Tormore 13 Years Old 2011 Cask #800129 (Best Dram)

This Tormore was from the independent bottler Best Dram, a 13 year old from 2011, drawn from cask 800129 and bottled at 59.6%. Only 206 bottles were released. Tormore was built in 1958 by Long John Distillers in the Spey valley near Grantown, and it was the first new malt distillery of the 20th century. 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. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper, nuttier fruit. Sherry wood suits the light make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. The distillery sits near Grantown-on-Spey, in sight of the Cromdale Hills. Tormore is cleaner than the waxy Clynelish, with more weight than the lightest Speysiders.

At a natural 59.6% it is full and nutty. 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. A long, nutty finish carries a citrus lift. This is a Speysider from the white cathedral of the Spey.