Tormore 12 Years Old 2008 Cask #HQF 701237 (Huang Qing Feng)

This Tormore was from the independent bottler Huang Qing Feng, a 12 year old Speyside malt from 2008, drawn from cask HQF 701237 and bottled at 56.5%. A release of 23 bottles. Tormore, opened in 1960 in the Spey valley near Grantown, is one of Scotland's most striking distilleries. 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. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the clean make. At this age the spirit is fresh and nutty, the apple and citrus bright. Years in oak round the spirit, the nut and orchard fruit deepening with age. The distillery doubled from four stills to eight in 1972, then settled back to four pairs.

At a hearty 56.5% it carries real weight. The Pedro Ximenez lends raisin, date and treacle, and vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with almond, apple and a clean citrus. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a nutty body. The finish is dry, nutty and structured. This is a Speysider from the white cathedral of the Spey.