Tormore 24 Years Old 1995 Cask #DL 13455 (XOP)

This Tormore was from the independent bottler Douglas Laing, a 24 year old release from 1995, drawn from cask DL 13455 and bottled at 50.7%. A release of 323 bottles. Set in the Spey valley near Grantown, Tormore has distilled since 1960. Long a filler for the Long John and Ballantine's blends, Tormore was rarely seen as a single malt.

The spirit was made in copper stills whose purifiers keep the spirit light, for a light, nutty make of real clarity. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Past twenty years the spirit turns honeyed and nutty while keeping its clarity. Clean, citrussy spirit and a long maturation make for a structured malt. Its granite buildings, copper roofs and musical clock earned it listed status in 1986. A workers' village was built nearby in the same striking style. Heat recovery condensers and sub coolers run alongside the purifier stills.

At its natural 50.7% it is concentrated. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with almond, apple and a clean citrus. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a nutty body. A gently drying, nutty finish lingers. This is a Speysider from the white cathedral of the Spey.