The picturesque Speyside distillery of Tormore has launched three bottlings that will form its core range. These are the first permanent releases from the distillery since it was purchased from Chivas Brothers by Elixir Distillers in 2022. The trio of single malts are designed to show Tormore’s fruity character and have been created by Oliver Chilton, the Head Blender at Elixir Distillers.
This Tormore 12 Years Old forms the cornerstone of the range. It is a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, toasted American oak and ex-Cream sherry seasoned casks. It is released at 46% ABV and is both non-chill filtered and of natural colour. A bottle will cost £55/ US$74. It is joined by Tormore Timeless, aged primarily in ex-bourbon barrels (43% ABV and £42/ US$56) and Tormore 16 Years Old. This has been finished in both American and European oak ex-sherry casks (46.8% ABV and £80/ US$107).
Tormore was founded in 1958 by Schenley International, with production beginning in 1960. The distillery has a long history of producing single malts from blends including famous names such as Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal and Long John. It has extraordinary architecture and was designed by Sir Albert Richardson. He was former President of The Royal Academy and a fan of Georgian architecture. He also built Tormore village next to the distillery. This includes worker cottages, village hall, and a curling rink. The owners are Elixir Distillers and annual capacity is 3.2 million litres.
The trio of whiskies will be joined by two further releases – Tormore 18- and 21 Year Olds – in the range during 2027. They are available via selected specialist UK retailers now, with a wider world release later in the year.
Our Tasting Notes
The colour is bright gold and the nose is packed with green apple and pear. This fruitiness dominates and evolves to include fresh peach. Further aromas of vanilla patisserie custard, creamy macadamia and golden syrup come through nicely. A warming pinch of baking spice and white pepper helps to accentuate the sweeter aromas.
On the palate this whisky feels creamy and gentle with the green orchard fruit again dominating early on. Baked apple and poached pear notes are everywhere and supported nicely by toffee, butterscotch and vanilla custard. The custardy note adds to the creamy texture in particular. Further soft notes of apple crumble, muscovado sugar and fresh peach are also evident.
Underneath are notes of macadamia and hazelnut, with both also adding to the creamy texture and mouthfeel. Hints of apricot jam, tangy orange peel and marzipan sit in the background. These later notes are joined by a pinch of elegant warming spice – think of baking spices such as cinnamon and powdered ginger especially. A final pinch of white pepper gives extra warmth and makes everything pop.
The finish is of decent length and lingers well as the green fruit and peachy characteristics fade. Then the sweeter elements go to leave the warming spice to take hold of the tastebuds. The warmth smoulders away nicely and gives a mouthwatering feel.
What’s The Verdict?
This is a delicious offering from Tormore and one that ticks several classic Speyside boxes. Plenty of green fruit – tick, soft and gentle – tick, lots of vanilla and sweetness – tick, gentle and elegant spice – tick. The added twist of ex-Cream sherry casks, which are not often used in Scotch whisky maturation, is a nice touch and adds a nutty depth. A great start as Elixir look to build the brand. We cannot wait to taste its other two siblings now.
