Tormore 14 Years Old 82NC Triple Wood (82 Chapters to Newcastle (82NC)) (57.3%)

This Tormore was from the independent bottler 82 Chapters to Newcastle (82NC), a 14 year old Speyside malt and bottled at 57.3%. Only 85 bottles were released. Tormore, built in 1958 by Long John Distillers a mile south of the River Spey, is one of Scotland's most striking distilleries. It was designed by Sir Albert Richardson, a President of the Royal Academy, in a grand ornamental style.

It was drawn off the distillery's swan neck stills with their purifiers, for a delicate, ester rich spirit. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness to the clean make. 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. A workers' village was built nearby in the same striking style. Heat recovery condensers and sub coolers run alongside the purifier stills.

At a natural 57.3% it is full and nutty. The Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness, and a gentle vanilla from the wood, with almond, apple and a clean citrus. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a nutty body. The finish is dry, nutty and structured. This is a Speysider from the white cathedral of the Spey.