Torabhaig Taigh

The Distillery at Torabhaig is the second ever licenced Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery on the Isle of Skye. The Excise Act of 1823 first sanctioned legal whisky distilling in Scotland almost 200 years ago, with the first licence on Skye being granted not long thereafter, so one could say it was about time.

Single Malt Scotch Whisky is inextricably linked to its place of origin, perhaps more so than any other product. The water, the land, the climate, all play a role in the character of the whisky. All these factors are also vitally important in planning a new distillery. Simply put, you cannot just build a distillery anywhere.

Some time ago, the old farmstead at Torabhaig was identified as the perfect location for a small, traditional distillery. All the factors needed to make good, robust island whisky were in place, right down to the Allt Breacach and the Allt Gleann, the burns that feed the site with the purest island spring water. The location was also fortunate to have a handsome, rugged building, rich in history and local lore. 200 years or so ago, the stone that forms this building was hauled up from the ruined castle in the bay, by horse and cart. Men toiled from dawn till dusk building this Steading which was to stand the test of time for the next 150 years or so until farming practices changed.

Our 19th century building has now been fully restored to hold the gorgeous copper stills and traditional wooden washbacks that allow Torabhaig to produce whisky here for the next two hundred years, even having built in a roof that can removed so that in time the pot stills can be replaced without disturbing the old building again.

After a painstaking 4-year restoration and build, Torabhaig has been a fully operational Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery since January 2017, the second ever on the Isle of Skye.

Taigh is the first core expression from Torabhaig - the signature release and the purest reflection of the house style, ‘Smoke with Taste’.

Crafted to be elegant, expressive and welcoming, Taigh is matured in a considered combination of First Fill Bourbon barrels, Refill Bourbon casks and select Madeira casks, bringing balance, softness and depth to our gently peated spirit.

Torabhaig favour first-fill ex-Bourbon casks as the perfect partner for their style - drawing out notes of vanilla, sweet spice and honey that harmonise with subtle coastal smoke. Refill casks allow the distillery character to shine through, while the Madeira influence lends a rounded fruit sweetness and warmth. 

The result is a whisky that invites you in. On the nose, soft seaside embers and flint smoke meet baked apple, maple syrup and gentle spice. The palate is smooth and lightly oily, with vanilla custard, toasted almond and sweet dried fruits wrapped in elegant smoke. The finish is warm and lingering, with cinnamon, clove and a persistent, welcoming glow.

Bottled at 46% without chill-filtration or colouring.

Nose: Seaside embers and flint smoke are balanced by earthy woodland notes, evoking an autumnal forest walk. Sweet layers of baked apple pie, maple syrup, and gentle raisin richness emerge, alongside a touch of clove, cinnamon spice, and a hint of cereal biscuit.

Palate: Light to medium-bodied, with soft smoke wrapped in vanilla custard, toasted almond and sweet dried fruits, all carried on a smooth, oily texture.

Finish: Gentle yet spirited, with toasted oak and a sprightly touch of tannin. Lingering vanilla and red fruits mingle with cinnamon and clove spice, before settling into a persistent, pleasant smoke that rounds it off with both warmth and approachability.