Tormore 23 Years Old 1995 Cask #8221049 (Duncan Taylor)

Single malt Tormore, an independent Duncan Taylor bottling, a 23 year old release from 1995, drawn from cask 8221049 and bottled at 51.4%. A release of 87 bottles. Set a mile south of the River Spey, Tormore has distilled since 1960. Elixir Distillers bought it in 2022 and are reviving it as a single malt brand.

It was drawn off the distillery's swan neck stills with their purifiers, for a delicate, ester rich spirit. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. Past twenty years the spirit turns honeyed and nutty while keeping its clarity. Long, gentle ageing turns the green spirit towards honey and nut. The architect Sir Albert Richardson gave it a grand, ornamental design unlike any other distillery. 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.

At its natural 51.4% it is concentrated. The Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness, and a gentle vanilla from the wood runs under green apple, nut and a soft spice. It is fine and nutty, the fruit and oak well matched. A gently drying, nutty finish lingers. This is a light, almond edged Speyside single malt.