Tormore 9 Years Old 2016 Cask #EXP1093 (Claxton’s)

Single malt Tormore, an independent Claxton's bottling matured to 9 year old from 2016, drawn from cask EXP1093 and bottled at 50%. Tormore was first built between 1958 and 1960 in the Spey valley near Grantown; its light malt long fed the Long John blend. It was the first new malt distillery built in Scotland in the 20th century, raised for the booming Long John blend.

The spirit was made in copper stills whose purifiers keep the spirit light, for a light, nutty make of real clarity. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the clean make. Still young, the malt is light and nutty with a citrus lift. A slightly oily texture carries the cask flavour over the clean spirit. Tormore is cleaner than the waxy Clynelish, with more weight than the lightest Speysiders. The new owners released a Blueprint Series of 10 year olds in 2025 ahead of a full range.

At a natural 50% it is full and nutty. The Oloroso gives dried fruit and a toasted nuttiness, and vanilla and a light cream from the barrel runs under green apple, nut and a soft spice. It is fine and nutty, the fruit and oak well matched. Almond and a dry oak see out the finish. This is a light, almond edged Speyside single malt.