Michael Jackson called Tormore the most elegant distillery (architecturally speaking). It’s modern (built in 1958) and slightly bombastic. If you like traditional distilleries then this one is probably not for you. If you like a modern interpretation, yes it’s beautiful.
Anyway, the whisky is part of the Ballantine’s blend and there’s an official Tormore 12yo and a 15yo.
Tormore 10 yo ‘Pure malt 100%’
(43%, OB for Dreher Milano, around 1980, 75cl)
Tormore 10 yo ‘Pure malt 100%’Nose: quite mild. Cereal notes with fruity bits. Red berries, oranges, pears. Heering cherry liqueur. Hints of malt and praline as well.
Mouth: it seems bigger than 43% and balances between sweet notes and sourish / resinous elements. Apples with caramel sauce. Mint, cloves and bitter oranges. Nutty notes, with some sharpness in the aftertaste (like radish).
Finish: a bit undefined, with hints of oak. Not too long.
This Tormore shows a great fruitiness on the nose. The palate is slightly less interesting but still full-flavoured. You’ll often read Tormore from this period seems more intense than you’d expect, which is a quality in its own right. Collector’s item.
Score: 87/100