Whisky firm scoops award double

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A Scottish single malt has been awarded the title of World Whisky of the Year by the Whisky Bible 2009.

Ardbeg Uigeadail was given the award, making it a double for the Ardbeg distillery, on the island of Islay, which scooped the same title last year.

Jim Murray, the guide's author, tasted 1,500 whiskies over the past year before reaching his decision.

Ardbeg Uigeadail received 97.5 points out of 100, the highest rating ever awarded by Mr Murray.

He described the tipple as being "mind boggling complex" and said tasting it was "one of the great moments in my whisky life".

The expert said in the guide: "From the utter silky brilliance of the delivery to the multi-layered middle, this simply oozes complexity, and on a level only a handful of distilleries in the world can even dream of reaching."

The 2009 accolade comes after the company scooped the award last year for Ardbeg Ten Years Old.

'Top dog'

Hamish Torrie, Ardbeg brand director, said the award was a tribute to the distillery team's dedication and skill.

"For Ardbeg to get 'top dog' recognition for the second year in a row, after such a comprehensive look at all the new whiskies that have come out recently, is some feat," he said.

"What really pleases us about 'winning the double' is that both are not rare, unattainable connoisseur whiskies costing hundreds of pounds.

"Ardbeg Ten Years Old and Ardbeg Uigeadail are core to our range and widely available."

Ardbeg has been produced since 1815 on Islay, off the west coast of Scotland, a site famous for its many whisky distilleries.

Ardbeg Uigeadail takes its name from the hill loch which supplies the peat-laden water to the distillery.

The brand was purchased by the Glenmorangie company in 1997.