Tormore 12 Years Old 2008 Cask #82701226 (Duncan Taylor)

Bottled by Duncan Taylor, this Tormore, aged 12 year old from 2008, drawn from cask 82701226 and bottled at 54.3%. Just 240 bottles were filled. Built in the late 1950s in the Spey valley near Grantown, Tormore is a grand Speyside distillery. It was the first new malt distillery built in Scotland in the 20th century, raised for the booming Long John blend.

The spirit was made in copper stills whose purifiers keep the spirit light, for a light, nutty make of real clarity. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. At a youthful age the fruit is lively and the almond clear. A patient maturation suits the light, nutty Tormore character. 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. Most of the spirit matures off site, much of it in refill ex-Bourbon wood.

At cask strength 54.3% it is muscular yet clean. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with pear, almond and a citrus lift. The texture is light and slightly oily, the nut threaded through. The finish runs light, citrussy and fresh. This is the malt of Speyside's white cathedral.