Tormore 35 Years Old 1988 Cask #DL 17546 (XOP)

This is a Tormore single malt, chosen and bottled by Douglas Laing, a 35 year old Speyside malt from 1988, drawn from cask DL 17546 and bottled at 46.2%. The outturn was 285 bottles. Tormore, built in 1958 by Long John Distillers a mile south of the River Spey, is one of Scotland's most striking distilleries. Purifiers on the spirit stills keep the spirit light and clean.

It was drawn off the distillery's swan neck stills with their purifiers, for a delicate, ester rich spirit. 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. A patient maturation suits the light, nutty Tormore character. 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 46.2%, undiluted, it is deep and nutty. The Oloroso brings dried fruit, fig and a nutty depth, and a gentle vanilla from the wood runs under a clean, nutty character. A dried fruit and a dry oak spice give it depth. The finish is dry, nutty and structured. This is a structured, nutty Speysider.