Tormore 10 Years Blueprint Bourbon Barrel
Well, do you know Tormore? If not, you're in good company – this Speyside distillery tends to lead a rather shadowy existence in the whisky universe. Founded in 1958, Tormore now belongs to Chivas Brothers and mainly produces for blends. But every now and then, a few casks make it onto the market as single malts.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The nose greets us with a veritable fruit basket – juicy pear, crisp apples and velvety peaches dance around the nose. The fresh fruit is accompanied by a lemony liveliness that gives the whole a lovely sparkle. Then, surprisingly, a hint of menthol is added – not pungent, but cool and fresh, like a breath of mint on a summer's day. In the background, there is a subtle hint of peat, but it remains discreetly in the background. The bourbon cask maturation is noticeable in a slight grainy note, which lends an American nuance to the fruity Speyside character.
Palate
The first sip reveals a wonderfully oily texture – that's the 48% alcohol content making itself felt. The fruity aroma continues on the palate: apple and pear are the main players, supported by exotic pineapple and a lovely hint of honey. The lemon remains present and provides freshness, while a subtle melon sweetness joins in. Malty tones come through from the bourbon cask without being overpowering. The promised smoke? Barely noticeable.
Finish
The finish surprises with a pleasant chilli heat that develops slowly. Oak is noticeable – not too dominant, but present enough to show that American wood was used here. Honey accompanies the finish and provides a pleasant sweetness.
Thoughts
Marcel 75/100
A straightforward Speyside whisky that delights with its fruity notes and subtle chili spice – perfect for anyone looking for an honest, down-to-earth dram that impresses without any fuss.
Sascha 76/100
The Tormore 10 Blueprint Bourbon Barrel strikes a solid balance between fruitiness and bourbon cask influence, though it remains somewhat understated in complexity; a well-structured whisky for fans of classic Speyside profiles with a light American twist.
Value for Money: Fair
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Kirsch Import. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the bourbon cask maturation of the Tormore 10 Years Blueprint Bourbon Barrel special?
The bourbon cask maturation imparts a lightly grainy malt note and a pleasant oak spice to the Tormore 10 Years, complementing the fruity Speyside character with an American wood influence without overpowering it.
How pronounced is the smoke level in the Tormore 10 Years Blueprint Bourbon Barrel?
The smoke in the Tormore 10 Years is very subtle and barely noticeable, as the focus is more on fruity and malty aromas.
What distinctive features does the finish of this whisky show?
The finish surprises with a slowly emerging chili heat, accompanied by a delicate oak spice and a pleasant honeyed sweetness.