Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) vs Glenmorangie 25 Year Old - Quarter Century
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)
Ardbeg
★ 4.82
£499

Glenmorangie 25 Year Old - Quarter Century
Glenmorangie
★ 4.32
£799
| Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) | Glenmorangie 25 Year Old - Quarter Century | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Glenmorangie |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 43% |
| Age | 16 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £499 | £799 |
| Rating | 4.82/5 | 4.32/5 |
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)
Glenmorangie 25 Year Old - Quarter Century
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)
Glenmorangie 25 Year Old - Quarter Century
Quick verdict
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) is rated higher (4.82 vs 4.32).
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) is better value at £499 vs £799.
For beginners: Glenmorangie 25 Year Old - Quarter Century is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Glenmorangie 25 Year Old - Quarter Century
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 16 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£799 vs £499)
- −Lower community rating (4.3 vs 4.8)
- −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 Glenmorangie?
Glenmorangie 25 Year Old - Quarter Century suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)
Only Glenmorangie 25 Year Old - Quarter Century