Tormore 1990 Ch7 (Chapter 7 (Ch7))

Bottled by Chapter 7 (Ch7), this Tormore, a 31 year old Speyside malt from 1990, drawn from cask 2002 and bottled at 50.2%. Just 239 bottles were filled. Tormore, opened in 1960 in the Spey valley near Grantown, is one of Scotland's most striking distilleries. It was granted listed building status in 1986, rare for a distillery so young.

The spirit was made in copper stills whose purifiers keep the spirit light, for a light, nutty make of real clarity. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, soft oak that lets the nut and fruit lead. At this great age the malt is full and waxy, the nut deep and the oak polished. The cool Speyside climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. It has used wood chips from local forestry to fire its stills since 1984. For most of its life its spirit vanished quietly into blends rather than into bottles of its own. Elixir Distillers bought Tormore in 2022 and are reviving it as a single malt brand.

At a hearty 50.2% it carries real weight. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with pear, almond and a citrus lift. The texture is light and slightly oily, the nut threaded through. The finish is dry, nutty and structured. This is the malt of Speyside's white cathedral.