Sweetness and a bit of peat in the Torabhaig Sound of Sleat (Review)

Autumn is in full swing at the time of writing this review, and the weather in the Netherlands resembles that of the Isle of Skye. The wind becomes a constant companion, days grow shorter, and mornings are cool and misty while cozy knitwear makes its return. The weather may not be perfect, but it’s ideal for a wee dram. Welcome to our review of the Torabhaig Sound of Sleat.

The Legacy Series is a collection of limited-edition whiskies that showcase how Torabhaig’s style has developed and continues to develop over time. It will eventually lead up to their first aged whisky: a 10-year-old release.

The distillery team clearly enjoys exploring the many sides of peat, creating whiskies with gentle, refined smoky flavours, or as they say, “smoke with taste.” Chapter 4, the Sound of Sleat edition, is no different in that respect.

It takes its name from a narrow, powerful stretch of sea dividing Skye from the mainland, known in Gaelic as Linne Shlèite. This whisky is aged for 5 to 6 years and matured entirely in American oak, using both ex-bourbon barrels and new oak casks: approximately 75% first-fill bourbon barrels, 20% virgin American oak, and 5% refill bourbon.

Bottled at 46% ABV, it’s non-chill-filtered with no colouring added. Made from a mix of Concerto and Laureate barley varieties, this single malt promises a deeply expressive character.

We pour a generous measure into a Glencairn glass and let it rest for a couple of minutes. In the meantime, we take a closer look at the bottle and label. The latter truly is a work of art.

The artwork, created by Skye-based artist Ellis O’Connor, beautifully captures the rugged coastline just beyond the distillery. It conveys a calm, soothing atmosphere that perfectly complements the whisky inside.

On the nose the whisky is sweet and citrusy, with seaweed and a salty breeze. Subtle tobacco notes add depth to the smoke. On the palate the sweetness continues with honey, vanilla, and a touch of waxiness. Flavours of nori sheets lend a coastal edge, while white pepper and gentle spice emerge in the background. The finish is medium in length, elegant and lingering, leaving behind a gentle smoky warmth. It's a very pleasant experience.

This whisky captures everything you would hope for from a young Isle of Skye whisky. It’s bold yet balanced, smoky yet refined. The combination of gentle peat smoke, sweet vanilla, and maritime character makes it both approachable and deeply satisfying, especially on those stormy autumn evenings when the wind howls outside.

At around 60 euros, it’s a solid value for a whisky that not only tells the story of Torabhaig’s evolving style but also hints at the exciting future still to come. If this is any sign of where the distillery is headed, their first aged release will be well worth the wait.

+ Balanced peat profile that is rich yet not overpowering, allowing other flavours to come forward.

+ Elegant finish.

- As a limited-edition release, availability may be restricted.