Ahead of this weeks World Whisky Day, we have asked Peter our barman what are his favourite whiskies here at the whisky bar at The Torridon. In no particular order, here are his top 4.

1. Dailuaine 16 Year Old (Flora and Fauna release)

With most of the production of this hidden gem of distillery going into blends, Dailuaine is not often seen as a single malt beside the occasional independent bottling. This 16 year old expression came through Diageo’s Flora and Fuana release and is one of my favourite options for guests who are seeking ‘something they haven’t had before’. A sherried matured gem, with an excellent nose of estery fruits, almonds, walnuts and dried fruits. The body that follows has a decidedly rich mouthfeel, with the sherry being quite prominent with a hint of dark chocolate and toffee. A decidedly long finish, with a faintest hint of smoke, this is certainly has a little more depth than your ‘standard speyside malt’.

Time & place: At the whisky bar enjoying tales of adventure from the day.

2. Old Pultney 12 Year Old

With 5 different options from the Old Putney Distillery from Wick available at our bar, I have gone with their youngest expression as my second choice. A wonderful example of a ‘maritime whisky’ this Old Pultney has a great nose, with a briney, salty, aroma and a hint of sea air. The palate is wonderfully light, with citrus and tropical fruit such as bananas and pinapple dominate, with a medium dry finish with hints of almonds and other salted nuts.

Time & place: Enjoying the lovely views of the Torridon Hills from the front garden with the fresh sea air whipping off the loch.

3. Ardbeg Uigeadail

I can’t have a list of my favourite whiskies without at least one Islay expression and have chosen the wonderful Ardbeg Uigeadeail here. Not just an in your face peat monster, this one is a wonderful example of an almost perfectly balanced whisky. The strong smokey peaty presence you expect on the nose is most definitely there, but is balanced with lovely hints of raisins, linseed oil and little bit of European oak. On the mouth it is wonderfully full bodied and rich with a sweet fruitcake and treacle start moving to a nice honey-malt mid-palate, and ending with a lovely smooth and long finish, moving from sweet to dry and back again with a little bit of leather to finally finish. At above 54% ABV it also certainly packs a punch too!

Time & place: Warming up by the lovely open fireplace in the lobby after a long day hiking on the hills.

4. The Glendronach Allardice (18 year old)

Decadence in a bottle right here. Matured exclusively in Oloroso sherry casks, this Glendronach reveals of all its wonder with the smallest splash of water. An absolutely beautiful bouquet of aromas on the nose, with ginger, orange zest, caramel and a little bit of spiced fruit cake. Upon first sip, this dram is extremely rich with dark cherries, plums and blackberries coming to the fore. With the addition of water, dark chocolate, walnuts and wet Virginia tobacco reveal themselves. A wonderfully long and sweet finish to end, a great dessert whisky to end the night.

Time & place: An excellent accompaniment to out wonderful cheese selection in the 1887 restaurant.

With 365 whiskies on offer, one for every day of the year, make sure to visit the whisky bar here at The Torridon to make the most of you stay and find your own favourites! Find our more about our Whisky Tasting Sessions here.

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