New core range Tormore offers the fruitbasket
If there ever were people who’s opinion and take on Scotch whisky I trust blindly, it must be Sukhinder and Rajbir Singh. When the news came out that they purchased the Tormore Distillery in 2022, it brought excitement in the air. With their Elixir Distillers, they are now proper distillers, as they are also on the brink of opening the Portintruan Distillery on Islay. But what about the whisky made at Tormore? To be honest, I can see why the site is called the Pearl of Speyside. Anyone who has ever driven past the distillery on the A95 between Grantown-on-Spey and Aberlour, knows this refers above anything to the distinctive building. Perhaps not so much the single malt whisky. Indeed, most output ended up in blends like the old Long John and in more recent times Ballentine’s and Chivas Regal. So, what drove the
Sukhinder brothers to buy Tormore? What are their plans with it? Well, give me some time and I will tell you. Mere days after the launch of their core range, I visited Tormore and under the guidance of Mr. Oliver Chilton got a peek behind the curtain of this remarkable distillery. This story I will soon publish as an entry in Tom’s Dram Diary. Until that time, you will have to content yourself with tasting notes of the two age stated releases in the core range. There is a NAS expression too, called Timeless, which I will add to the Diary-entry coming up soon.
Tormore 12 years old, bottled at 46 % abv
First things first: So new, there is not even a Whiskybase made for the bottle, this Tormore matured in ex-Bourbon, ex-Sherry and toasted American white oak casks.
Upon Sipping: Beautiful yellow straw colour, which makes me think the sherry content is not very dominant in this expression. This is underlined by the nose, which displays a balanced grassy and softly fruity character. Custard sponge, before a more tannic note takes over, which I can lead to the toasted oak. Classic Speyside without too much fuzz around it. A lazy afternoon sipper. But then I do indeed take a sip, and the Tormore then starts to lift off. Here we can see that there was masterful blending in creating this expression. The sherry influence combined with the more basic casks created something profoundly peachy. This flavour carries the finish, that has a nice punch to it. The abv is well-chosen. After adding three or four drops of water, the peaches are now also noticeable on the nose. On repeated sipping, it even becomes a tad sugary, while a grassy note gives the finish more depth.
Word to the Wise: This Tormore 12 years old will gain a reputation as the perfect Speyside pre-dinner sipper. It is balanced and fresh, but the fruit elevates it above average compared to, for instance, next door neighbour Cragganmore, which I consider a benchmark Speyside single malt whisky.
Score: 85 points.
Tormore 16 years old, bottled at 46 % abv
First things first: So new, there is not even a Whiskybase made for the bottle, this Tormore matured in a combination of refill American and European oak Sherry casks.
Upon Sipping: Now with a golden hue on it, this Tormore 16 years old is richer on the nose, with classic grassy notes but dominated by orange zest from very, very fresh oranges. I am surprised nothing squirts in my eyes when I pick up the glass. Furthermore, a delicate hint of wet cask staves and Oriental spices. Taking a sip, I wonder which expression I now like better. This Tormore also presents a strong peach flavour signature, but as you move towards the finish, there is a roughness from tannins. So, a tad more complex, and a lot more body, but maybe less elegant compared to the 12. Putting a few drops of water in dampens
the exuberant nose, which is a pity, but on the tongue it gains some balance. On the finish there is now a rough, wooded edge. Hints of Andean chocolate with a sliver of mint.
Word to the Wise: This Tormore 16 years old is a tad overpowered by the wood, but a nice dram in general. Somehow, it does not make me as excited as the 12 years old. The chocolate note is a nice touch.
Score: 84 points.