Tormore 28 Years Old 1992 (Phil & Simon Thompson)

This Tormore was from the independent bottler Phil & Simon Thompson matured to 28 year old from 1992 and bottled at 47.3%. Only 252 bottles were released. Tormore was built in the late 1950s a mile south of the River Spey; it is one of the most striking distilleries in Scotland. 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. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Beyond twenty years the malt grows deep and waxy, almond, dried fruit and a polished oak over the citrus. A slightly oily texture carries the cask flavour over the clean spirit. 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 natural 47.3% it is full and nutty. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with almond, apple and a clean citrus. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a nutty body. Almond and a dry oak see out the finish. This is a Speysider from the white cathedral of the Spey.