The second release from Sky’s second distillery, the Torabhaig Allt Gleann is made from “select parcels of casks” distilled in 2017 and 2018. Released in 2022 that would make this, at best, a 4-year-old whisky. Though to make that true the 2018 casks would all need to have been distilled in early 2018. I’d wager that’s not the case, but does it really matter?
The Malt Nuts routinely taste young Islay whiskies covering every distillery on the Island and those tastings have nailed home the fact that young peated whisky can indeed be delicious. Though, anyone who tasted early Kilchoman already knew that. They exploded because of how good their young stock was.
With all of this in mind, I approach the Torabhaig Allt Gleann with an open mind and palate. Let’s get to drinkin’!
Torabhaig Allt Gleann – Details and Tasting Notes
Whiskey Details
Non-Chill Filtered | Natural Color
Style: Single Malt (Scotch)
Region: Islands, Scotland
Distiller: Torabhaig
Mash Bill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask: ex-Bourbon
Age: NAS (3+ Years)
ABV: 46%
Torabhaig Allt Gleann Price: $70
Related Whiskey
Talisker 10
Talisker Select Reserve Game Of Thrones House Greyjoy
Talisker Distiller’s Edition 2015
1979 Cadenhead’s Talisker 18 Years
Talisker 35 Years
Torabhaig Allt Gleann Tasting Notes
EYE
Light straw
NOSE
Waxy – candied – vanilla, minerality, smoke, citrus, malty sweetness and some copper.
Obviously young and spirit-driven, but nothing off-putting. It’s actually kinda nice.
PALATE
Minerality, smoke, waxy – candied – vanilla, malty sweetness, briny saline, and some copper and light citrus and butterscotch.
Surprisingly tasty and multi-faceted given what this is. I’m digging it.
FINISH
Long -> Peat, caramel, oak, malt and a light sweetness fade out warmly.
BALANCE, BODY and FEEL
Great balance, medium body, and a soft buttery feel.
Torabhaig Allt Gleann – Overall Thoughts and Score
I’m a fan of young, peated, Islay whiskies and now I can say I’m a fan of young Skye whiskies as well. When done right, you get a crisp minerally profile that lets you get to know the spirit more than the cask without it coming across as raw. It’s a fun and interesting way to absorb the character of the distillery. Though are we surprised?
Young Talisker is pretty good and while I might catch hell for saying this, Skye is kinda like the younger sibling to Islay when you’re talking smoky Scotch hierarchies. So it makes sense that this young peated Skye whisky is hitting all those young peaty notes so well. Torabhaig Allt Gleann is tasty already and it makes me excited to see where they go from here.
SCORE: 3/5 (above average, worth checking out ~ B- | 80-82)
Torabhaig Allt Gleann Review $70
Overall
3- Nose (2.5)
- Palate (3.5)
- Finish (3)
- BBF (3)