Torabhaig Distillery

Escape to the rugged southern coast of Skye and discover Torabhaig Distillery, a relative newcomer to the island's whisky scene. Established in 2017 within a beautifully restored 19th-century farm steading, Torabhaig is only the second licensed distillery on Skye and the first new one since Talisker was founded in 1830.

Torabhaig is dedicated to crafting exceptional single malt whisky that embodies the distinct character of the island. The distillery uses water sourced from the Allt Gleann Thorabhaig and the Allt Breacach, and the barley is malted and dried over peat smoke, imbuing the whisky with the signature smoky notes characteristic of Skye whiskies.

The distillery's story began with Sir Iain Noble, a prominent figure in the Scottish financial world and a passionate advocate for the Isle of Skye. He acquired the land in 1972 and envisioned a distillery that would produce exceptional whisky while preserving Skye's unique character. Although Noble sadly passed away before his dream could be fully realised, Mossburn Distillers took up the mantle and meticulously restored the farm steading, transforming it into a state-of-the-art distillery. Interestingly, the building itself has a captivating history, having been constructed using materials from the nearby Caisteal Chamuis, an Iron Age fort.

The visitor centre offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, with a spacious courtyard providing stunning views of the surrounding landscape. A café offers refreshments and home baking, and the distillery shop stocks a range of Torabhaig whiskies, including limited releases and distillery exclusives.

Immerse yourself in the whisky-making process with a guided tour. Led by knowledgeable guides, these tours offer an in-depth look at the distillery's operations, from milling the barley to maturing the whisky in oak casks. Witness the distillers in action, learn about the traditional and innovative techniques employed at Torabhaig, and gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.

Torabhaig offers a variety of tours and tastings:

• Regular Tour: A comprehensive overview of the distillery, including a tasting of Torabhaig Cnoc na Moine.
• Whisky and Chocolate Pairing Tour: Combines a distillery tour with a guided tasting of Torabhaig whiskies paired with carefully selected chocolates.
• Warehouse Tour: A more exclusive experience that includes a tutored tasting of cask samples in the distillery's warehouse.

Getting There: Torabhaig Distillery is located in Teangue on the Sleat Peninsula, in the south of Skye. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available on-site.

When to Visit: The visitor centre, tours, and tastings operate on limited hours during the weekends. The café is open Monday to Friday, with limited hours during the winter months. It's always advisable to check the distillery's website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date opening hours and tour schedules.