthusiasts eagerly anticipate each Ardbeg Day, hoping for a special release to capture their hearts.
Yet, while the limited editions are indeed enticing, Iit is the core range that truly shines. These readily available, relatively affordable bottles are the true stars of the Ardbeg show. John’s favourite is the formidable Uigeadail, while I have a soft spot for the softer An Oa whisky.
What could be more enjoyable than a head-to-head comparison of these two peat-driven titans? It’s my favourite versus John’s favourite, and we’re about to uncover the nuances that set them apart.
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Ardbeg An Oa Whisky
Let’s begin with the Ardbeg An Oa whisky, a pivotal addition to the core range since 2009. Named after the Mull of Oa in the southwestern part of Islay, this expression draws its inspiration from the Mull’s ability to shield the Kildaton from the harshest Atlantic storms, marking the island’s southernmost point.
The maturation process of Ardbeg An Oa involves a blend of casks, including PX, charred virgin oak, and ex-bourbon. These elements harmoniously meld in Dr. Bill Lumsden’s innovative French oak ‘Gathering Vat.’ Notably, Ardbeg An Oa remains unchill-filtered, preserving its full character and complexity.
Ardbeg Uigeadail Whisky
On the other hand, the name Ardbeg Uigeadail whisky originates from the Scottish Gaelic phrase meaning ‘dark and mysterious place,’ paying homage to the loch from which Ardbeg sources its peat-laden waters. This particular expression marries the traditional smokiness associated with Ardbeg with the rich, raisiny notes imparted by old ex-Sherry casks.
Launched in 2003, it has consistently garnered awards, a testament to its exceptional quality.
In a milestone year, 2009, Ardbeg Uigeadail was bestowed the title of ‘World Whisky of the Year’ by Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible.
Murray lauded its “utter silky brilliance” and the “complexity on a level only a handful of distilleries in the world can even dream of reaching.” This whisky holds a special place in the hearts of connoisseurs.
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Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa Whisky
| Ardbeg An Oa | Ardbeg Uigeadail |
|
|---|---|---|
| Region | Islay Whisky | Islay Whisky |
| ABV | 46.6% | 54.2% |
| Colour | Light gold | Light amber |
| Nose | Peat, creamy honey, salted liquorice with hints of cough syrup. In the middle sweet vanilla floats about mingling with bits of toasted nuts and pine needles. It’s complex, subtle and different all at once. Faint smoke lurks around. | Peat hits you like a wet cloth in the face. Smoke, iodine and medicinal notes follow soon after. You know you are dealing with an Ardbeg! Raisins, hints of honey and spice follow in the background. It's complex and rich. |
| Palate | Ash, peat, soft honey, sweet vanilla and cinnamon sugar, hints of chocolate and toasted oak. Faint hints of lemon pepper. It’s smooth and velvety. Water softens the few rough edges and adds more sweetness. | A huge mouthful of peat! Malt, fruity sweetness and bonfire. Peat and smoke fill your mouth. Notes of sherry and Christmas cake come through. Some medicinal notes and dark chocolate. |
| Finish | Smoothly with a long and lingering finish that hug and comfort you like a favourite jersey. Filled with sweetness and bits of nut. | The finish is long and lingering. Starting off with raisins and honey it ends with notes of smoke, pepper and espresso. Along the way, it evolves in complexity and richness and continues long after you have swallowed. |
| My Rating | Divine | Excellent |
| Comments | Rich and comforting. | The finish is beautiful! |
| Price | $65 | $90 |
| Pairs well with | Strong Cheese, salmon sashimi and pulled pork | Roquefort cheese, smoked lamb or very dark chocolate |
Now, picture this: a delightful afternoon on the patio tasting and debating which of these two remarkable whiskies reign supreme. Fortunately, we had a friend visiting from Australia, a fellow peat enthusiast, who proved the perfect addition to our tasting panel.
Uigeadail is a powerhouse, boasting bold, in-your-face peat intertwined with salt and medicinal notes. In contrast, Ardbeg An Oa exudes an elegance where peat is gracefully balanced by sweetness and gentle sea breezes. Both are undeniably delicious in their own right.
However, the An Oa’s creamy sweetness and balanced complexity tip the scales slightly in its favour. It’s the kind of whisky that’s eminently approachable (so much so that we nearly polished off the entire bottle). Yet, it harbours a complexity that keeps you intrigued with every sip.
And as luck would have it, I had some blue cheese and crackers on hand. The pairing of this robust cheese with the peaty elixir created a symphony of flavours that can only be described as a moment of perfection dancing on your taste buds.
There’s no definitive winner in the debate of Ardbeg Uigeadail vs An Oa; it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whether you favour the bold, smoky embrace of Uigeadail or the elegant complexity of An Oa, both whiskies are a testament to Ardbeg’s mastery in crafting exceptional peated spirits.
So, gather your friends, pour a dram of each, and embark on your own journey to discover which one speaks to your heart the loudest.
I have also looked at the side by side comparison between Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Uigeadail whisky and evaluated their differences.
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The problem is that not all Uigeadails are equal, which is a p(ea)ity.
My first, other than all the other things that make Aardberg a great pedigree, to mention a few things had the complexity of burning incense, wintergreen, cinnamon and bluegum bark splitting after a drought in the middle of summer as it’s unique essence and in the Southern Hemisphere, those experiences spell Christmas!
It had the bones of a typical Aardberg and there were flavours not only in perfect ratios, but they’d also combined harmoniously together. That first bottle stole my heart from my absolute favourite Islay malt of fifteen years, the Lagavulin 16. The second bottle I’d bought confirmed it’s heavenly-like brilliance.
But unfortunately then.. I had a bouquet of really good stuff that never quite had lived back up to the original hype. Some say it’s because the old barrels and ancient whiskies have since been depleted. Maybe I had a brief fling. I don’t know for sure.
It still is definitely good, but the best qualities that made it ethereal have since been replaced by what I can only describe as dirty socks left to baste in old American Bourban casks and yet, I will always remember (I take photos and notes) that comparing the four Aardbergs in the core range, that the Uigeadail truly stood out.
P.s: Looking forward to the bottle that proves me wrong about its consistency!
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Free is best. My neighbor bought the An Oa (note, not superfluous U) and let me drink it for free. Goes well with Nicaragua cigars.
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