Isle of Skye distillery Torabhaig has launched a limited-edition whisky said to be a more intense interpretation of its popular maritime malt. Bottled at 60.2% ABV and limited to 15,000 bottles worldwide, Sound of Sleat Batch Strength builds on the existing Sound of Sleat release, part of the distillery’s Legacy Series, by dialling up the peat smoke and coastal character.
Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and new American oak casks, each batch is crafted from Concerto and Laureate malted barley and fermented using Pinnacle MG+ yeast. The result is a spirit that exemplifies Skye’s rugged climate and Torabhaig’s house style of well-tempered peat, achieved here with a phenol specification of 78+ PPM, translating to 14.5 PPM residual phenols in the final liquid.
The Luxe Review attended a preview of the expression, at London’s suitably smoky Acme Fire Club eatery, where, to the accompaniment of bagpipes, we sampled the new liquid alongside previous releases from the distillery’s Legacy series.
So let’s talk about that first pour…
Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and new American oak casks, each batch is crafted from Concerto and Laureate malted barley…
Torabhaig Sound of Sleat Batch Strength tasting notes
At first nosing, the newcomer delivers a plume of smoke, mingled with sea brine and sweet oak spice. Subtle layers of tobacco leaf, sugar, apricot and a dash of salt follow. On the palate, there’s a surge of vanilla and citric zest, followed by bonfire embers. The mouthfeel is slightly, delightfully, oily. The finish is long and warming, making this single malt well-suited to cold-weather sipping.
As with previous releases, the label carries bespoke artwork by Skye-based artist Ellis O’Connor, whose interpretation of the Sleat coastline gives the bottle a distinctive place-based identity.
There’s no chill filtration, nor colour added.
Sound of Sleat Batch Strength is the sixth release in the Torabhaig Legacy Series, following Torabhaig 2017, Allt Gleann, Allt Gleann Batch Strength, Cnoc Na Mòine and the original Sound of Sleat.
The collection charts the distillery’s evolution toward its eventual 10-year-old flagship expression, each chapter offering whisky enthusiasts a view of how its style is developing over time.
Priced at £75 through The Whisky Shop, Sound of Sleat Batch Strength arrives just in time for autumn and, with its smoky temperament and coastal flair, seems destined to find its way into many a Bonfire Night hip flask.
Main points at a glance: Torabhaig Sound of Sleat Batch Strength
Torabhaig launches Sound of Sleat Batch Strength, a limited-edition single malt whisky from the Isle of Skye.
Bottled at 60.2% ABV, offering a more intense take on the original Sound of Sleat expression.
Only 15,000 bottles available worldwide, priced at £75.
Part of Legacy Series: This is the latest chapter in Torabhaig’s Legacy Series, following Sound of Sleat and other small-batch releases.
Maturation: Matured in a mix of ex-bourbon and new American oak casks, with no chill filtration and no colour added.
Tasting Notes: Smoke, sea spray, oak spice, hints of tobacco, orange barley sugar, apricot, citrus brightness.
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The Luxe Review 
Isle of Skye distillery Torabhaig has launched a limited-edition whisky said to be a more intense interpretation of its popular maritime malt. Bottled at 60.2% ABV and limited to 15,000 bottles worldwide, Sound of Sleat Batch Strength builds on the existing Sound of Sleat release, part of the distillery’s Legacy Series, by dialling up the peat smoke and coastal character.
Matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and new American oak casks, each batch is crafted from Concerto and Laureate malted barley and fermented using Pinnacle MG+ yeast. The result is a spirit that exemplifies Skye’s rugged climate and Torabhaig’s house style of well-tempered peat, achieved here with a phenol specification of 78+ PPM, translating to 14.5 PPM residual phenols in the final liquid.
The Luxe Review attended a preview of the expression, at London’s suitably smoky Acme Fire Club eatery, where, to the accompaniment of bagpipes, we sampled the new liquid alongside previous releases from the distillery’s Legacy series.
So let’s talk about that first pour…
Torabhaig Sound of Sleat Batch Strength tasting notes
At first nosing, the newcomer delivers a plume of smoke, mingled with sea brine and sweet oak spice. Subtle layers of tobacco leaf, sugar, apricot and a dash of salt follow. On the palate, there’s a surge of vanilla and citric zest, followed by bonfire embers. The mouthfeel is slightly, delightfully, oily. The finish is long and warming, making this single malt well-suited to cold-weather sipping.
As with previous releases, the label carries bespoke artwork by Skye-based artist Ellis O’Connor, whose interpretation of the Sleat coastline gives the bottle a distinctive place-based identity.
There’s no chill filtration, nor colour added.
Sound of Sleat Batch Strength is the sixth release in the Torabhaig Legacy Series, following Torabhaig 2017, Allt Gleann, Allt Gleann Batch Strength, Cnoc Na Mòine and the original Sound of Sleat.
The collection charts the distillery’s evolution toward its eventual 10-year-old flagship expression, each chapter offering whisky enthusiasts a view of how its style is developing over time.
Priced at £75 through The Whisky Shop, Sound of Sleat Batch Strength arrives just in time for autumn and, with its smoky temperament and coastal flair, seems destined to find its way into many a Bonfire Night hip flask.
Main points at a glance: Torabhaig Sound of Sleat Batch Strength
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