Tormore 14 Years Old 2010 Cask #8247035 (Duncan Taylor)

This is a Tormore single malt, chosen and bottled by Duncan Taylor matured to 14 year old from 2010, drawn from cask 8247035 and bottled at 54.5%. Only 64 bottles were released. Tormore was founded in 1958 on the A95 in the heart of Speyside; it is a listed building, the white cathedral of Speyside. The granite buildings carry copper roofs and a musical clock that plays four Scottish songs each quarter hour.

Distilled in swan neck stills fitted with purifiers, on soft Achvochkie Burn water, giving the structured, nutty Speyside spirit. A sherry cask wrapped the light spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper, nuttier fruit. Clean, citrussy spirit and a long maturation make for a structured malt. Its rise in 1958 broke a long pause in distillery building that had lasted decades. The architect Sir Albert Richardson gave it a grand, ornamental design unlike any other distillery.

At a natural 54.5% it is full and nutty. The Madeira lends raisin and a caramelised nuttiness, and the refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under a clean, nutty character. A dried fruit and a dry oak spice give it depth. Almond and a dry oak see out the finish. This is a structured, nutty Speysider.