Review 131: Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist

First and foremost, this is pronounced "arry nam baysht." I'm sure that helps loads... Myself and many others simply call it the "Nam Beast." Anyway, this was one of the limited release Ardbegs and is comprised of vintage 1990 whisky from a range of casks.

Ardbeg Airigh Nam Beist

Color: Amber +0

ABV: 46%

Aroma Neat:
Earthy Peat, Chili Lime Cashews, Copper, Raisins, Cinnamon (slightly), Paprika, Smoked Vanilla Pods, Agave/Good Tequila, Pickle Juice, Porcini Mushrooms, Barbecued Pork, Brown Sugar, Ground White Pepper, Cereal Grains, Honey/Smoked Fish.

Comes across as a bit tame and closed-off at first, especially for an Ardbeg. With some time a bizarre menagerie of aromas emerges. It's a little helter skelter, though. I'm at once impressed by the complexity, but I also don't really feel that the smells gel into a cohesive whole.

Aroma Water:
Crystallized Honey, Raisins, Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, Cracked Black Pepper, Cocoa/Chocolate Malt, Barbecued Pork, Cumin, Paprika, Creamy Malt, Gentle Vanilla, Blanco Tequila, Earthy Peat, Unwashed Mushrooms (slightly), Pickle Juice, Dates, Wax.

So weird. That's not a bad thing, but this is no dram to unwind with at the end of the day. Well, maybe it is if wild hallucinations and impossible non sequiturs calm you.

Taste Neat:
Heavy Peat, Musty/Mildewy Oak, Rich Oak/Dark Wood Sugars, Tar, Smoked Kippers, Capers/Olives (slightly), Dirty Honey, Marmite.

Still bizarre, though I appreciate the weirdness more on the palate than on the nose. It's certainly an experience!

Taste Water:
Peat, Bonfire, Ashy Fire Pit, Salty Brine, Flinty Stony Minerality, Burnt Caramel, Smoked Vanilla, Dark Chocolate Shavings, Bitter Malt.

Less off-the-wall now, but still bursting with character.

Finish:
Mineral Peat, Manure, Copper, Ashy Barrel Char, Sweet Oaky Resin, Pickle Juice/Salty Brine, Scallops, Spent Gunpowder.

Is this the real life? Medium-long duration.

Conclusion:
Impossible to sum up.

Some might call it fiercely independent, but I'll avoid the negative connotation.

Complex, confusing, and enjoyable.

Rating: 86/100

Airigh Nam Beist is a really, really interesting whisky. I appreciate its uniqueness, but I feel like this is a bottle  that I'll have around for a while. When ever I feel like touring bat country, though, I'll reach for this. Something for every mood, I suppose.

Josh