Tormore 10 Years Old 2011 Cask #800006 (Lady of the Glen)

This Tormore was from the independent bottler Lady of the Glen, a 10 year old from 2011, drawn from cask 800006 and bottled at 54.6%. Just 258 bottles were filled. Tormore was opened in 1960 on the A95 in the heart of Speyside, and it is now owned by Elixir Distillers. The distillery is sometimes called the white cathedral of Speyside for its grand design.

Distilled in swan neck stills fitted with purifiers, on soft Achvochkie Burn water, giving the structured, nutty Speyside spirit. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. At this age the spirit is fresh and nutty, the apple and citrus bright. Clean, citrussy spirit and a long maturation make for a structured malt. Its rise in 1958 broke a long pause in distillery building that had lasted decades. The architect Sir Albert Richardson gave it a grand, ornamental design unlike any other distillery.

At a hearty 54.6% it carries real weight. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with almond, apple and a clean citrus. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a nutty body. A long, nutty finish carries a citrus lift. This is a Speysider from the white cathedral of the Spey.