Tormore 27 Years Old 1993 (Connoisseurs Choice)

Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, this Tormore, a 27 year old Speyside malt from 1993 and bottled at 54.2%. 573 bottles in all. Tormore, built in 1958 by Long John Distillers a mile south of the River Spey, is one of Scotland's most striking distilleries. 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 cask wrapped the light spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. 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. 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.

Undiluted at 54.2%, it is layered. Raisin and a nutty sherry depth build, and a gentle vanilla from the wood, 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.