Tormore 22 Years Old 1995 Cask #20100 (Rest & be Thankful Whisky Company)

Single malt Tormore, an independent Rest & be Thankful Whisky Company bottling, a 22 year old from 1995, drawn from cask 20100 and bottled at 44.7%. A release of 307 bottles. Tormore was built in 1958 by Long John Distillers in the Spey valley near Grantown, 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 made in copper stills whose purifiers keep the spirit light, for a light, nutty make of real clarity. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the clean character to the fore. At this age it is rounded and nutty, the fruit folded into a honeyed, waxy body. Long, gentle ageing turns the green spirit towards honey and nut. 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 44.7%, undiluted, it is deep and nutty. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel runs under green apple, nut and a soft spice. It is fine and nutty, the fruit and oak well matched. A long, nutty finish carries a citrus lift. This is a light, almond edged Speyside single malt.