Tormore Legacy Casks 13 Years Old 2012 (52.1%)

This official Tormore single malt, a 13 year old release from 2012, drawn from cask 921195 and bottled at 52.1%. 197 bottles in all. Set on the A95 in the heart of Speyside, Tormore has distilled since 1960. The granite buildings carry copper roofs and a musical clock that plays four Scottish songs each quarter hour.

Distilled in swan neck stills fitted with purifiers, on soft Achvochkie Burn water, giving the structured, nutty Speyside spirit. A refill American oak cask held it, keeping the clean character to the fore. Mid age brings a deeper honey and a riper, nuttier fruit. The cool Speyside climate gives a slow, even maturation over the years. The distillery doubled from four stills to eight in 1972, then settled back to four pairs. It has used wood chips from local forestry to fire its stills since 1984. For most of its life its spirit vanished quietly into blends rather than into bottles of its own.

At a natural 52.1% it is full and nutty. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla, with almond, apple and a clean citrus. The mouthfeel is light, the fruit carried on a nutty body. A gently drying, nutty finish lingers. This is a Speysider from the white cathedral of the Spey.