3 Malts Under New Management: Tullibardine "500," DT Tormore 2010 11yo, G&M Glenturret 2001 10yo
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- Опубліковано 6 чер 2024
- If the task were to think of Scottish malt distilleries that were previously owned by gigantic corporations - with almost everything they made getting vatted into large volume blends - and then somehow or other got taken over by smaller parties, we could all name a few prominent examples. Glenallachie! Tamdhu! Glen Moray! Glencadam! Uhh... Glendronach and Bruichladdich, although they didn't last!
But those are just the prominent, much-discussed examples. Some of those corporate distilleries have been unloaded much more quietly, and you'd never even know except by stumbling across the change in Wikipedia summaries. And after having one of those experiences ("Wait... Edrington sold Glenturret?? What? When?") and spending a while spent poring over the entire public list of distillery ownership, I made a list of three particularly fun changes in management that might have slipped your notice. And they all just happen to be very T-themed. Stats:
- Tullibardine "500" Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Sherry Cask Finish (NAS, bottled 2022; 43% ABV), 82/100
- Tormore 2010 11 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Duncan Taylor, Cask no. 82801207, 11/2010 to 4/2022, 264 bottles; 53.8% ABV), 88/100
- Glenturret 2001 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Gordon & Macphail for BC Merchants; Refill Sherry Hogshead no. 593, 9/25/2001 to 7/2012, 288 bottles; 55.1% ABV), 86/100
The Tullibardine 500, from an enormous post-war southern Highlands malt factory (formerly of the White & Mackay empire), is one of the new releases from current owners Famille Picard of Burgundy. It's lightly sherried, it's sort of lean and citric and herbaceous, it's 43%... and, well, it's absolutely fine. Worth a grab if you see it at a good price and need a house malt.
The Duncan Taylor Tormore, from another enormous post-war distillery (this time in the Speyside in what looks like an industrial mansion, and this time formerly owned by Pernod-Ricard/Chivas), is absolutely insane. Gummy bears and strong tea are some of the main notes. It's a signature way outside of most people's comfort zone, but pay attention and you'll find that the level of quality is super-high: this bottlings and others like it are well worth your time, and I'm hoping new owners Elixer Distillers (of Port Askaig/Black Tot fame) will lean into the weirdness.
And then there's a rare unpeated IB Glenturret, a bottle from my archives. Glenturret is a very old southern Highlands distillery and former home of the Edrington empire's Famous Grouse Experience; the OBs you now see around are from the Lalique Group, mainly known for perfume (and that's okay). You might mistake it for a simple sherry bomb initially but there's a ton of orangey/grainy character there if you look for it... although it's just not enough to take down the bonkers Tormore.
And there you have it! Just a reminder that independent production in Scotland isn't all about cool new distilleries: sometimes it's about old ones getting new leadership and hopefully a little bit of love.
Extra special thanks to my Different Spirits on Patreon ( / differentspirits ) -
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Your description section is superb. Love your Scotch content👌🏼
Thank you! 😊
Thanks for the tip about that Tormore; sounds intriguing. Found it in my area and just bought it. I’m a little jealous of you getting yours on a close out shelf. Oh well. Looking forward to trying it.
Have fun, and invite adventurous friends! But yes, the End of Bin shelves at Binnys are overflowing right now...
@@differentspirits4157 Oh, Binny’s must take things off line when they put stuff on close out. May I ask which location you got this Tormore? My wife and I will be in the Chicago area within the next few weeks. It may be nice to pick up a back up bottle and some wine. Thanks,
@@josephdevine8768 I _think_ I grabbed this one at South Loop.
I had a different IB of the Tormore and really enjoyed it. A few months ago I bought the DT Tormore that you just reviewed. I have not opened it yet but now am excited to try it! Currently Glenturret appears to be pricing themselves out of my interest level.
Glenturret seems to have been noticed. Tormore is still under the radar at the moment... 😁
Great video! Your history with and knowledge of Scotch makes me realize that I'd love to know more about how you'd compare the different categories of spirits to each other. How would you describe the charms, shortcomings, quirks, etc. of Scotch, Bourbon, Rum, Brandy, Agave spirits, Baijiu, others? How do the categories themselves compare for you? I think it might be a fascinating video, a nice complement to your Ride or Die Spirits brands video.
That's a very, very tricky question and I'm not sure how I'd approach it. One thing it feels important to say is that I think the appeal of those categories change dramatically depending on how deep into them (and how nerdy) you want to get. I'm giving it some thought!
I am looking forward to what we will get when the Singh Bros release their Tormore official bottlings. I have enjoyed the indies and have that DT one. I hope it won’t be overpriced. As for Tullibardine, it’s hard to take the French seriously when it comes to spirits. Sure, there’s the handful of armagnacs and some of those fruit brandies from Alsace, but most of it is way under-presented. Is it a crime in France to bottle spirits at 46% +? Unfortunately, Glenturret is overpriced.
Just for that comment about France, I'm bumping up my onslaught of Armorik reviews. De rien!! 😂
where is Laphroaig that is under newer blenders and distillers ? No more cask strength Cairdeas the last couple years and probably never going to see them again.
I'd honestly just stick to the 10yo CS for right now. It sounds like they're doing some fun experiments with fermentation, of course, but I'm honestly more curious about (say) Ardnahoe...