Torabhaig - The Distillers' Series - Iona's First Edition - 70cl

With the Distillers’ Series, Torabhaig gives its distillers the opportunity to bring their own ideas to life and explore new approaches to whisky-making. Each release in the series bears the personal signature of its creator, whilst remaining firmly rooted in the Isle of Skye and Torabhaig’s artisanal production methods. The first release is by Iona Macphie, who has been a distiller at Torabhaig since 2017. Her personal interpretation of a Torabhaig whisky was inspired by her walks through the Skye countryside – by wild hills, moments of tranquillity and the pleasure of enjoying a dram with dark chocolate. Particularly noteworthy is the deliberate decision not to use peat. Whilst the typical Torabhaig style is characterised by smoky whiskies, Iona Macphie’s First Edition is based on unpeated malt. At the same time, 10 per cent chocolate malt is used, giving the whisky a distinctive malty and cocoa-infused base. The production process has also been specifically tailored to Iona Macphie’s vision. Concerto base malt and Distillamax MG yeast are used, whilst a long fermentation period of 90 to 120 hours and a deliberately extended spirit run form part of their approach. The low cut-off point for the unpeated spirit was chosen to preserve particularly deep and rich aromas in the finished whisky. Iona’s First Edition is bottled at 60.9% ABV, making it a robust expression. The whisky was matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon casks and refill sherry butts. This bottling thus showcases a deliberately different side to the young Torabhaig Distillery and places the focus on the personal signature of its distiller.