Tormore 15 Years Old 1998 Cask #1587 (G&M)

This is a Tormore single malt, chosen and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, a 15 year old Speyside malt from 1998, drawn from cask 1587 and bottled at 46%. Tormore, completed in 1960 on the A95 in the heart of Speyside, is one of Scotland's most striking distilleries. 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. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Past a decade the nut deepens into almond, honey and a riper orchard fruit. 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. The soft water runs through heather and peat and granite before reaching the distillery.

At 46% it is supple and nutty. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under a clean, nutty character. A dried fruit and a dry oak spice give it depth. The finish is dry, nutty and structured. This is a structured, nutty Speysider.