Origin: Isle of Skye (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon and ex-Sherry
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Mossburn Distillers
Average price: € 80,00
Official website: www.torabhaig.com
The third chapter in the Legacy series from Torabhaig, Skye’s “other” distillery, following on after two years from Allt Gleann (and its cask strength version) released in 2022.
This is the first time the distillery has used ex-sherry casks for maturation (not finishing), and as always, they are very transparent in describing the production of this “peat hill”: 78.4ppm initially compared to 19.7ppm in the bottle, Concerto and Anchor barley, Pinnacle and Anchor yeasts for long fermentation, slow distillation with a not too wide cut of the heart.
In mid-2025, the fourth (and theoretically last) chapter, Sound of Sleat, was released, soon to be featured on these pages.
Tasting Notes
Initially more alcoholic than expected on the nose, with an earthy spirit suspended between mould and undergrowth, in which peat delicately expresses itself in the burnt wood at the end of a bonfire. Citrus fruits (blood orange, bergamot), apple juice, toasted marshmallows, blackberry compote, lime blossom honey, vanilla, tea leaves and a sprinkling of spices (nutmeg, cinnamon). A mineral and coastal vein (from wet rocks) permeates the aromas. Between land and sea.
On the palate, the slightly pungent sensation of alcohol returns, with the peat more lively than on the nose and always accompanied by burnt embers, combined with burnt sugary sensations. More marshmallow on the flame with marzipan, sweet liquorice, candied fruit (apple, orange, pineapple), ginger (candied and fresh), black pepper, currants and vanilla. Very evident vegetal notes, including tea leaves, tobacco, a hint of celery and a drop of seed oil, with a vague impression of a Barbour jacket. Long finish, intense minerality with salty notes.
Not a very long, dry finish, with ginger, sweet liquorice, toasted almonds, candied fruit, ash and slight coastal notes.
Review: A little messy and unfocused, it struggles to find a precise identity, suspended between intense sweetness and vegetal notes, with the peat seeming to play a supporting role rather than characterising the distillate.
Vote: 82/100