Elixir Distillers acquired Tormore distillery in 2022, while building a new Portintruan distillery on Islay and not long after The Whisky Exchange was sold to Pernod. They started production under the eye of distillery manager Polly Logan and inheritated a large stock of aged casks.
A lot of the existing casks were second- or third-fill casks, presumably showing a shy character. The team took three years to assess and re-structure these stocks and already gave a sneak preview of an upcoming range in the form of the Tormore Blueprint series. More active cask types were selected for re-racking and now shape the core range with three expressions.
Tormore whisky (2026)
The entry-level whisky is the NAS Tormore Timeless, meant to be a light and bright whisky primarily aged in first-fill bourbon casks. The Tormore 12 Year Old uses a mix of first-fill bourbon casks, Cream sherry and virgin oak casks. Higher up the Tormore 16 Year Old only focuses on (re-racking in) sherry casks: 60% American oak Cream sherry and 40% of French oak (!) Oloroso butts.
Since production began in 1959, Tormore has been known for its elegant and refined character. However much of its spirit went into the Ballantine’s blend. We’re quite sure the new team will work hard to build a solid reputation as a single malt.
There’s more on their whiskies and history on their website.
Tormore Timeless (43%, OB 2026)
Nose: nicely fresh and very easy-going. It’s all about peaches, green apples and perhaps a whiff of green banana. Lemon candy, hints of sweet dough and vanilla, along with some fresh cereal notes. Then also subtle hints of oak shavings, spearmint and some greener walnut / almond notes in the background.
Mouth: distinctively malty. Some buttery pastry, apple pie and floral honey. Also pear drops and more of these green / minty notes. Then lemon zest, very subtle herbal elements, with baking spice building slowly in the background. The bourbon wood lends it slightly bittersweet edge and juniper.
Finish: not too long, with floral notes and lingering oak spice.
Predominantly matured in bourbon casks, this Tormore Timeless presents itself as a very accessible and fresh whisky. There’s perhaps a little more grainy youth and active oak than I anticipated, but the end result is harmonious and will certainly please many whisky enthusiasts. Available from retailers like The Whisky Exchange or LMdW (and well priced).
Tormore 12 yo (46%, OB 2026)
Nose: the cereally side stands out here, with fresh sourdough bread and underlying baking spice (from the virgin casks?). Some orchard fruits like yellow apples, stewed quinces and a hint of lemon. Light vanilla, as well as some roasted rosemary. Slightly rustic, but not without elegance.
Mouth: good texture. There’s a more cidery kind of fruitiness now, with peppermint and a return of the citrus. Coconut shavings, toasted almonds and ginger. The spiciness is quite intense, but it is balanced by cream soda, as well as a chalky drying note. Dusty grains and charred oak towards the end.
Finish: medium length, becoming more nutty now (walnuts) along with cinnamon, lemon oil and ginger.
As an all-rounder this works well, although some of the fruits are hidden behind new oak spice. It does stand out from other distilleries, but it didn’t convince me right away. I expect it will improve over time. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Royal Mile Whiskies among others. Score: 83/100
Tormore 16 yo (46,8%, OB 2026, sherry casks)
Nose: a fairly aromatic bakery profile, with brioche and buttery dough, baked apples, blueberry biscuits and a sprinkle of demerara sugar. Then toffee notes from the sherry, along with some hay. Nutty hints come out after a while, as well as a bright lemony top note.
Mouth: deep malty notes again, now mixed with blueberries and dates, as well as vanilla biscuits and dark baked pastry. Soft baking spice, like nutmeg and pepper. A little old ale and coffee too. Hints of apricot in the background, along with a newish, fragrant oaky touch – the French oak perhaps?
Finish: medium long, on malted cereals, a bit of caramel sweetness and roasted pecans.
Quite a gentle sherry cask influence, even though it’s certainly darker than the others. I like this style. It’s still very well priced for a 16 year-old so that will help to make a name for the brand. Available from The Whisky Exchange for instance. Score: 86/100