Tormore 16 Years Old 1995 Cask #3875 + 3876 (Signatory)

Bottled by Signatory Vintage, this Tormore, a 16 year old from 1995, drawn from cask 3875 + 3876 and bottled at 43%. Just 841 bottles were filled. Tormore was completed in 1960 a mile south of the River Spey, and its single malt is being revived under new ownership. 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. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper, nuttier fruit. Years in oak round the spirit, the nut and orchard fruit deepening with age. 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. Its granite buildings, copper roofs and musical clock earned it listed status in 1986.

At 43% it is supple and nutty. A gentle vanilla from the wood, with pear, almond and a citrus lift. The texture is light and slightly oily, the nut threaded through. A long, nutty finish carries a citrus lift. This is the malt of Speyside's white cathedral.