Tormore 2009

Owned by Pernod Ricard, Tormore is the first distillery that you drive past on your way into Speyside. A cathedral of whisky, there is no grander distillery in the region, with its model village looks and stylised gardens. Tormore feels like a unique example of what a distillery could look like. Established in 1958 by Schenley International, the distillery was intended for blends but has also managed to produce an ad hoc series of official single malt releases. It’s always had a unique charm, with France being a major destination for its core range of the 14- and 16-year-olds. Recent investment in the site means we’ll be seeing more Tormore once Pernod Ricard has figured out what they want to do. For now, it remains closed to visitors and a cult enigma.