95+ International Whisky Competition - International Whisky Competition

TOP 15 Whiskies of 2021... #1. Ardbeg Uigeadail - 95.9 Pts

95 Malt Advocate

Ardbeg Uigeadail, 54.2% With the Ardbeg 17 year old off the market, its nice to see a new Ardbeg in the line-up. Uigeadail costs about the same as the Ardbeg 17 did but, with Uigeadail, you re getting a much more interesting whisky. Uigeadail consists of a marriage of younger whisky (from 1990 and 1993) with much older whisky matured in sherry casks. The marriage works exceptionally well, with the younger whiskies providing the classic Ardbeg intensity many of us have come to expect, while the older whiskies contribute depth, maturity, and complexity. And bottling the whisky at cask-strength without chill-filtration ensures that none of the flavors are stripped out. This is an incredibly complex Islay whisky, with its bonfire smoke, brine, and peppered olive notes balanced by a taming sweetness of vanilla, marshmallow, and toffee. Interwoven notes of candied fruit and sugared almonds round out the palate. Incredibly long finish.

95 Wine Enthusiast

This pale gold whisky has an assertive, peaty scent. On the palate, the smokiness is more restrained, showing up as toasted coconut and mouthwatering olive brine. Tinges of dark chocolate and smoked almond emerge on the exhale. — Kara Newman

94 The Tasting Panel

It opens with a salty marine perfume surrounding vanilla and blueberry. Chocolate covered cherries, black pepper, and earthy clay revel with an unveiling of baked agave. Creamy, with lilac tones on the streamlined finish.

90 The Whisky Advocate

A coastal smokiness with iodine and antiseptic, balanced with graham cracker, wood spice, Golden Delicious apple, fresh oak shavings, and a hint of fudge. The palate is a pleasing combination of sweet vanilla, dried mango, and condensed milk, layered with honey, caramel, toffee, and a sustained note of peppery spice, before wallowing in flavors of chocolate muffin, peat smoke, Brazil nut, and Lotus Biscoff in the finish.

89 The Whisky Advocate

Lapsang souchong, tarry ropes, hot tires on asphalt, red chile, and peppermint—the smoke is in charge here. This is perfectly drinkable at cask strength, with an initial burst of red fruit flavors, cherry, plum, damson, and fig, backed with chocolate and peppery spice. As the pepperiness releases its grip, there’s tobacco, coffee bean, nutmeg, and leather, with toasted oak and cacao on a long spicy finish.

10 The Whiskey Wash

When you consider the number of barrels Heaven Hill’s team manages year after year, you’ve got a proper case of maturing bourbon craftsmanship in this release. It hits everything it needs to and goes beyond to showcase its elder status. Get yourself a bottle if you can bear the pain of what the market sees its value at, or at least try a considered pour if you find it on a whiskey bar list somewhere.

97 International Wine & Spirit Competition - International Wine & Spirit Competition

Rose, lychee, and refreshing florals shine through on the nose, leading to a balanced and intense palate. A hint of heat on the finish adds depth to the oak texture and Kofi grip, unveiling rich citrus with water.

95 Jim Murray - WHISKEY BIBLE

IRISH SINGLE MALT OF THE YEAR 2015.

92 The Whisky Advocate

Deep amber color. Richly flavored aroma, with notes of toffee, raisins, dates, honeyed malt, and demerara rum. Medium in body and richly textured. Toffee & rum-like flavors entertain the palate first, followed by chocolate covered raisins and dates. The whiskey then begins to dry out mid-palate, as the 21 years in oak becomes evident, contributing notes of vanilla and subtle mint. Dry finish with lingering notes of oak and polished leather. Style: Irish single malt whiskey. Price: about $120. Available in select markets. This is a delicious whiskey that should appeal to both the Irish and Scotch whisk(e)y drinker. Aged initially in sherry and bourbon casks, the whiskey was then finished in Madeira casks. It is complex in flavor and very well balanced. It is one of the best Irish whiskeys on the market. This whiskey has been a long time comin', but it was worth the wait.

90-95 Wine Enthusiast

The first aromatic blast is seductively anise-like, then it mellows, turning softer, more herbal, and plumper. At palate entry the intensely bitter taste of anise both enlivens and cleanses the palate; at midpalate the pleasant sting of alcohol and the zest of rooty/woodsy botanicals make for memorable imbibing. Finishes elegant and smooth.