Glenturret: A portrait
Glenturret: Scotland's Oldest Distillery in Focus
Imagine standing before a distillery that was already producing whisky when Mozart was still composing and the French Revolution was yet 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 much 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-aspiring gastronomy, and artisanal perfection. In this portrait, you'll learn everything about its fascinating history, unique whiskies, and why Glenturret is more exciting than ever right now.
Glenturret Whiskies from our range
Matching the portrait of Scotland's oldest distillery, we have selected three excellent Glenturret bottlings for you:
From the shop
The History: From Illicit Beginnings to Luxury Icon
🏴 1763-1875: The Founding Years
The history of Glenturret begins – like so many Scottish whisky stories – with illicit distillation. As early as 1717, a secret distillery named "Hosh" (Gaelic for "foot") is said to have operated on the banks of the River Turret in the Grampian Mountains, run by the Drummond family.
Official licensing took place in 1763, making Glenturret the oldest documented distillery in Scotland – even before Strathisla (1786) and Bowmore (1779). The name "Glenturret" translates to "Valley of the Turret" and refers to its idyllic location by the river of the same name.
Early Owners:
- 1775: John Drummond obtains the first official license
- 1818: Taken over by the McCallum family
- 1875: First closure due to economic difficulties
🔥 1914-1957: World Wars and Stoppage
Like many Scottish distilleries, Glenturret suffered during both World Wars:
- 1914-1918: Production ceased (First World War)
- 1921-1957: Complete closure for 36 years – the buildings fell into disrepair
The distillery seemed lost – until a visionary whisky enthusiast appeared.
🌟 1957-2018: The Rebirth through James Fairlie
In 1957, James Fairlie, a passionate whisky lover, bought the dilapidated buildings and began a spectacular reconstruction. With used stills from Tullibardine and a lot of dedication, he brought Glenturret back to life.
Milestones of the Fairlie Era:
- 1959: First distillation after a 38-year break
- 1960: Opening of one of Scotland's first visitor centers (only the second distillery ever!)
- 1981: Taken over 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, catching 28,899 mice according to the Guinness Book of Records!
💎 2018-Today: 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 sum 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)
- 👨🍳 Appointment of Chef 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 operate their own Floor Maltings – barley is spread by hand on the floor and regularly turned.
The Process:
- Steeping: Barley is soaked in water for 2-3 days
- Germination: 5-7 days on the malting floor, turned by hand daily
- Drying: Stopped in the kiln
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 industrial giants like Glenfiddich (21 million liters)
🔥 The Stills: Small but Mighty
Glenturret operates with two copper pot stills:
- 1 Wash Still (for the first distillation)
- 1 Spirit Still (for the second distillation)
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?
- Directly influences 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 length, gentle with nutty notes
2. Glenturret 10 Years Old Peat Smoked
- Maturation: Bourbon and Sherry casks
- Special feature: Peated (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 to: 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 custard, dark chocolate orange
- Palate: Warm oak, sea salt, dark fruits, sweet ripe oranges
- Finish: Long-lasting, soft, 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)
- 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 Mio. L/year) | Medium (2.2 Mio. L/year) |
| Style | Fruity, nutty, creamy | Fruity, elegant | Light, honeyed |
| Special Feature | Floor Maltings, Lalique | Family-owned, Size | Highest distillery |
| Price | Medium-Premium | Medium | Medium |
| For Whom | Connoisseurs, History fans | 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.
Visiting Glenturret: An Experience for All Senses
🏰 The Distillery
Address: The Hosh, Crieff, Perthshire PH7 4HA, Scotland
Opening Hours:
- Open daily (except 25th/26th December)
- Tours: 10:00 - 17:00
Tours & Experiences:
1. The Glenturret Tour (approx. 60 min, £20)
- Guided tour of the distillery
- Visit the Floor Maltings
- Tasting of 2 whiskies
2. The Connoisseur's Tour (approx. 90 min, £50)
- Exclusive guided tour
- Tasting of 4 premium whiskies
- Access to warehouses
3. The Lalique Experience (approx. 2 hrs, £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
Reservation: Highly recommended (very popular!)
Price: £££ (Premium segment)
📸 Photo Spots:
- The historic Floor Maltings
- The copper pot 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 decanters
- Historical Value: Scotland's oldest distillery
- Increasing Demand: Premium Highland whiskies are sought after
Example: The Manager's Dram Edition No. 1 (2023) has already increased in value by 30%.
🎁 Perfect as a gift
Glenturret whiskies are ideal gifts for:
- Whisky connoisseurs: Authenticity and craftsmanship
- History buffs: Scotland's oldest distillery
- Luxury lovers: Lalique collaborations
- Collectors: Limited editions
Gift tip: Combine a bottle of Glenturret with a visit to the distillery (voucher for tour + dinner)
Glenturret at Whiskyquartier
🛒 Our Glenturret selection
At Whiskyquartier, you'll find a curated selection of the best Glenturret bottlings:
Currently available:
- Glenturret Manager's Dram Edition No. 2 (limited, only 750 bottles!)
- Further bottlings on request
Why buy from us?
- ✅ Authenticity guaranteed
- ✅ Fast, secure shipping
- ✅ Personal advice
- ✅ Fair prices
- ✅ Collectibles and rarities
Discover now: Glenturret collection at Whiskyquartier
Frequently asked questions about Glenturret
Is Glenturret really Scotland's oldest distillery?
Yes! Glenturret is the oldest continuously operating distillery with a license since 1763. Some sources even date illicit production to 1717.
How does Glenturret taste compared to other Highlands?
More fruity and nutty 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 Scotland's most authentic distillery experiences – 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 appreciation.
Which Glenturret for beginners?
Glenturret Triple Wood – approachable, fruity, not too complex. Perfect introduction to the world of Highland whiskies.
Are there peated Glenturret whiskies?
Yes! The Glenturret 10 Years Old Peat Smoked is a peated variant – unusual for Glenturret, but very well done.
Conclusion: Glenturret – Where history meets modernity
Glenturret is more than just a distillery – it is a living museum, a luxury brand and a craft enterprise all in one. Since 1763 (or even 1717!), whisky has been produced here with passion and tradition, and the transformation under Lalique has led 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
- 🥃 Artisanal perfection – only 440,000 liters/year
Our recommendation:
If you are looking for an authentic, artisanal Highland whisky with a fascinating history, Glenturret is the perfect choice. Especially the limited editions like the Manager's Dram are not only a pleasure, but also an investment.
🥃 Discover Glenturret at Whiskyquartier – Scotland's oldest distillery awaits you!
About the author:
The Whiskyquartier team specializes in exclusive single malts and rarities. We passionately curate the best whiskies from Scotland, Ireland and around the world – including the fascinating bottlings from Glenturret.