1995 Signatory Vintage Tormore 20 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Signatory was kickstarted by Andrew and Brian Symington in 1988, (who subsequently purchased the tiny Edradour distillery in 2002). The pair bottle and hand label whiskies from over 50 distilleries, and in true indie style, they’ll source obscurities as well as big brand names. The company's range - which is initially confusing - consists of three categories: The 43% ABV collection, a non chill-filtered collection (silver tins) and a cask strength collection. The quantities in this latest direct import shipment are too limited to permit sampling. However, to get some indication of the quality, we did cave into tasting two ‘entry level’ whiskies (Tormore & Glen Grant 43%). Given the extraordinary price / age ratios, something had to give. We were frankly surprised that the whiskies were not only faultless, but distinctive and beautifully balanced malts that are quite simply selling for a song. Customer feedback on other bottlings from the range has already been extremely positive. This is a terrific opportunity to taste extended age, all natural whiskies at some fantastic prices.

Located in Speyside’s Cromdale Hills in a picturesque spot overlooking the Spey, Tormore offers a fascinating whisky from one of the younger Scottish distilleries. Construction of Tormore began in 1958 and was completed in 1960, making it the first new distillery to be built in the country in the 20th century.

This indie bottling is the first ever Tormore to hit our shelves, distilled in 1995 and bottled in 2016 after 20 years in hogsheads of undisclosed provenance.

Tasting note: Brilliant gold with enticing aromas of tea biscuits, sponge cake, dried grass and background orchard fruitiness. Lean and pleasantly acidic on entry developing grassy, dried mango-like fruitiness; excellent length. Finish is fresh, tangy, lemon tart-like, long and delicately peppery. Truly different and bigger than the ABV would suggest. A treat. Natural colour. 43% Alc./Vol.