Tormore 26 Years Old 1994 Cask #8354 (Connoisseurs Choice)

This is a Tormore single malt, chosen and bottled by Gordon & MacPhail, a 26 year old release from 1994, drawn from cask 8354 and bottled at 57.7%. The outturn was 576 bottles. Set in the Spey valley near Grantown, Tormore has distilled since 1960. 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 sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut. At this age it is rounded and nutty, the fruit folded into a honeyed, waxy body. The cool Speyside climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. Tormore is cleaner than the waxy Clynelish, with more weight than the lightest Speysiders. The new owners released a Blueprint Series of 10 year olds in 2025 ahead of a full range.

At a full 57.7% it is intense yet nutty. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and vanilla and a light cream from the barrel runs under a clean, nutty character. A dried fruit and a dry oak spice give it depth. A gently drying, nutty finish lingers. This is a structured, nutty Speysider.