Tormore 24 Years Old 1990 Cask #1589 (Duncan Taylor)

This Tormore was from the independent bottler Duncan Taylor, a 24 year old Speyside malt from 1990, drawn from cask 1589 and bottled at 53.1%. The outturn was 166 bottles. Tormore, completed in 1960 on the A95 in the heart of Speyside, is one of Scotland's most striking distilleries. Water comes from the Achvochkie Burn, flowing off the granite hills above.

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. At this age it is rounded and nutty, the fruit folded into a honeyed, waxy body. A slightly oily texture carries the cask flavour over the clean spirit. The distillery sits near Grantown-on-Spey, in sight of the Cromdale Hills. Tormore is cleaner than the waxy Clynelish, with more weight than the lightest Speysiders.

At 53.1%, undiluted, it is deep and nutty. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with almond, apple and a clean citrus. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a nutty body. The finish is dry, nutty and structured. This is a Speysider from the white cathedral of the Spey.