Torabhaig distillery

Introduction to Torabhaig

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Torabhaig is a Scottish distillery nestled on the stunning Isle of Skye, representing only the second legal distillery ever to operate on this mythical Hebridean island. Combining traditional craftsmanship with meticulous attention to detail, Torabhaig has quickly established itself as a producer of exceptional Scotch whisky that captures the wild, untamed character of its surroundings.

Located in a beautifully restored 19th-century farmstead with commanding views across the Sound of Sleat to the mountains of the Scottish mainland, Torabhaig stands as a testament to patient craftsmanship in one of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Why we have a soft spot for Torabhaig

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that bring something distinctive to the whisky world, both in flavor and identity. Torabhaig distinguishes itself through its commitment to creating a well-defined, heavily peated whisky with surprising balance and complexity.

Their unique “well-tempered peat” approach creates a whisky that, while boldly smoky, offers nuance and accessibility that sets it apart from other Skye and Islay malts. This philosophy of finding harmony in seemingly contrasting elements resonates with our own values of seeking out spirits with character and depth.

The history behind Torabhaig

Origin and development

Torabhaig Distillery was established in 2017, ending a 190-year monopoly that Talisker had enjoyed as the only distillery on Skye. The project began when Mossburn Distillers identified the historic Torabhaig farm as the perfect location to create a new chapter in Skye’s whisky heritage.

The renovation of the 200-year-old stone farm steading into a state-of-the-art distillery took nearly a decade of careful planning and execution. The team was committed to preserving the historical integrity of the building while creating a functional modern distillery capable of producing world-class whisky.

The people behind it

Torabhaig is led by a team of passionate whisky makers who combine decades of industry experience with local knowledge. Under the guidance of Master Distiller Dr. Scott Davidson and Distillery Manager Bruce Mackay, the team brings together traditional distilling techniques with innovative approaches to flavor development.

Each member of the production team plays a vital role in overseeing every aspect of whisky-making, from milling to maturation, ensuring that their “well-tempered” character is maintained throughout the process. This hands-on approach reflects a dedication to craft that is evident in every bottle released.

The craft and production

From raw material to finished product

Torabhaig’s production begins with heavily peated malted barley, phenol levels typically between 50-55ppm, sourced from trusted maltsters. The distillery employs a traditional mashing process using a semi-lauter mashtun and long fermentation times that typically exceed 72 hours, allowing the development of complex fruity esters.

Distillation takes place in two copper pot stills designed specifically to create Torabhaig’s desired spirit character. The stills feature unique boil ball designs and are run at a deliberately slow pace to maximize copper contact, helping to create a more refined spirit despite the high peat levels.

Maturation and aging

Maturation occurs predominantly in first-fill and refill bourbon barrels, carefully selected to complement the distillery’s robust spirit. The warehouses at Torabhaig experience the full force of Skye’s maritime climate, with salt-laden winds and temperature fluctuations contributing significantly to the whisky’s character during aging.

The distillery’s patient approach to maturation allows their spirit time to develop complexity while maintaining its distinctive “well-tempered” peat profile. Unlike some young peated whiskies that can be dominated by smoke, Torabhaig’s careful production methods ensure balance even in their relatively youthful releases.

Selected products from Torabhaig

Torabhaig Legacy Series 2017 – The foundation of the house style

The Legacy Series represents the first chapter in Torabhaig’s story, with each release capturing a distinct aspect of the distillery’s developing character. These initial bottlings offer enthusiasts the rare opportunity to trace the evolution of a new single malt from its earliest expressions.

Expect notes of maritime salt, citrus peel, orchard fruits, and of course, their signature “well-tempered peat” – a smoke profile that provides warmth and depth without overwhelming the palate. The mouthfeel is often surprisingly oily and rich for a young malt, a testament to their careful distillation approach.

Torabhaig Allt Gleann – An experience for connoisseurs

As Torabhaig’s portfolio expands, limited edition releases like Allt Gleann showcase specific aspects of the distillery’s character. With a focus on small batch production, these expressions often feature higher ABV percentages or special cask selections.

The complexity builds upon the foundation of their core style, offering deeper layers of honeyed sweetness, caramelized fruits, and subtle spice notes that balance perfectly with the ever-present peat smoke. These releases are ideal for those who wish to explore the nuanced potential of this remarkable distillery.

Visit the distillery

Tours and tastings

Torabhaig offers visitors an immersive experience at their scenic Skye location. Guided tours take guests through the entire whisky-making process, from grain to glass, within the beautifully restored historic buildings. The visitor center provides a warm welcome regardless of the often wild Skye weather outside.

Tastings typically include both core releases and occasionally special distillery-only expressions, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the Torabhaig range. The stunning views across the Sound of Sleat make the experience all the more memorable, connecting the whisky directly to its dramatic island origins.

Frequently asked questions

What is Torabhaig?

Torabhaig is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery located on the Isle of Skye, only the second legal distillery in the island’s history. It produces a distinctive style of peated whisky that focuses on balance and complexity, with their signature “well-tempered peat” approach creating spirits that offer depth without overwhelming intensity.

Where is Torabhaig located?

The distillery is situated on the southeastern coast of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, housed in a restored 19th-century farm steading at Torabhaig, near Teangue. The location enjoys spectacular views across the Sound of Sleat to the mainland mountains, and this maritime environment significantly influences the character of their whisky.

What characterizes Torabhaig?

Torabhaig is known for creating a distinct style of peated whisky that balances robust smokiness with surprising complexity and refinement – what they call “well-tempered peat.” Their production methods emphasize long fermentation, slow distillation, and quality wood policy, resulting in a whisky that offers maritime freshness, sweet fruit notes, and elegant smoke in perfect harmony.

Where can I buy whisky from Torabhaig?

You can find selected bottles from Torabhaig at Vault of Spirits. We carefully select both their core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you have access to the best this exciting new Skye distillery has to offer. Their relatively limited production makes these bottles particularly coveted among collectors and enthusiasts alike.