Tormore 12yo

Completed in 1959, Tormore was the first new distillery to be built in Speyside since the beginning of the twentieth century, and the product of a singular vision. Designed to produce an elegant, fruity spirit, most of the whisky made here over the last 60 years went straight into blends. Now, under the stewardship of Elixir Distillers, Tormore is once again poised to impress with its single malts.

Commissioned by Schlenley International to provide for the booming popularity of its Long John brand in the USA, the site was designed by Sir Albert Richardson, architect and president of the Royal Academy. Situated close to the banks of the River Spey, Tormore was envisioned as a village, and was built with cottages, hall, badminton court and curling rink. The distillery itself is a grand building, with white walls, a copper-clad roof and graceful crescent windows. Nicknamed "the pearl of Speyside", it is still a striking sight as you pass by on the A95. Indeed, most of the site - including the topiary - is listed.

Despite its pleasing surroundings, the distillery was designed as a modern production facility, and after expansion had an annual capacity of three and a half million litres. Unfortunately, this was nearly exclusively utilised in blends, depriving drinkers a chance to appreciate the light, elegant spirit as a single malt.

Like many distilleries in the region, it has changed hands repeatedly. Passing first from Schenley International to Whitbread in 1975, then onto Allied Distillers in 1989, and again to Pernod Ricard in 2005. Throughout, Tormore remained a sleeping giant with a profile far lower than deserved.

This is poised to change with Elixir Distillers taking ownership of the distillery in 2022. Clearly intent on positioning Tormore as a classic light Speyside single malt, we have had to wait until 2026 to enjoy the new core range. Staffing has increased, facilities have been refurbished, and the distillery team given the freedom to reconsider their processes. For instance, they have returned to using brewer's yeast and extended the fermentation time, to increase the mouthfeel while maintaining the lightness of the spirit.

Luscious and spiced Speyside single malt full of orchard fruit. Graceful harmony in every drop.

Tormore Aged 12 Years is a beautifully aged Single Malt, the perfect all rounder you can reach for every day. Non-chill filtered ensures a slightly richer and more luscious, creamy mouthfeel which in turn brings plenty of fruit flavours and nutty richness.

Tormore use a lot of first-fill Bourbon casks for their signature vanilla custard notes, something you would pour on top of peaches. Then they add in Cream Sherry casks into the mix which will add in a slight sweetness from the Pedro Jimenez but maintain that kind of nutty profile. And then lastly, they use new, virgin oak, both lightly toasted and charred casks, and these casks are building up a little spice that is going to give you length.

Think peach cobbler with custard, soft spice mingle with notes of vanilla fudge, poached pears and cream. Toasted almonds and coconut build to a gently warming finish.

“Tormore 12 year old is a beautiful, elegant dram. Lots of those peaches and pears with a gorgeous vanilla fudge coming in, akin to like a peach crumble with a gorgeous vanilla custard.”

Polly
Distillery Manager