A 1990 vintage Airigh Nam Beist is a delicious bottling from the ongoing success story that is Ardbeg. Sadly, now discontinued due to exhausted stocks, ‘the Beist’ was an extremely popular Ardbeg, with an assertive and powerful peatiness and a lovely honeyed edge. Oh, and to avoid further confusion, it’s pronounced ‘Arry nam Baysht’. Nose:A sweet burst of vanilla, strong notes of sea-salt as to be expected with an Islaysingle malt. Palate:Once more a sweetness associated with vanilla, followed by a smoky, peaty intensity. Warming on the palate with a slight creamy impact. A salty citrus, think lemons and seaweed nicely integrated with the peat. A sweet aftertaste vanilla with notes of chocolate. Finish:Long and pleasant, a prevailing note of liquorice and smoke.