The Glenturret whiskies

History

The distillery stands by the River Turret, in an area with a long tradition of illicit distilling, and its written history goes back to the 18th century. It went through closures and reopenings, and in the 20th century ended up in the hands of the group that is now Edrington, which made it the home of The Famous Grouse, with a visitor centre devoted to the blend. In 2019 Edrington sold it to a group led by the French crystal house Lalique, which completely changed its focus: less blend and more malt under its own name, with new bottles, a renewed range and a gastronomic restaurant at the distillery itself. Towser, the distillery cat, entered the record books for the number of mice she caught over her lifetime.

House style

The Glenturret works in small quantities, with a very traditional mash tun, and its malt is fruity, honeyed and with good texture. The new range combines European and American oak sherry casks with bourbon casks, and offers dried fruit, honey, nuts and spice, without smoke, although the house also distils some peated malt. It is bottled without chill filtration and with natural colour, in an elegant, balanced style.

Where to start

Start with Triple Wood, the entry malt, smooth and fruity. If you like it, the twelve-year-old shows the house style with more depth and richness. It’s interesting to compare both with The Famous Grouse, the blend that had its home here for decades, to see the difference between malt and blend.

• The Glenturret Triple WoodSingle malt · 43% ABV
• The Glenturret 12 Year OldSingle malt · 46% ABV