Tormore 33 Years Old 1988 Cask #5737 (The Whisky Baron)

The Whisky Baron selected this Tormore, a 33 year old release from 1988, drawn from cask 5737 and bottled at 56.2%. A release of 487 bottles. First built between 1958 and 1960 in Speyside, near the Cairngorms, Tormore is a grand Speyside distillery. Water comes from the Achvochkie Burn, flowing off the granite hills above.

Distilled on soft Speyside water through purifier stills, building the firm, clean Tormore style. Maturation in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the nutty malt. At this great age the malt is full and waxy, the nut deep and the oak polished. The unpeated spirit lets the wood and the fruit speak without smoke. A workers' village was built nearby in the same striking style. Heat recovery condensers and sub coolers run alongside the purifier stills. The soft water runs through heather and peat and granite before reaching the distillery.

At a hearty 56.2% it carries real weight. The Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness, and a light, nutty fruitiness meet honeyed oak sweetness underneath. The texture is light and slightly oily, the nut threaded through. The finish is dry, nutty and structured. This is a light, nutty Speyside single malt.