Tormore 29 Years Old 1988 Cask #15329 (Signatory)

This Tormore was from the independent bottler Signatory Vintage, aged 29 year old from 1988, drawn from cask 15329 and bottled at 53.5%. Only 501 bottles were released. Built in the late 1950s in the Spey valley near Grantown, Tormore is a grand Speyside distillery. 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 in a sherry cask laid dried fruit over the nutty malt. 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. A workers' village was built nearby in the same striking style. Heat recovery condensers and sub coolers run alongside the purifier stills.

At a natural 53.5% it is full and nutty. The Oloroso lends raisin, walnut and a dried fruit richness, and vanilla and a light cream from the barrel, with almond, apple and a clean citrus. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a nutty body. The finish runs light, citrussy and fresh. This is a Speysider from the white cathedral of the Spey.