Torabhaig Allt Gleann Batch Strength 61.1 NV

Professionelle Bewertungen

Words of Whisky (88)

It's only the third Torabhaig I've ever tasted (there haven't been that many), and yet there's a familiarity here that's just very reassuring.
Nose
Mellow, warming, comforting. Hints of wood smoke, some sweet peat, and cured lemons, but also slivers of wet wool, chalk and warm apple compote. There’s some plaster too, as well as honeyed porridge. Very uncomplicated yet smart and bright.
Taste
Mouthfeel is slightly oily. This is straight-forward peated whisky, yet slightly more mature than you’d maybe expect. And it’s not just coastal. There are lemons, some green olives, and it has a decent salinity. Just a touch of caraway, white pepper and petrol too.
Finish
Quite long with touches of wood smoke, a soft minerality and chalk. Some smoked barley husks too.

BOW (90)

In the realm of Scotch whisky, Torabhaig Distillery has established itself as a guardian of tradition and a pioneer of innovation. The Torabhaig Allt Gleann Batch Strength 61.1%, bottled on the 15th of August 2023, stands as a testament to the distillery's commitment to crafting exceptional spirits. As a part of The Legacy Series, this expression is a harmonious blend of time-honored techniques and a contemporary approach to maturation.

Maturation on American Oak Bourbon & Refill Whisky Barrels:

The Allt Gleann Batch Strength is a product of careful maturation, spending its formative years resting in the embrace of American oak bourbon and refill whisky barrels. This dual maturation imparts a complexity that defines the character of this distinguished single malt.

American oak bourbon barrels bring forth a rich tapestry of vanilla and caramel notes, contributing to the whisky's sweetness and enhancing its overall depth. Meanwhile, the refill whisky barrels, having already imparted their unique character to previous expressions, provide a subtle yet distinctive influence that rounds out the flavor profile.

Tasting Notes:

The Torabhaig Allt Gleann Batch Strength 61.1% is a symphony of flavors, with the boldness of its high strength complementing the intricate nuances that unfold on the palate. The tasting notes paint a vivid picture of the sensory journey this whisky offers:

1. Smoke:
The allure of peat smoke pervades the senses, offering a sensory journey reminiscent of the rugged landscapes of Skye. The smokiness is profound but not overpowering, striking a perfect balance that captures the essence of Torabhaig's traditional approach to peated whiskies.

2. Brine:
Drawing inspiration from its coastal surroundings, the Allt Gleann Batch Strength introduces a delightful brininess. The influence of the sea air contributes a distinct salinity, creating a dynamic interplay with the sweet and smoky elements. This maritime touch adds an extra layer of complexity, transporting the drinker to the shores of the Isle of Skye.

Conclusion:

Torabhaig Allt Gleann Batch Strength 61.1% is a stellar addition to The Legacy Series, showcasing the artistry and dedication of the Torabhaig Distillery. The marriage of American oak bourbon and refill whisky barrels, coupled with the enticing interplay of smoke and brine, results in a whisky that is both timeless and contemporary. As you savor each sip, you embark on a journey through the legacy of Torabhaig—a journey that celebrates tradition, innovation, and the rich tapestry of flavors that define Scotch whisky at its finest.

Whisky Notes (86)

Torabhaig Allt Gleann Batch Strength is the latest addition to the distillery’s Legacy series. It is around 5 years old and the barley was peated to 78+ ppm of phenols (which results in 23 ppm in the spirit). Maturation took place in ex-bourbon and refill oak casks. The first batch comes at 61.1% ABV but obviously future batches will be slightly different.

The distillery says this is the last time we’ll see this heavily peated style of Torabhaig. As it closes the Legacy series, the focus is now on the next chapter, a Torabhaig 10 Year Old due to arrive in 2028. Until then there will be Torabhaig Cnoc Na Moine (sherry casks) and Allt Breacach (Madeira casks).

Torabhaig Allt Gleann Batch Strength (61,1%, OB 2023)
Nose: pretty fresh, with prominent coastal air and lemons alongside warming bonfire smoke. Plenty of smouldering ashes and wet wool. Then biscuity vanilla, apple sweetness and a dash of honey. Light pipe tobacco and dried grassy notes, as well as a peachy note after a while.

Mouth: thick smoke with oily notes, dough, briney notes and lemon peels. Some bready notes and white pepper. Strong, dry and in-your-face peat as well. Then some vegetal notes and a herbal, medicinal bitterness, as well as olives in brine. Just a tad spirity now, although water helps to make it more accessible.

Finish: long and hot, leaving a chalky note, spiky wood spice and plenty of smoke.

In a blind tasting I’d say this is closer to Islay than to Talisker. This cask strength Torabhaig is fierce and packs a lot of peaty punch. With time this could evolve into a fantastic whisky, but for now it is slightly held back by its youth.

Serge Valentin (90)

Matured in 1st fill bourbon (80%) and refill (20%). Using 'batch strength' remains bizarre to our shy ears but I suppose you cannot call it 'cask strength' when you've vatted several casks together, can you? Not too sure, how much water could they have added, while still bottling at 61.1% vol.? (S., is that important?) BTW, it was moderately peated, to around 23ppm peat. Oh and we're on Skye. Colour: white wine. Nose: every time I'm trying Torabhaig – granted, we haven't tried hundreds – the word 'crystalline' springs to mind. This is pure seawater blended with lime juice, granny smith juice, a small bottle of tincture of iodine, and the waters of a dozen oysters. That's all. With water: a lot of fern-type notes, then peppered clams and winkles and whelks and cockles. And a good glass of petroly Alsatian riesling. Mouth (neat): very punchy, full of brine, seawater, chilli (but not of the XXX-end-of-the-world kind) and ashes. Ultra-vertical and really shock-full of ashes of all kinds. With water: dazzling lemons and smoked and salted almonds. I revere smoked almonds, but they are getting rarer and rarer where I live. Actually, it is a scandal. Finish: long, pure, salty and lemony. Those granny smith apples are back in the aftertaste. Comments: pure and crystalline indeed.