Distilled in 1990 at the historic Ardbeg Distillery – founded in 1815 on the windswept Isle of Islay – Airigh Nam Beist represents a pivotal early release in the distillery’s modern revival. Named for the loch central to Ardbeg’s water source, this vintage expression showcases the distillery’s signature powerfully peated character, balanced by a surprising honeyed sweetness. The 1990 vintage offers a rich, oily mouthfeel with notes of tarry smoke and citric brightness, embodying the classic Islay profile for which Ardbeg is renowned. Bottled in 2006 at 46% ABV, ‘the Beist’ – pronounced ‘Arry nam Baysht’ – is now a highly sought-after expression from a distillery steeped in tradition.