In June 2022 Elixir Distillers – the spirits firm based by ex-Whisky Alternate homeowners Rajbir and Sukhinder Singh – took over Tormore distillery from Pernod Ricard. Regardless of being some of the visually beautiful distilleries, their fame was not very massive (apart from a number of legendary outdated bottlings). Nonetheless we’re fairly certain the Elixir crew can elevate this model and make its stunning spirit shine. There is no such thing as a query that the Singh brothers and grasp blender Oliver Chilton have formidable plans for the distillery,
Not too long ago they introduced the Blueprint Cask Program, an official pre-release collection with three expressions that showcase the constructing blocks of the longer term at Tormore. There’s a 10 Yr Outdated from bourbon barrels, toasted barrels and Cream sherry casks. I’m glad they chose a number of of the extra dependable cask varieties for this collection (leaving room for the spirit) and never the wine casks utilized by many others. Every launch focuses on a mode of maturation that will kind the construction of upcoming bottlings.
Let’s take a look at these three releases in anticipation of Tormore’s official model relaunch in 2026.
Tormore 10 yo – Bourbon Barrel (48%, OB ‘Blueprint’ 2025, 1500 btl.)
Nostril: vibrant and recent. Peaches and different stone fruits, in addition to lemon sweet, sweetened lime juice and floral honey. Then a pleasant trace of vanilla marshmallows and light-weight coconut, in addition to greener fruit that begin to seem. Some cooling mint and refined herbs as nicely.
Mouth: a great texture, with a reasonably traditional Speyside begin, which suggests extra orchard fruits. Pear drops, white nectarines and a few greener, leafier notes. Inexperienced melons, even a really faint tropical observe. Mid-palate it reveals a refined bittersweet woody trace, with citrus zest, a faint toasted edge and hints of (dried) herbs. Mild peppery warmth and refined caramelized notes too.
End: medium, with citrus fruits, natural honey and light-weight oak spice.
Lovely fruity notes and a traditional brightness are the important thing property right here. The wooden is nicely dosed – I believe the calmly bitter spice provides depth to the composition. Not spectacular, however assuming this a practical proposal for what they’ll provide on an inexpensive scale, we’re actually pleased. Out there from The Whisky Alternate.
Tormore 10 yo – Toasted Barrel (48%, OB ‘Blueprint’ 2025, 1500 btl.)
Nostril: spicier after all. Nonetheless some orchard fruits (apple), honey and hints of vanilla custard, however these are matched to white pepper, hints of clove, loads of herbs and a few toasted bread. Later dusty almonds and light-weight mentholated hints too.
Mouth: much more mintiness and pepper of the virgin oak. The apple observe is sort of inexperienced now, with hints of citrus behind it. Then it turns in direction of cinnamon and burnt caramel notes, together with a basic warming, charred oakiness and hints of toasted walnuts in the long run.
End: fairly lengthy, with extra of this heat of oak spice, hints of tobacco and light-weight cocoa within the background.
I’m lacking the great fruitiness right here, despite the fact that the toasted barrels might actually add punch to future compositions. Not essentially the path I had in thoughts for Tormore, nor the kind of whisky they might excel in, however it’s good to see the total width of the shares. Out there from The Whisky Alternate. Rating: 83/100
Tormore 10 yo – Cream Sherry Cask (48%, OB ‘Blueprint’ 2025, 1500 btl.)
Nostril: far much less thick and… nicely… creamy than I anticipated. There’s a bitter fruitiness (cranberry, grape, inexperienced apple and orange) with golden raisins and light-weight fudge. Barely skinny although, with a leathery overtone. Then some leafy hints and a whiff of roasted espresso within the background.
Mouth: fairly skinny once more, though it boasts fascinating flavours like espresso, darkish chocolate, black pepper and hints of (Seville) oranges. Extra plums and grapes as nicely, alongside roasted hazelnuts. Then a little bit of outdated ale, faint caramel and a few coppery notes. The cask appears to do a lot of the work, however it’s exceptional to see it’s moderately darkish and skinny, moderately than candy.
End: medium, slowly drying, on earthy notes, malted cereals and roasted pecans.
This isn’t the type of fashionable sherry fashion most distilleries are providing as of late. My guess could be using ‘true’ solera casks – or perhaps only a quick ending interval with seasoned casks. It will likely be fascinating to see the place they’re going with this profile – it might actually make them stand out from the gang. Bought out at The Whisky Alternate (and most different locations). Rating: 87/100
