Tormore Legacy Casks 21 Years Old 2003

This Tormore, an official release, a 21 year old release from 2003, drawn from cask 638 and bottled at 44.9%. 180 bottles in all. Set a mile south of the River Spey, Tormore has distilled since 1960. It was designed by Sir Albert Richardson, a President of the Royal Academy, in a grand ornamental style.

It was drawn off the distillery's swan neck stills with their purifiers, for a delicate, ester rich spirit. It was matured in refill ex-Bourbon oak, lending honey and vanilla. At this age it is rounded and nutty, the fruit folded into a honeyed, waxy body. Years in oak round the spirit, the nut and orchard fruit deepening with age. 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. The soft water runs through heather and peat and granite before reaching the distillery.

At cask strength 44.9% it is muscular yet clean. A gentle vanilla from the wood runs under a clean, nutty character. A dried fruit and a dry oak spice give it depth. A gently drying, nutty finish lingers. This is a structured, nutty Speysider.