Tormore 13 Years Old (Discovery)

Bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, this Tormore, a 13 year old release and bottled at 43%. Set on the A95 in the heart of Speyside, Tormore has distilled since 1960. The distillery is sometimes called the white cathedral of Speyside for its grand design.

Distilled in swan neck stills fitted with purifiers, on soft Achvochkie Burn water, giving the structured, nutty Speyside spirit. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. By this age the light spirit rounds into nutty fruit and a soft honey. Years in oak round the spirit, the nut and orchard fruit deepening with age. 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.

At 43% it is soft, nutty and clean. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with pear, almond and a citrus lift. The texture is light and slightly oily, the nut threaded through. A gently drying, nutty finish lingers. This is the malt of Speyside's white cathedral.