Tormore 31 Years Old 1991 Cask #15381 (Connoisseurs Choice)

This Tormore was from the independent bottler Gordon & MacPhail matured to 31 year old from 1991, drawn from cask 15381 and bottled at 56.1%. Just 518 bottles were filled. Tormore was first built between 1958 and 1960 in the Spey valley near Grantown; its light malt long fed the Long John blend. It was granted listed building status in 1986, rare for a distillery so young.

The spirit was made in copper stills whose purifiers keep the spirit light, for a light, nutty make of real clarity. A sherry cask wrapped the light spirit in dried fruit and a nutty depth. Very old Tormore turns profound, waxy and nutty yet still clean. Long, gentle ageing turns the green spirit towards honey and nut. The new owners released a Blueprint Series of 10 year olds in 2025 ahead of a full range. Its rise in 1958 broke a long pause in distillery building that had lasted decades.

Bottled at a cask strength 56.1%, it is rich. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, 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. Almond and a dry oak see out the finish. This is a Speysider from the white cathedral of the Spey.