Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) vs Tomatin 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 6655) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
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
Tomatin 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 6655) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Tomatin
£750
| Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) | Tomatin 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 6655) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Tomatin |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 57.3% |
| Age | 16 yr | 31 yr |
| Price | £499 | £749.98 |
| Rating | 4.82/5 | — |
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)
Tomatin 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 6655) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)
Tomatin 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 6655) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) is rated higher (4.82 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006) is better value at £499 vs £750.
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
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (4.8/5)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Tomatin 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 6655) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 16 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (57.3%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£749.98 vs £499)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 4.8)
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 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 6655) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist 16 Year Old 1990 (bottled 2006)
Only Tomatin 31 Year Old 1988 (cask 6655) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)