With the Distillers’ Series, Torabhaig gives the people behind the distillery the freedom to develop their own ideas and new approaches to whisky-making. Each bottling bears the personal signature of its creator, whilst remaining firmly rooted in the stills, the Isle of Skye and Torabhaig’s tradition of craftsmanship. Iona MacPhie’s First Edition and Niall Culbertson’s First Edition are two distinct interpretations of this special series. Whilst the classic Torabhaig style stands for ‘Smoke with Taste’, the Distillers’ Series seizes the opportunity to deliberately explore other facets. Niall Culbertson’s First Edition is shaped by his personal connection to the sea. His father was a fisherman, and Niall himself has also enjoyed a lifelong connection to the water. The coastal landscape of the Isle of Skye, his family history and the rhythm of the tides form the personal backdrop to his interpretation of Torabhaig whisky. Niall also adds his own distinctive touches to the production process. The whisky is based on 90 per cent peated malt and contains 5 per cent each of Dark Crystal malt and brown malt. It is matured in a combination of first-fill bourbon casks and refill rum casks. The bottling thus combines the smoky character typical of Torabhaig with a distinctive approach to malt and cask selection. At 59.3% ABV, Niall Culbertson’s First Edition is bottled at a robust strength. The bottling thus showcases a personal and experimental side of the still-young Torabhaig Distillery, placing the connection between people, landscape and artisanal whisky-making at its heart.