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Thompson Bros. Torabhaig 2018 7 Year Old Review

Can an indie bottling tame Torabhaig’s young peat? This 7-year-old Thompson Bros release reveals refined smoke, salted caramel, and briny Isle of Skye character.

OVERALL RATING

8
$94
  • Mark Bostock, a whisky enthusiast specializing in independent bottlings.
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Tasting Notes

About:

A 7-Year-Old single malt from the Isle of Skye’s Torabhaig distillery, released by independent bottler Thompson Bros. Distilled in 2018, the heavily peated 70ppm spirit was matured for 7 years in first-fill bourbon barrels. Bottled in 2025, at natural colour and without chill filtration at 57.1% ABV.
Appearance:
Bright Yellow Gold
Nose:
Maritime aromas open on the nose, with brine and salt water filled rock pool minerality accompanied by ashy burnt seaweed smoke. In the background, there’s a touch of sweet vanilla and tropical fruit citrus including orange, grapefruit and pineapple.
Palate:
Surprisingly sweet peat opens on the palate, with a slightly oily but quite viscous texture. The peat shifts into a layer of salted caramel and vanilla, before giving way to peppery toasted oak and background bonfire smoke.
Finish:
A long finish, with quite gentle smoke fading in and out layered with caramel and salty brine.
Comments:
One of the first independently bottled Torabhaig expressions I’ve seen, this Thompson Bros. 7-Year-Old has surprisingly refined and well-integrated smoke. I enjoyed picking out the salted caramel and tropical fruit notes on the nose and palate, compared with the core range Torabhaig bottlings I’ve sampled previously which felt a little harsh dominated by unrestrained peat combined with youthful spirit. An easier drinking whisky than anticipated at 57.1% ABV, the Thompson Bros. Torabhaig 7-Year-Old has given me a new appreciation for the distillery.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Mark Bostock

Mark Bostock, an integral part of the Mark Littler LTD UK content writing team since 2019, brings a genuine passion for whisky, especially independent bottlings, to his work. His commitment to expanding his knowledge through attending tasting events and building his own collection enriches his contributions, blending expertise with enthusiasm.

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