In May 2023, I had an opportunity to sample a new single-malt Scotch whisky produced by the independent bottler-turned-distillery Mossburn Distillers. As I wrote then, Mossburn began operations in 1992, blending and bottling a variety of spirits, including whisky. Mossburn then made history by opening Torabhaig Distillery, just the second on the island of Skye after Talisker opened 200 years earlier. Like Talisker and many other island Scotch whiskies, Allt Glean is peat-forward, with smoke flavors most notable.

Here are the tasting notes I originally posted: Torabhaig’s Allt Glean single-malt Scotch offers equal parts smoke and youth. It pours a pale straw, immediately opening with noticeable smoke. Malty cereal leads to waxy vanilla chew aromas – like the old Brach’s vanilla toffees from the grocery store. Cigarette tobacco, fresh lemon zest, and cut hay lead to hints of wet flint, cocoa powder, and distant butterscotch. Like the Mossburn, prickly heat and an initial burst of ethanol are tamed with a few drops of water. Earthy peat and light smoke lead the flavor profile, with brine opening into a sweetness that releases more vanilla chews, caramel, tea biscuits, cooked cereal, and hints of winter spice. The finish accentuates the malt, followed by more sweet caramel and a distant reminder of smoke. Despite its youth, it’s a nicely soft and enjoyable dram.

I received this sample of the whisky as a housewarming gift from my good friend Laura, and as with so many of the samples she sends, her timing is impeccable! Nothing warms a new home like a nice dram of single malt Scotch, and Torabhaig is certainly that. As I noted last year, this is not a super complex whisky but rather a light-hearted, earthy, and thoroughly enjoyable dram that does not require a furrowed brow or thinking jacket to enjoy. It’s a nice daily sipper that won’t break the bank but offers enough quality and interest to keep you returning for more.