Tormore 22 Years Old 2002 Cask #1443 (LMDW)

Bottled by La Maison du Whisky, this Tormore matured to 22 year old from 2002, drawn from cask 1443 and bottled at 48.5%. A release of 140 bottles. Tormore was first built between 1958 and 1960 beneath the Cromdale Hills in Speyside; its light malt long fed the Long John blend. 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. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. Beyond twenty years the malt grows deep and waxy, almond, dried fruit and a polished oak over the citrus. Refill oak lets the clean, nutty distillery character lead. 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.

Undiluted at 48.5%, it is layered. Melon, nut and a grassy note sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. It is clean and structured, the nutty spirit shining through. Green apple and almond draw out the close. This is Tormore's clean, nutty Speyside style.