Whisky, food, the great outdoors – what more could you want?
The Distillery
Last month, I was given the opportunity to visit the wonderful Torabhaig Distillery on the Isle of Skye. Everyone knows that this is my favourite whiskey, so how could I say no?!
What can I tell you about the distillery and the island in general? Well, it is absolutely beautiful, for a start. Alongside, what seems like, the million shades of green that surround this picturesque distillery, is the sound and smell of the Allt Breacach and the Allt Gleann, the spring water sources, the second of which is the namesake for expressions 2. They really did pick their location well.
The distillery, which is the second ever licensed Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye, is situated in a building rich with history and local lore (including a few ghosts and ghouls, such as the Green Lady!). It is an old farmstead built from the long-abandoned ruins of Castiel Chamuis (Castle Chamuis). The use of the bricks from the old fortress, perfectly links back to Torabhaigs notion that Single Malt Scotch is inextricably linked to where it is made – the water, the land, all of it. The whole distillery is rife with tradition and heritage, with Gaelic greetings at every turn. Restoration and transformation were completed in 2017, and they have been creating their delicious dram ever since, and I am forever grateful!
There are 9 distillers working at Torabhaig, and we had the privilege of talking to two of them (Neil and Douglas). They told us all about their Journeyman’s Dram, where each of them gets to produce their own whisky. The only rule, “make sure it’s legal”! The first of these is due to be released this year, made unpeated with Chocolate Barley, it sounds delicious!
Working from their two copper pot stills, Torabhaig are currently on their 4th release of the Torabhaig Legacy Series and each expression works towards exactly that, building on the rich and fertile heritage of Skye. They have carefully curated a house style that perfectly represents them and shines through in each of the expressions – deceptively peaty with a focus on honing the bonfire smoke of peat, rather than the medical herbal aspects. They describe this as “Well-Tempered Peat” and I think this hits the nail on the head!
Torabhaig Allt Glean was the first expression of Torabhaig that I tried, it was gifted to me by a wonderful friend, and I have been in love since. One of my fondest memories was celebrating a friend’s birthday on a beach and drinking this wonderful whisky – it was just the perfect pairing for the perfect day. Now I get to add to this with my memories from Skye! This whisky has a delicious perceived salinity, perfectly cushioned by bonfire smoke and maltiness. Imagine that, but x10 for the Allt Glean Batch Strength, at 61.1%, all those well-honed characteristics are elevated with a nice punch.
After trying both of these, I didn’t think anything could replace them as No.1 for me, but then I tried to Cnoc Na Moine. The evolution of the Allt Glean, but aged in Bourbon American Oak, Olorosso and Pedro Ximinez Casks adding more complexity and richness. Now that sounds like the perfect dram for me. This “Hill of Peat” dram has a delightful richness, but still very much stays true to that sought after “house style” of Well-Tempered Peat. The salinity and richness together perfectly represent the aura of Skye.
The Experience
But this trip, however, wasn’t just about the whisky – it was about experiencing the Isle of Skye; the nature, the culture, the food. We drank whisky on the cliff edges, hiked through sheep fields and revelled in the strong winds! What more do you need to make you feel alive? Even just driving around this awe-inspiring place is an incredible experience, the landscape is just breath taking at every turn (there's also cows!).
Also, the food is some of the freshest around – I had what was, hands down, the best piece of salmon I have ever had at Red Skye Restaurant. This restaurant, once an old schoolhouse, had a lovely cosey, homey atmosphere. If you are lucky enough to be able to get into this very popular restaurant (we almost didn’t), I guarantee that you will not be disappointed. Also, don’t forget to stop off at Glen Rowan Café for some particularly sublime cakes (make sure to keep an eye out for Nessy!).
This whole experience solidified my love for Torabhaig, and really showcased their desire to show the wildness and culture of Skye through their spirit!
Click here to view our whole Torabhaig Collection.
