Tormore Legacy Casks 16 Years Old 2009 (55.9%)

This Tormore, an official release matured to 16 year old from 2009, drawn from cask 44053 and bottled at 55.9%. A release of 242 bottles. Tormore was founded in 1958 on the A95 in the heart of Speyside; it is a listed building, the white cathedral of Speyside. Water comes from the Achvochkie Burn, flowing off the granite hills above.

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. Around the mid teens the malt gains a fuller nutty depth over the citrus. Long, gentle ageing turns the green spirit towards honey and nut. 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. A workers' village was built nearby in the same striking style.

At 55.9%, undiluted, it is deep and nutty. The refill oak lending honey and vanilla runs under green apple, nut and a soft spice. It is fine and nutty, the fruit and oak well matched. Almond and a dry oak see out the finish. This is a light, almond edged Speyside single malt.