Torabhaig Cnoc Na Mòine - 46%

 

Part of Torabhaig’s Legacy Series, Cnoc Na Mòine was inspired by the Isle of Skye’s rugged coastline, which the distillery overlooks. A rich, fruity and spicy character is the result of maturation in Bourbon, Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez casks, which is followed by waves of savoury barbecue smoke.

Grain: Concerto and ? (TBC)
Yeast: Pinnacle and Anchor
Maturation: Ex-Bourbon, American Oak, Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez
Spirit Phenols: 78.4ppm
Whisky Phenols: 19.7ppm
Bottling Strength: 46%
Chill-filtration: None
Colouring: None

Tasting notes

Appearance: Oak aged Chardonnay in colour, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thin, oily legs.

Nose: Ashy peat, orange peel, dried fruit, vanilla pods and young, nutty oak.

Palate: Soft, luxurious mouthfeel, becoming creamier with time. The peat is sweeter and less ashy, a peppery prickle follows together with vanilla, coastal sea breeze, caramel, mild oak spice and a hint of new leather. The sherry influence feels quite subtle, giving only a few hints of its presence.

Finish: The bonfire ashiness returns along with warming spices, right at the close there is more of a sherry influence with dried fruit and lightly salted nuts. Long and lingering, with a sweet yet ashy peat smoke.

Overall: Cnoc Na Mòine, meaning Hill of Peat, is the latest in the Legacy series from Torabhaig and the first to incorporate spirit matured in sherry casks.

For what is still a young whisky, this is remarkably well balanced and integrated, the sherry influence is there but subtle and only really makes a full appearance in the finish, adding just a touch more complexity to the sweet, smoky spirit. This is my favourite so far of the Legacy series, and the evolution over the individual expressions is noticeable in terms of both quality and complexity. That’s not to say the others have been poor, I’ve enjoyed all I’ve tried, but this really does feel like a more grown up dram and paints a great picture of how good the future expressions could be.

Priced at £58, it could be argued that it’s a little expensive but unfortunately that’s the market we currently live in. For me, the quality makes it worthwhile, I really enjoyed this one and have no qualms in ordering a bottle…or two.

If you would like more information on this whisky, the distillery or any of the other Torabhaig whiskies, follow the link to the company website.

Transparency: this sample was received free of charge for independent review. The author has no affiliation with the distillers and no goods or other incentives were exchanged, offered or requested.