Glenturret Distillery traces its legitimate history to 1763, but can trace the operation of an illicit distillery on the same grounds as far back as 1717, when its position in a valley walled in on either side by two lookout hills served it well to avoid the authorities. In recent years it has largely flown under the radar, and was primarily used as a key ingredient in The Famous Grouse Blended Scotch. In 2018 the distillery changed hands and the Single Malts were given a bit more love and attention, which let to a revamp of all of them, varying the expressions and upping the proof across the board.
The flagship 12 year bottling is matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry barrels, and is bottled at 46% abv. The nose has notes of toasted barley, hazelnuts, sweet raisins, and vanilla cream. The palate brings the spice, with warming ginger, cinnamon, spiced apple crumble, and orange zest. The finish is long and creamy, with more spice and toasted oak.
N.B. – Glenturret is also famous as the home to Guinness world record mouser cat, Towser, legendary for her nearly 30,000 confirmed victims over her 24 years.