Glenturret: A portrait of Scotland's oldest distillery
Glenturret: A portrait of Scotland's oldest distillery
Imagine standing in front of a distillery that was already producing whisky when Mozart was still composing and the French Revolution was still to come. Welcome to The Glenturret – Scotland's oldest working distillery, producing single malt whisky in picturesque Perthshire since 1763 (some sources even say 1717!).
But Glenturret is far more than just a historical curiosity. Following a spectacular transformation under the Lalique Group since 2018, the distillery now combines centuries-old tradition with modern luxury, Michelin-starred gastronomy, and artisanal perfection. In this profile, you'll learn all about its fascinating history, its unique whiskies, and why Glenturret is more exciting now than ever.
The story: From illegal beginnings to a luxury icon
🏴 1763-1875: The Founding Years
The story of Glenturret begins – like so many Scottish whisky stories – with illegal distillation . As early as 1717 , a secret distillery called "Hosh" (Gaelic for "foot") is said to have been operating on the banks of the River Turret in the Grampian Mountains , run by the Drummond family .
Glenturret was officially licensed in 1763 , making it the oldest documented distillery in Scotland – even older than Strathisla (1786) and Bowmore (1779). The name "Glenturret" translates to "Valley of the Turret" and refers to its idyllic location on the river of the same name.
Early owners:
- 1775: John Drummond receives the first official license
- 1818: Acquisition by the McCallum family
- 1875: First closure due to economic difficulties
🔥 1914-1957: World Wars and Stagnation
Like many Scottish distilleries, Glenturret suffered during the two World Wars:
- 1914-1918: Production discontinued (World War I)
- 1921-1957: Complete closure for over 36 years – the buildings fell into disrepair.
The distillery seemed lost – until a visionary whisky enthusiast appeared.
🌟 1957-2018: Rebirth through James Fairlie
In 1957, James Fairlie , a passionate whisky lover, bought the dilapidated buildings and began a spectacular reconstruction. Using second-hand Tullibardine stills and a great deal of dedication, he brought Glenturret back to life.
Milestones of the Fairlie era:
- 1959: First distillation after a 38-year hiatus
- 1960: Opening of one of Scotland's first visitor centers (only the second distillery ever!)
- 1981: Acquisition by Cointreau
- 1990: Sold to Highland Distillers (later Edrington Group )
- 1999-2018: Glenturret becomes home to The Famous Grouse Experience – Scotland's most visited distillery
Fun fact: During this time, Towser , the world's most famous distillery cat, also lived here; according to the Guinness Book of Records, he caught 28,899 mice !
💎 2018-present: The Lalique Transformation
2018 marked the beginning of a new era: The Lalique Group (French luxury crystal manufacturer) and Swiss entrepreneur Hansjörg Wyss bought Glenturret for an undisclosed amount and invested millions in a spectacular reorientation.
The vision: To transform the former Famous Grouse component factory into a luxury whisky brand with gastronomic excellence.
What changed:
- ✨ Complete renovation of the distillery
- 🍽️ Opening of the Glenturret Lalique Restaurant (Michelin ambitions)
- 👨🍳 Signing of boss Mark Donald (formerly Number One, Edinburgh)
- 🥃 Repositioning as a premium single malt brand
- 🎨 Collaboration with Lalique for exclusive crystal decanters
- 📚 Launch of the Stories range and limited editions
Today, Glenturret is one of Scotland's most exciting distilleries – a perfect symbiosis of history, craftsmanship and modern luxury.
The production: Craftsmanship in perfection
🌾 Floor Maltings: Tradition you can touch
Glenturret is one of only seven Scottish distilleries that still operate their own floor maltings – barley is spread out on the floor by hand and turned regularly.
The process:
- Soaking: Barley is soaked in water for 2-3 days.
- Germination: 5-7 days on the malt floor, turned daily by hand.
- Drying: Stopped in the kiln (drying oven)
Why is this special?
- Most traditional method of malt production
- Full control over the process
- Unique character of the malt
- Living history to experience
Production volume: Only 440,000 liters per year – tiny compared to industry giants like Glenfiddich (21 million liters)
🔥 The stills: Small but perfectly formed
Glenturret uses two copper pot stills :
- 1 Wash Still (raw distillation still)
- 1 Spirit Still (Fine Spirit Distilling Pot)
Special features:
- Relatively small (traditional size)
- Long swan necks for light, fruity distillates
- Copper contact for purity and elegance
- Double distillation (typical for Scotland)
💧 The water: Loch Turret
The water comes from Loch Turret in the Grampian Mountains – crystal clear, soft, and low in minerals. Perfect for whisky production.
Why is water so important?
- It directly affects the taste.
- Soft water = smoother whisky
- Minerals shape the character
The whiskies: From classic to experimental
🥃 Core Range: The Classics
1. Glenturret Triple Wood
- Maturation: Bourbon, sherry and wine casks
- Taste: Fruity, nutty, creamy
- Alcohol: 40% vol.
- For whom: Beginners, everyday enjoyment
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Honey, vanilla, red apples, nuts
- Palate: Creamy, caramel, oak, spices
- Finish: Medium-long, smooth with nutty notes
2. Glenturret 10 Years Old Peat Smoked
- Maturation: Bourbon and sherry casks
- Special feature: Peat-covered (unusual for Glenturret!)
- Taste: Smoky, fruity, complex
- Alcohol: 50% vol.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Peat smoke, citrus, vanilla, maritime freshness
- Palate: Smoke, honey, spices, dark fruits
- Finish: Long, smoky with sweet undertones
🎨 Limited Editions: The Rarities
Glenturret Manager's Dram Edition No. 2
- Limited edition: Only 750 bottles worldwide
- Maturation: European sherry casks, American oak, hint of peat
- Alcohol: Cask strength (varies)
- Price: Premium segment
Special feature: Each bottle is hand-numbered and honors the guardians of traditional craftsmanship at Glenturret.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Windswept peat, caramelized toffee, dried raisins, vanilla pudding, dark chocolate orange
- Palate: Warm oak, sea salt, dark fruits, sweet ripe oranges
- Finish: Long-lasting, smooth, harmonious
💎 Lalique Collaborations: pure luxury
Glenturret works closely with Lalique to create exclusive bottlings in handcrafted crystal decanters.
Examples:
- Glenturret 30 Years Old Lalique Decanter (limited edition)
- Glenturret 50 Years Old (only a few bottles, collector's price: 5 figures)
For whom: Collectors, investors, luxury lovers
Glenturret vs. other Highland distilleries
| feature | Glenturret | Glenfiddich | Dalwhinnie |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1763 | 1887 | 1897 |
| Size | Small (440k L/year) | Huge (21 million liters/year) | Average (2.2 million liters/year) |
| style | Fruity, nutty, creamy | Fruity, elegant | Light, rich in honey |
| Special feature | Floor Maltings, Lalique | Family-run, size | Supreme Distillery |
| Price | Mid-Premium | Medium | Medium |
| For whom | Connoisseurs, history buffs | Beginners, collectors | Beginners, Highlands fans |
Conclusion: Glenturret is smaller, more traditional and more exclusive than most Highland distilleries – perfect for those who appreciate authenticity and history.
A visit to Glenturret: An experience for all the senses
🏰 The distillery
Address: The Hosh, Crieff, Perthshire PH7 4HA, Scotland
Opening hours:
- Open daily (except December 25th/26th)
- Tours: 10:00 - 17:00
Tours & Experiences:
1. The Glenturret Tour (approx. 60 mins, £20)
- Guided tour of the distillery
- Visit Floor Maltings
- Tasting of 2 whiskies
2. The Connoisseur's Tour (approx. 90 mins, £50)
- Exclusive guided tour
- Tasting of 4 premium whiskies
- Access to warehouses
3. The Lalique Experience (approx. 2 hours, £150+)
- Private Tour
- Tasting of rare bottlings
- 3-course meal at the Lalique Restaurant
🍽️ Glenturret Lalique Restaurant
Chef: Mark Donald (formerly Number One, Edinburgh – Michelin star)
Concept: Modern Scottish cuisine with whisky pairings
Highlights:
- Seasonal, local ingredients
- Whisky-infused dishes
- Breathtaking views of the Grampian Mountains
Reservations are highly recommended (very popular!)
Price: £££ (Premium segment)
📸 Photo spots:
- The historic Floor Maltings
- The copper stills
- The River Turret
- The Lalique Restaurant with mountain views
- The Towser statue (famous distillery cat)
Why buy Glenturret now?
📈 Investment potential
Glenturret is one of the most exciting whisky investments of recent years:
Reasons:
- Small production: Only 440,000 liters/year = scarcity
- Lalique backing: Luxury brand with strong marketing
- Limited editions: Manager's Dram, Lalique decanter
- Historical value: Scotland's oldest distillery
- Rising demand: Premium Highland whiskies are in demand
Example: The Manager's Dram Edition No. 1 (2023) has already increased in value by 30% .
🎁 Perfect as a gift
Glenturret whiskies make ideal gifts for:
- Whisky connoisseurs: Authenticity and craftsmanship
- History buffs: Scotland's oldest distillery
- Luxury lovers: Lalique collaborations
- Collectors: Limited Editions
Gift idea: Combine a bottle of Glenturret with a visit to the distillery (voucher for tour + dinner)
Glenturret in the Whisky Quarter
🛒 Our Glenturret selection
In the Whisky Quarter you will find a curated selection of the best Glenturret bottlings:
Currently available:
- Glenturret Manager's Dram Edition No. 2 (limited, only 750 bottles!)
- Further bottlings available upon request.
Why buy from us?
- ✅ Authenticity guaranteed
- ✅ Fast, secure shipping
- ✅ Personal consultation
- ✅ Fair prices
- ✅ Collectibles and rarities
Discover now: Glenturret Collection in the Whisky Quarter
Frequently asked questions about Glenturret
Is Glenturret really the oldest distillery in Scotland?
Yes! Glenturret is the oldest continuously operating distillery with a license since 1763. Some sources even date illegal production back to 1717.
How does Glenturret taste compared to other Highland wines?
Fruitier and nuttier than Dalwhinnie, creamier than Glenfiddich, more traditional than modern craft distilleries. Unique due to floor maltings.
Is a visit to the distillery worthwhile?
Absolutely! Glenturret offers one of the most authentic distillery experiences in Scotland – floor maltings, small production, Michelin-ambitious restaurant.
Are Glenturret whiskies a good investment?
Yes , especially limited editions like Manager's Dram and Lalique decanters. Small production + luxury backing = potential for value appreciation.
Which Glenturret is suitable for beginners?
Glenturret Triple Wood – approachable, fruity, not too complex. A perfect introduction to the world of Highland whiskies.
Are there any peated Glenturret whiskies?
Yes! The Glenturret 10 Years Old Peat Smoked is a peated version – unusual for Glenturret, but very successful.
Conclusion: Glenturret – Where history meets modernity
Glenturret is more than just a distillery – it's a living museum , a luxury brand , and a craft workshop all in one. Whisky has been produced here with passion and tradition since 1763 (or even 1717!), and the transformation under Lalique has ushered the distillery into a new era without losing its soul.
Why Glenturret is special:
- ✨ Scotland's oldest distillery – history you can touch
- 🌾 Floor Maltings – one of only seven in Scotland
- 💎 Lalique Luxury – Exclusive Collaborations
- 🍽️ Michelin ambitions – gastronomy at the highest level
- 🥃 Craftsmanship perfection – only 440,000 liters/year
Our recommendation:
If you're looking for an authentic, handcrafted Highland whisky with a fascinating history, Glenturret is the perfect choice. The limited editions, such as the Manager's Dram, are not only a pleasure but also an investment.
🥃 Discover Glenturret in the Whisky Quarter – Scotland's oldest distillery awaits you!
About the author:
The Whiskyquartier team specializes in exclusive single malts and rare whiskies. We passionately curate the finest whiskies from Scotland, Ireland, and around the world – including the fascinating bottlings from Glenturret.