Tormore Legacy Casks 12 Years Old 2012

This Tormore, an official release, a 12 year old Speyside malt from 2012, drawn from cask 921187 and bottled at 60.8%. Only 230 bottles were released. Tormore, opened in 1960 in the Spey valley near Grantown, is one of Scotland's most striking distilleries. It was the first new malt distillery built in Scotland in the 20th century, raised for the booming Long John blend.

The spirit was made in copper stills whose purifiers keep the spirit light, for a light, nutty make of real clarity. An ex-Bourbon barrel shaped it, gentle American oak beneath the fruit. At a youthful age the fruit is lively and the almond clear. Clean, citrussy spirit and a long maturation make for a structured malt. Its rise in 1958 broke a long pause in distillery building that had lasted decades. The architect Sir Albert Richardson gave it a grand, ornamental design unlike any other distillery. Its granite buildings, copper roofs and musical clock earned it listed status in 1986.

At cask strength 60.8% it is muscular yet clean. Vanilla and a light cream from the barrel 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.