The latest expression from the Isle of Skye distillery is a celebration of the Sleat Peninsula, with artwork by local artist Ellis O’Connor adorning the label

Torabhaig, the Isle of Skye Single Malt Distillery, reveals Sound of Sleat, the fourth chapter in its Legacy Series. Named after the narrow sea that runs beside the distillery, and shares its name with the Sleat Peninsula on which the distillery sits, Sound of Sleat continues the tradition of Torabhaig whiskies evoking the atmospheric mists and rugged beauty of The Misty Isle.  

Torabhaig Sound of Sleat is fully matured in American oak (Quercus Alba) using new oak casks and ex-bourbon casks. This expression ebbs and flows with citrus and spice, a maritime saltiness, and rich smoke like a beach bonfire in Spring.

Showcasing the elegant smoke for which the distillery is famous and bringing to life the ‘smoke with taste’ philosophy that flows through every drop the distillery produces.

Known as The Garden of Skye, the Sleat Peninsula is the southernmost peninsula of the island, closest to the mainland and separated only by the Sound of Sleat. The rugged beauty of the region acts as the distillery’s home and creative muse, shaping and inspiring a whisky as complex and compelling as the wild and rugged island itself.

Encapsulating the beauty and artistry of the island, Torabhaig is also unveiling new label artwork, created exclusively for the distillery by local artists. The first of which, for Sound of Sleat, has been painted by Skye-based artist Ellis O’Connor, whose vibrant paintings celebrate the energy and movement of the natural world.

Neil MacLeod Mathieson, Torabhaig whisky maker comments: “Our journey to a 10-year-old expression continues and for Sound of Sleat we’re returning to a classic ex-bourbon cask profile, enhanced by the addition of a crisp spice edge from the new American oak barrels, without losing the elegance and intricacy our fans have come to expect from a Torabhaig whisky.

“There is plenty of oak spice, citrus and maritime saltiness alongside a newfound waxiness we’ve discovered as our spirit continues to mature. This expression is a journey in itself as each wave of flavour washes in.”

Sound of Sleat is the latest in The Torabhaig Legacy Series, a collection of Single Malts from the Isle of Skye distillery that charts Torabhaig’s journey to 10-year-old and the experimental steps to establishing a future flagship expression which embodies the house style of well-tempered peat. 

Whisky lovers who are following the journey can now add a fifth whisky to their collection. Starting with Torabhaig’s inaugural release, Torabhaig 2017, alongside Torabhaig Allt Gleann, Torabhaig Allt Glean Batch Strength, Torabhaig Cnoc Na Mòine and now Torabhaig Sound of Sleat.

Tasting notes:

NOSE: Notes of delicate orange lead followed by touches of apricot and popcorn lending sweetness to the maritime seaweed that echoes in the glass. Subtle pipe tobacco adds to the elegant smokiness and is rounded out by honey, vanilla and boiled sweets. 

PALATE: Light and zesty oak spice is joined by the rich and sweet bonfire smokiness that is so unmistakably Torabhaig spirit. Subtley waxy with hints of honey and vanilla balancing sea salt and seaweed that ebbs away to white pepper and sweet spice. 

FINISH: Like a sunset over the Sound of Sleat, this is lingering and elegant with notes of honey, storms and the ocean.