Tormore 13 Years Old 1984 (Authentic Collection)

This is a Tormore single malt, chosen and bottled by Cadenhead's, aged 13 year old from 1984 and bottled at 63.8%. Built in the late 1950s in the Spey valley near Grantown, Tormore is a grand Speyside distillery. Long a filler for the Long John and Ballantine's blends, Tormore was rarely seen as a single malt.

The spirit was made in copper stills whose purifiers keep the spirit light, for a light, nutty make of real clarity. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, soft oak that lets the nut and fruit lead. By this age the light spirit rounds into nutty fruit and a soft honey. Long, gentle ageing turns the green spirit towards honey and nut. 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 63.8%, it is layered. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel runs under a clean, nutty character. A dried fruit and a dry oak spice give it depth. The finish runs light, citrussy and fresh. This is a structured, nutty Speysider.