Meet the Distiller: Niall Culbertson of Torabhaig on Isle of Skye

Sabine Hoffmann · 2026-10-14

Niall Culbertson isn't your typical distiller. He's a storyteller, a craftsman, and a bit of a rebel. At Torabhaig Distillery on the Isle of Skye, he's quietly making waves in the whisky world. And once you hear his story, you'll want to book a trip to Scotland's rugged west coast. ### The Man Behind the Still Niall grew up on Skye, surrounded by the sea and the mountains. He didn't plan to become a distiller—it just sort of happened. "I fell into it," he laughs. "But once I started, I couldn't imagine doing anything else." He learned his craft at a few other distilleries before landing at Torabhaig, where he's now the head distiller. ### Torabhaig: A New Chapter in an Old Tradition Torabhaig is a relatively new distillery, founded in 2017. But it's already gaining a reputation for its complex, smoky whiskies. Niall attributes that to the local ingredients and the traditional methods they use. "We're not trying to rush anything," he says. "Good whisky takes time." The distillery sources its barley from local farms and uses water from a nearby spring. The result is a spirit that's both bold and refined. ### The Craft of Making Whisky So what does a typical day look like for Niall? It starts early—around 6 a.m.—with a check on the fermentation. Then it's on to distillation, barrel filling, and plenty of cleaning. "People think it's glamorous," he says with a grin. "But it's a lot of scrubbing." Still, he wouldn't trade it. "There's something magical about watching the spirit come off the still. You never get tired of it." ### A Hands-On Experience Visitors to Torabhaig can see that magic for themselves. The distillery offers tours that take you through the entire process, from mashing to maturation. And yes, there's a tasting at the end. "We want people to understand what goes into their glass," Niall says. "And we want them to have fun." The tours are popular, so book ahead—especially in summer. ### The Future of Torabhaig Niall is excited about what's next. The distillery is releasing its first single malt soon, and he's been working on some experimental casks. "We're just getting started," he says. "There's so much more we want to do." For Niall, it's not just about making whisky—it's about putting Skye on the map. "This island has a rich history of craft and tradition," he says. "We're just carrying it forward." ### Plan Your Visit If you're heading to the Isle of Skye, Torabhaig is a must-visit. The distillery is located near the village of Teangue, about a 30-minute drive from Portree. Tours run daily, and prices start at around $15 per person. For more information, check out their website or drop them an email. And if you can't make it in person, look for their whisky in specialty shops—it's worth seeking out. Niall Culbertson is a reminder that behind every bottle of whisky is a person with a passion. And at Torabhaig, that passion is palpable. So next time you raise a glass, think of Niall and the rugged beauty of Skye. Slàinte!