Introduction
Torabhaig is still fairly new in Scotch whisky terms, yet it’s a name that’s come up more and more in recent conversations I’ve had with other whisky drinkers. There’s curiosity around what they’re doing on Skye, especially given the strong identity of their neighbour Talisker. I recently had the opportunity to taste two expressions bottled at higher strength: the Batch Strength edition of their Sound of Sleat core range, and an intriguing Thompson Bros single cask. I was interested to see how they compare – not just in flavour but in how each reflects Torabhaig’s style.
Nose
The Batch Strength Sound of Sleat opens with a prominent, earthy peat that feels more coastal than medicinal. There’s a hint of coal smoke, but it’s softened by warm grain sweetness – malted barley and cereal biscuits. Water brings out some fruit: underripe pear and a flicker of lemon. It’s not overly complex, but everything’s in harmony.
The Thompson Bros single cask is brighter up front, with a cleaner smoke and slightly sharper citrus. The peat here feels drier, almost dusty, and more enveloped by the green apple and vanilla notes that follow. It’s more closed initially, but with time in the glass it opens nicely, revealing faint herbal qualities – almost like crushed thyme.
Palate
On the palate, the Batch Strength pushes its 57.1% ABV with confidence. It’s oily, full-bodied, and unapologetically smoky. There’s a lovely balance between that sweet grain character and the smouldering peat, with black pepper and toasted nuts providing depth. As it develops, I pick up salted caramel and soot, with a contrasting trace of orchard fruit that rounds things out.
The single cask (62.1%) is punchier, no doubt, but surprisingly well-behaved for such a high ABV. It starts sharp, driven by lemon zest and singed rosemary, followed by charcoal and a touch of minerality. The spirit is quite clean – it doesn’t feel weighed down, but there’s tension in the flavours. Compared to the batch, this one feels more linear and precise, less forgiving but more focused.
Finish
The finish on the Batch Strength is long and pleasantly drying. There’s lingering smoke, a touch of oak-char bitterness, and a malty sweetness that hangs through the aftertaste. It’s not overly hot, and a few sips in, I barely thought to add water.
In contrast, the Thompson Bros cask fades out with more citrus peel and ash. The finish feels tighter, leaving a tingling warmth on the tongue. Some faint vanilla and herbal smoke remain, but the overall feeling is cleaner and drier. It doesn’t evolve much in the finish, just delivers its message with clarity.
Price and Value
The Batch Strength edition sits at a reasonable price for a higher-ABV release – especially given the age of the distillery and the quality of cask management. For around £65–70, I think it offers honest value and makes a great case for Torabhaig’s core style developed further.
The single cask, understandably, costs a bit more – often around the £80–90 mark, depending on the release. Considering the uniqueness of a cask pick and the higher ABV, that feels fair to me. It’s not a whisky screaming for broad appeal, but for those seeking clarity of distillate and a more austere profile, it’s a compelling option.
Background
Torabhaig is the second legal distillery on the Isle of Skye, founded in 2017 and gaining steady attention for its “Well-Tempered Peat” house style. Their approach blends robust smoke with a structured spirit, aged in both ex-bourbon and refill casks to maintain balance. Production is still on a relatively small scale, but the quality output is promising from such a young operation.
The Batch Strength Sound of Sleat is essentially an intensified version of their core malt, bottled without chill-filtration. According to Torabhaig, this takes a “cask-led” direction, and the 57.1% bottling strength certainly gives it presence.
The single cask comes via the Thompson Bros – indie bottlers with a reputation for careful cask selection and honest presentation. This one was distilled in 2018 and bottled in 2023 at a natural cask strength of 62.1%.
Final Notes
Between the two, I found the Batch Strength Sound of Sleat to be the more approachable dram – not just in its flavour but in how easily it plays with water and time in the glass. Would I buy it again? Yes – I think it’s great value and offers a good look at where Torabhaig’s heading as a distillery.
For someone new to the brand or peat in general, is it a good starting point? The batch strength might be a bit forceful, but with a splash of water, it becomes quite accessible. The single cask, however, demands a bit more patience and might not suit newcomers.
In terms of timing, both whiskies work well for a quiet evening – the batch strength particularly suits autumn or winter drams, while the cask strength feels more analytical, something to pay attention to. How do they compare to other Island malts? They don't stray far from the Island character, but Torabhaig’s peat is more grounded than Talisker's sea spray and less earthy than Ledaig’s funk. It's developing its own voice, which is always good to see in a young distillery.