Tormore 26 Years Old 1988 Cask #15328 (van Wees)

Van Wees bottled this Tormore single malt, aged 26 year old from 1988, drawn from cask 15328 and bottled at 46%. 477 bottles in all. Tormore was built in the late 1950s near Grantown-on-Spey in Speyside; 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 worked through swan neck stills with purifiers, for the light, clean, nutty make Tormore is known for. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Long ageing brings a deeper nutty, dried fruit character and a mellow oak. Most Tormore matures off site, much of it in refill ex-Bourbon. Elixir Distillers bought Tormore in 2022 and are reviving it as a single malt brand. Most of the spirit matures off site, much of it in refill ex-Bourbon wood. The distillery sits near Grantown-on-Spey, in sight of the Cromdale Hills. Tormore is cleaner than the waxy Clynelish, with more weight than the lightest Speysiders.

At 46% it is clean and citrussy. Melon, nut and a grassy note sit alongside a quiet vanilla from the refill oak. A dried fruit and a dry oak spice give it depth. A gently drying, nutty finish lingers. This is Tormore's clean, nutty Speyside style.