Tormore 28 (1992) Thompson Brothers

Review by: Raygun

Don’t believe I’ve had any Tormore. There is (or was?) a 16 year old OB, but I guess it’s Europe only: never seen it in the US. IBs aren’t so uncommon. Formerly owned by Pernod Ricard and mostly used for blends like Ballantine’s. Recently purchased by Elixir Distillers. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 20 minutes.

Distillery: Tormore 

Bottler: Thompson Brothers

Region/style: Speyside single malt Scotch

ABV: 47.3% 

Age: 28 years. Distilled in 2008. 

Cask type: Refill hogshead

Color: 0.6 old gold. Natural color. Non-chill-filtered.

Nose: Shy at first; this one might need some time. Digestive biscuits, malt, thyme. Woody, as might be expected. Hint of dried apple, fruit leather.   

Palate: Considerably more expressive here. Richly malty and waxy. Caramel, biscuits, and a toasted grain flavor. The oak is very present. Has a surprising intensity for the ABV. I’m looking for it, but I’m picking up about no fruit. This is about the malt and wood for me.  

Finish: Wax, honey cake, old furniture. The mouthfeel is very rich, almost like a bone broth (in texture, not flavor). Pick up some apple again. There aren’t many distinct notes, but it’s very deep.   

Conclusion: This is a hard one to review, at least for me. There just aren’t that many notes to describe. This is like a Velvet Underground song: spare, some might say basic, but it just keeps coming at you. The very simplicity is part of the power: wood, wax, malt, and not a lot else. This has a particular intensity. Young whiskies can be very good, but age brings some unique qualities, and this has those.  

Buy a bottle? Wouldn’t mind at all

Score: 86

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
  • 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)

Published by Raygun

Unknown's avatar

I drank Scotch occasionally (mostly at family gatherings) for years, but started getting more interested after an introduction and tasting from a Scottish acquaintance. That led to buying my first bottle (Highland Park 12). Now 600+ spirits later, Scotch is still my first love, but I drink other whisky and dabble in brandy as well.

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