Tormore 7 Years Old 2012 Hepburn’s Choice (Langside Distillers)

From Langside Distillers comes this Tormore, aged 7 year old from 2012 and bottled at 46%. The outturn was 369 bottles. Built in the late 1950s beneath the Cromdale Hills in Speyside, Tormore is a grand Speyside distillery. It was the first new malt distillery built in Scotland in the 20th century, raised for the booming Long John blend.

The spirit was run through purifier stills for a light, clean spirit, to build a clean, citrussy, almond edged character. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the clean character to the fore. Younger here, it keeps a clean, nutty freshness over orchard fruit. The purifiers raise reflux, giving the clean, nutty spirit Tormore is known for. Its granite buildings, copper roofs and musical clock earned it listed status in 1986. A workers' village was built nearby in the same striking style. Heat recovery condensers and sub coolers run alongside the purifier stills.

At an approachable 46% it is light and balanced. A nutty, orchard fruit sweetness sit alongside soft vanilla and honey from the cask. A green apple and a citrus note lift it. It finishes clean, fresh and nutty. This is the architectural jewel of Speyside in a glass.