Tormore 12 Years Old 2011 Cask #800041 (A.D. Rattray)

Single malt Tormore, an independent A.D. Rattray bottling, a 12 year old release from 2011, drawn from cask 800041 and bottled at 62.1%. 207 bottles in all. Set in the Spey valley near Grantown, Tormore has distilled since 1960. It was granted listed building status in 1986, rare for a distillery so young.

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 62.1%, undiluted, it is deep and nutty. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel runs under green apple, nut and a soft spice. It is fine and nutty, the fruit and oak well matched. A gently drying, nutty finish lingers. This is a light, almond edged Speyside single malt.