Tormore 1988 W-F (Whisky-Fässle (W-F))

A Tormore single malt, selected and bottled by Whisky-Fässle (W-F) matured to 32 year old from 1988 and bottled at 44.1%. Tormore was built in 1958 by Long John Distillers beneath the Cromdale Hills in Speyside, and it was the first new malt distillery of the 20th century. It was the first new malt distillery built in Scotland in the 20th century, raised for the booming Long John blend.

The spirit was run through purifier stills for a light, clean spirit, to build a clean, citrussy, almond edged character. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the clean character to the fore. At thirty years and more it is rich and waxy, candied fruit, almond and old oak in a deep old malt. Soft water off the granite hills gives a clean, ester driven make. 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.

At 44.1% it is supple and nutty. Apple, citrus and a soft almond meet soft vanilla and honey from the cask. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a nutty body. The finish runs light, citrussy and fresh. This is a clean, citrussy Speyside single malt.