Origin: Isle of Skye (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 56.7%ABV
Ageing cask: Ex-Bourbon 1st fill
Chillfiltered: No
Additional coloring: No
Owner: Dram Mor Group
Average price: € 90.00
Official website: drammorgroup.com
Part of the autumn 2025 releases from the Scottish bottler Dràm Mòr, here is my first independent Torabhaig, the other distillery on the Isle of Skye.
Single cask ex-bourbon first fill with 241 cask strength bottles produced from a distillate from 2018, which is just one year after production began (cask #1160, for the record). Very, very curious to try it.
Tasting Notes
So much bacon on the nose, but also roasted shank with aromatic herbs (thyme, marjoram, rosemary), Taggiasca olives in brine, and chimney smoke. Coastal evocations are not lacking, with smoked mussels, lemon oysters, and rocks washed by the ocean, while the softer aspects of pastry cream, sweet licorice, and dried apricots take a back seat. Hints of black pepper and nutmeg. A slight balsamic and medicinal vein runs through the aromas, almost reminiscent of Vicks Vaporub. Intense yet balanced, with a perfectly integrated alcohol content.
The strength remains centered on the palate, opening up to bold spices (black pepper, ginger, chili) that echo the thread of peat, more maritime than meaty. Significant salinity with a strong brine, an umami richness in the background but well-present and hearty, while the pastry aspects seem somewhat muted. More pronounced licorice, along with burnt caramel and toasted herbs, with citrus notes (dried orange) in the background. Toasted wood and a balsamic thread linger on.
Finale quite long, spicy and salty, between land and sea, with bitter notes and intense smoky and sparkling sensations thanks to the more evident citrus notes.
Review: Young yet full and entertaining like I had never encountered in original bottlings before, with the island character carried with pride and originality.
Vote: 85/100