Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) vs The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
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

The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
The Macallan
★ 5.00
£399
| Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) | The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 43% |
| Age | 16 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £499 | £399 |
| Rating | 4.82/5 | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Quick verdict
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.82).
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) is better value at £399 vs £499.
For beginners: The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) 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
- +More widely reviewed by the community
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£499 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (4.8 vs 5.0)
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£399 vs £499)
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 The?
The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)
Only The Macallan 18 Year Old Triple Cask (2019 Release)