Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) vs Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1
DistilleryArdbegTomatin
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%46%
Age16 yr36 yr
Price£499£494.02
Rating4.82/55.00/5

Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner65/100
Value10/100

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner60/100
Value10/100

Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.82).

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 is better value at £494 vs £499.

For beginners: Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) is more approachable (65/100 beginner score).

Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£499 vs £494.02)
  • Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

Pros

  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£494.02 vs £499)
  • +Longer maturation (36 vs 16 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Tomatin?

Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Vanilla

Only Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)

SmokeyMedicinalFresh FruitOily

Only Tomatin 36 Year Old 1977 - Batch 1

ChocolateOld WoodSherriedToasted

Explore more