Ardbeg takes you to a "dark, mysterious place" with the Uigeadail and regardless of how you feel about peated whiskies, this particular bottle is just full of surprises. Despite not having an age statement, drinking this cask strength Scotch is like sitting down next to a fireplace on a cold winter night and opening up the Lord of the Rings for the first time. Each warming sip is like a new chapter that leaves you hanging and beckoning to continue. It begins with tobacco leaves on the nose from Gandalf's pipe followed by a scent of smoked back bacon wafting from a kitchen in Hobbiton in preparation for Bilbo's 111st birthday. Under that layer enters some sweetness - toasted malt, toffee, maple syrup, and vanilla pudding - a likely dessert found at the Prancing Pony. On the palate, you take a detour to Belegaer - the Great Sea - where the salted air hits your tongue along with some pepper; but don't worry, the shore is nearby and then comes the eventual honey and zesty notes. As you allow for the finish to linger, you reach Minas Tirith by boat - the salt diminishes, smoked bacon returns to your palate, followed by some blades of grass from Pelennor Fields, a bit of lime zest, butter from a nearby bakery, and lastly, sweet confectioners' sugar. Your journey through Middle-Earth is complete. I'm honestly surprised by this whisky. Ardbeg has really knocked this one out of the park. At first you may be intimidated by the smoke and peat when you pop off the cork (as you should because I'd imagine that's what Mordor would smell like), but once poured, it is quite subtle! There's just so many layers and depth to each dram that made every sip such an adventure and all the more enjoyable. Ardbeg's Wee Beastie 5 Year was already a treat, but when you take something good, age it in some quality ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, you get the Uigeadail. Adding a touch of water opened this whisky up so much more as well. Immediately the nose becomes less peated, the tobacco is slightly more prevalent, but the caramel and toffee notes steal the show. Even the palate and finish becomes less salty and more sweet. This is damn good Scotch and Ardbeg has earned themselves a new advocate. Like reading the Lord of the Rings, drinking the Uigeadail requires time and attention to detail. You will enjoy it - trust me! And the road goes ever on and on.. down from the dram where it began.. NOSE: Hickory, peat, smoked back bacon, toasted malt, toffee, prunes, maple syrup, tobacco leaves, caramel, vanilla pudding PALATE: Sea salt, honey, honeydew, white pepper, lime, orange zest FINISH: Sea salt, brine, smoked bacon, grass, lime, European butter, confectioners' sugar Rating: 95/100 Grade: A Exceptional - Superior in every way.