Tormore 27 Years Old 1988 Cask #HL 12240 (Edition Spirits)

Single malt Tormore, an independent Edition Spirits bottling, a 27 year old Speyside malt from 1988, drawn from cask HL 12240 and bottled at 57.8%. The outturn was 232 bottles. Tormore, opened in 1960 in the Spey valley near Grantown, is one of Scotland's most striking distilleries. Long a filler for the Long John and Ballantine's blends, Tormore was rarely seen as a single malt.

The spirit was made in copper stills whose purifiers keep the spirit light, for a light, nutty make of real clarity. Maturation came in ex-Bourbon wood, with vanilla under the orchard fruit. Beyond twenty years the malt grows deep and waxy, almond, dried fruit and a polished oak over the citrus. Sherry wood suits the light make, lending dried fruit and a nutty depth. 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 its natural 57.8% it is concentrated. 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. The finish is dry, nutty and structured. This is a light, almond edged Speyside single malt.