Thompson Brothers Torabhaig Single Malt Whisky

Torabhaig 7 Year Old (2018) is a bold and evocative single malt that fully embraces its coastal roots and peated character. Matured exclusively in first-fill bourbon barrels and bottled at a robust 57.1% ABV, it captures the essence of Skye in every drop.

On the nose, it opens with a vivid maritime scene—imagine an old sailor’s jacket, weathered by the sea and hung outside a smokehouse in Armadale. There’s a briny tang of buttery capers and ozone, mingling with medicinal mercurochrome, chalky minerality, and clean, curling woodsmoke. Layers of grilled pineapple and tropical zest follow, rounded out with sage, rockpool freshness, and a nod to Laphroaig-style oysters.

The palate leads with sweet, earthy peat and a wave of sea-salted toffee. It's less zesty than the nose but brings a deeper, buttery richness—like late-night jazz on a dim stereo. White pepper spice emerges alongside charred oak, adding complexity without overwhelming the soft sweetness.

The finish is long and smoky, with lingering caramel and the fading embers of a seaside bonfire. A touch of salinity remains, reminiscent of kissing a mackerel in the rain—wild, romantic, and unmistakably coastal.

Torabhaig shows that whisky’s often-overlooked fourth element—not time, but place—is centre stage here. The result is a beautifully balanced dram, full of coastal freshness, smoky charm, and citrus elegance.