Glenturret distillery

Introduction to Glenturret

A distillery with passion for craftsmanship

Glenturret is Scotland’s oldest working distillery, nestled in the picturesque Highlands near the town of Crieff in Perthshire. With roots stretching back to 1763, this historic distillery seamlessly blends time-honored traditions with meticulous attention to quality, producing exceptional whiskies that capture the essence of Scottish whisky-making heritage.

The distillery stands on the banks of the Turret River, drawing pure water from the Loch Turret for its production. This idyllic setting provides not only the essential ingredients but also contributes to the distinctive character of their whisky.

Why we have a soft spot for Glenturret

At Vault of Spirits, we admire distilleries that remain true to traditional methods while creating whiskies of exceptional quality and character. Glenturret distinguishes itself through its commitment to hand-crafted production methods that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

We particularly appreciate Glenturret’s resistance to industrial modernization, maintaining small production batches and emphasizing quality over quantity. Their dedication to traditional floor maltings and hand-mashing techniques results in whiskies with depth, character, and an authentic connection to Scotland’s whisky-making heritage.

The History Behind Glenturret

Origins and development

Glenturret’s origins can be traced back to 1763, making it Scotland’s oldest continuously operating distillery. It began as an illicit still operated by local farmers and smugglers who sought to avoid the heavy taxes imposed on whisky production.

The distillery was officially established in 1775 and has weathered numerous challenges throughout its history, including periods of closure during the World Wars and economic downturns. Despite these obstacles, Glenturret has persistently returned to production, maintaining its place in Scotland’s whisky landscape.

In 2019, a significant chapter began when The Glenturret was acquired by luxury goods company Lalique Group, ushering in a new era that respects tradition while elevating the brand to new heights.

The people behind

Today, Glenturret is guided by an exceptional team of whisky artisans led by Master Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno, formerly of Macallan fame. Joining him is Managing Director John Laurie, who brings extensive knowledge of luxury spirits and a deep respect for Glenturret’s heritage.

The distillery’s team includes skilled craftspeople who maintain traditional methods, passing knowledge from generation to generation. Their collective expertise ensures that every bottle of Glenturret whisky embodies centuries of Scottish whisky-making excellence.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Glenturret begins with carefully selected Scottish barley. Unlike many modern distilleries, Glenturret still employs traditional floor malting for some of their production, allowing the grain to germinate naturally before drying.

The mashing process remains largely manual, with the team maintaining control over temperature and timing to extract optimal sugars from the grain. Fermentation occurs in traditional wooden washbacks, where yeast converts sugars to alcohol over approximately 100 hours – longer than industry standard – developing deeper, more complex flavors.

Distillation takes place in Glenturret’s distinctive copper pot stills, which are unusually shaped and contribute significantly to the whisky’s character. The distillery maintains one of the slowest distillation processes in Scotland, allowing maximum copper contact and producing a remarkably smooth spirit.

Maturation and aging

Glenturret whisky matures primarily in hand-selected oak casks, including ex-bourbon barrels, sherry butts, and other specialty wine casks. The distillery’s dunnage warehouses provide ideal conditions for aging, with thick stone walls maintaining consistent temperature and humidity throughout the seasons.

Many expressions from Glenturret are bottled as single casks, offering whisky enthusiasts a truly unique experience with each release. The interaction between spirit and wood over many years results in whiskies of exceptional depth and complexity, each telling its own story of time and craftsmanship.

Selected Products from Glenturret

Glenturret 12 Year Old – An introduction to the house style

This core expression perfectly introduces newcomers to Glenturret’s signature style. Rich notes of orchard fruits, honey, and warm spices create a balanced profile that showcases the distillery’s traditional approach. A velvety mouthfeel and long, satisfying finish make this an excellent entry point into the Glenturret range.

Glenturret Triple Wood – A connoisseur’s experience

For those seeking a more complex expression, the Triple Wood offers an intriguing journey through different cask influences. Matured in a combination of European oak, American oak, and ex-sherry casks, it delivers layers of rich dried fruits, dark chocolate, and subtle oak spice with a luxurious oily texture. The higher ABV provides added intensity for whisky aficionados who appreciate nuanced complexity.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Glenturret offers immersive tours that take visitors through the entire whisky-making journey. The distillery’s picturesque setting provides a perfect backdrop to learn about traditional production methods that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.

Tours typically conclude with tastings featuring 3-5 expressions that highlight different aspects of Glenturret’s portfolio. The experienced guides provide insights into the distinctive characteristics of each whisky, enhancing the tasting experience with their knowledge and passion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glenturret?

Glenturret is Scotland’s oldest working distillery, producing single malt Scotch whisky since 1763. The distillery is known for its traditional, hands-on approach to whisky making, focusing on small-batch production and time-honored methods that prioritize quality and character over industrial efficiency.

Where is Glenturret located?

Glenturret Distillery is located near the town of Crieff in Perthshire, Scotland. Situated in the southern Highlands, the distillery sits on the banks of the Turret River, which provides the pure water source essential for their whisky production.

What characterizes Glenturret whisky?

Glenturret is distinguished by its adherence to traditional production methods, including hand-mashing, long fermentation times, and one of the slowest distillation processes in Scotland. Their whiskies typically feature rich, robust flavors with notes of honey, dried fruits, and gentle spice, underpinned by a distinctive smoothness resulting from their meticulous production process.

Where can I buy whisky from Glenturret?

You can find selected bottles from Glenturret at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both core expressions and limited releases, offering you access to this historic distillery’s finest creations. Our collection includes both accessible introductory bottles and rare gems for the discerning collector.