Tormore 12 Years Old 2008 Exploration Series (Claxton’s)

A Tormore single malt, selected and bottled by Claxton's, a 12 year old from 2008 and bottled at 50%. Tormore was built in 1958 by Long John Distillers beneath the Cromdale Hills in Speyside, and it was the first new malt distillery of the 20th century. Long a filler for the Long John and Ballantine's blends, Tormore was rarely seen as a single malt.

The spirit was run through purifier stills for a light, clean spirit, to build a clean, citrussy, almond edged character. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the clean character to the fore. Younger here, it keeps a clean, nutty freshness over orchard fruit. Refill oak lets the clean, nutty distillery character lead. Its granite buildings, copper roofs and musical clock earned it listed status in 1986. 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.

Undiluted at 50%, it is layered. Apple, citrus and a soft almond meet soft vanilla and honey from the cask. Soft orchard fruit and nut sit behind the sweetness. It closes clean, nutty and dry. This is a clean, citrussy Speyside single malt.