Glenturret Distillery Logo

Glenturret Distillery

Region
  • Scotland
Awards
  • International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2023, Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards 2024, Finalist in Single Malt No Age Statement (Unpeated) for The Glenturret Triple Wood 2023 Release
Website
  • https://theglenturret.com/
Phone Number
  • +441764656565
Address
  • The Glenturret Distillery, The Hosh, Crieff PH7 4HA, United Kingdom

Aerial view of The Glenturret Distillery with barrels outside.

History of Glenturret Distillery

Early Beginnings and Founding

The First Record (1763): The earliest known reference to The Glenturret, then known as Thurot Distillery, is in a 1763 rental document of Sir Patrick Murray of Ochtertyre.

This document marks the beginning of what is confidently claimed as Scotland’s oldest working distillery.

Ownership Transitions and Renaming

New Owners and Name (1814-1873): In 1814, the Murray family sold the distillery to Thomas MacInnes, who renamed it The Hosh Distillery. It wasn’t until 1873 that the name was changed to The Glenturret.

During this period, the distillery saw collaboration and competition between Thomas MacInnes and his uncle, Thomas McComish, who operated a nearby mill as a distillery.

Securing Resources and Natural Elements

The Ochtertyre Agreement (1825): The Ochtertyre Agreement in 1825 allowed the distillery to use water from Loch Turret and peat from the riverbank, crucial elements in whisky production.

This agreement highlights the importance of natural resources in crafting The Glenturret’s unique whiskies.

Challenges and Resilience

The Great Storm and London Introduction (1828-1853): The distillery faced natural challenges, like the great storm of 1828, which inundated it with water.

By 1853, The Glenturret’s whisky had made its way to London, marking its growing reputation.

Victorian Era and Traditional Craftsmanship

Alfred Barnard’s Visit (1887): The famed Victorian-era chronicler Alfred Barnard visited The Glenturret in the 1880s, noting its adherence to traditional methods and ancient equipment, a testament to its commitment to heritage.

Global Expansion and Silent Period

The Mitchell Brothers and Temporary Closure (1890-1957): The late 19th century saw the distillery under the ownership of David and William Mitchell, expanding its global reach.

However, the 1920s brought challenges, leading to the distillery’s closure in 1923. Despite this, a small team continued to maintain the distillery and its stock.

Revival and Modernization

James Fairlie’s Vision (1957-1980): In 1957, James Fairlie revived The Glenturret, reinstating traditional distilling equipment and opening one of Scotland’s first distillery visitor centers in 1980, marking a new era of appreciation for whisky heritage.

Contemporary Developments and Recognition

New Ownership and Milestones (2019-2023): The distillery was acquired in 2019 by a joint venture led by The Lalique Group and Swiss American Hansjorg Wyss.

Recent years have seen significant milestones, including the release of The Glenturret 50 Years Old in 2022 and achieving Butterfly Mark Certification in 2023 for sustainable practices.

Awards Won by Glenturret Distillery

  • International Wines and Spirits Competition (IWSC) 2023:
    • The Glenturret Triple Wood: Outstanding Gold Medal, Top Single Malt Scotch Whisky (Score 99).
    • The Glenturret 15 Years Old: Gold Medal (Score 95).
    • The Glenturret 10 Years Old: Gold Medal (Score 95).
    • The Glenturret 7 Years Old: Silver Medal (Score 94).
    • The Glenturret 12 Years Old: Silver Medal (Score 90).
    • These awards underline the high-quality range of whiskies produced by Glenturret, with the Triple Wood notably standing out as the top single malt globally.
  • Whisky Magazine’s Icons of Whisky and World Whiskies Awards 2024:
    • Lucy Armstrong, Project Manager and Sustainability Superstar: Sustainability Officer of the Year.
    • The Glenturret: Highly Commended in Craft Producer of the Year.
    • These accolades highlight the distillery’s dedication to sustainable practices and artisanal craftsmanship.
  • Scottish Whisky Awards:
    • Finalist in Excellence in Sustainability.
    • Finalist in Single Malt No Age Statement (Unpeated) for The Glenturret Triple Wood 2023 Release.
    • Finalists in Single Malt 12 and Under for The Glenturret 7 Years Old Peat Smoke, 10 Years Old Peat Smoke, and 12 Years Old 2023 Releases.
    • The distillery’s commitment to environmental stewardship and its range of high-quality single malt whiskies were recognized in these prestigious national awards.
  • IWSC 2023 Scotch Whisky Producer Trophy:
    • Awarded to The Glenturret for their exceptional quality and craftsmanship in Scotch whisky production.
    • Commendation for innovation, experimentation, and maintaining tradition and heritage.
    • Acknowledgment of The Glenturret’s holistic approach to sustainability.
    • The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, the first in-distillery fine dining concept to receive a Michelin Star globally, further demonstrating the distillery’s commitment to excellence beyond whisky production.

Glenturret Distillery Tour Information and Experience

Glenturret Distillery Tours

Lasting 60 minutes and priced at £18 per person, this tour showcases the traditional art of making The Glenturret Single Malt Whisky.

It includes a walkthrough of the distillery’s history and ends with a dram from its core whisky range. Concessions are available for those aged 65+ at £15, and those under 18 can join for free.

Notably, 50p from every tour is donated to the Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust.

Exclusive Experiences

  • Lalique Whisky Flight: A 90-minute experience starting from £53 per person, this includes The Glenturret Tour followed by a tasting session at the Lalique Bar or Salon, offering a deeper exploration of The Glenturret’s expressions.
  • Whisky Maker’s Tour: Priced at £100 per person and lasting 120 minutes, this tour provides an in-depth experience where guests can create their own 100ml whisky to take home. It also includes a tasting of five exclusive Glenturret whiskies. This tour is exclusively for guests aged over 18.

Additional Offerings

  • Distillery Shop: Open daily, the shop offers a range of exquisite whiskies, wines, spirits, and locally sourced handcrafted gifts.
  • Café: Located under the old maltings store’s pagoda roof, the café serves delicious food prepared with the finest ingredients.
  • The Glenturret Restaurant: As the first MICHELIN star fine dining experience in a distillery worldwide, it offers a unique culinary experience.
  • Lalique Boutique: The only one of its kind in Scotland, featuring a selection of signature and seasonal pieces from the prestigious Lalique collection.

Practical Information

  • Opening Hours: The distillery is open Monday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm from April to October, and 10 am to 5 pm from November to March.
  • Location: The Glenturret Distillery, The Hosh, Crieff, Perthshire, PH7 4HA.

Flask & Barrel Review of Glenturret Distillery

I’ve been to my fair share of distillery tours, but The Glenturret Distillery really stands out. As a whisky collector, I was thrilled to explore Scotland’s oldest working distillery.

The 60-minute Glenturret Tour was a highlight, blending history with the art of whisky-making. Tasting their core range was like sipping on history itself – each dram had its own story.

What really impressed me was the Lalique Whisky Flight. It’s not every day you get to delve deep into such exclusive expressions. The setting, in their Lalique Bar, added a touch of elegance to the whole experience. And the Whisky Maker’s Tour? A unique chance to get hands-on and create my own blend – a collector’s dream!

The only thing holding me back from a full 5/5 is the price point of some experiences, which might be a bit steep for casual visitors. But for enthusiasts like me, it’s worth every penny.

The staff’s knowledge and the distillery’s rich heritage made my visit unforgettable. If you’re into whisky, The Glenturret isn’t just a tour; it’s a must-do experience.

What To Do Nearby Glenturret Distillery

  • MacRosty Park (1.18km from the Distillery): A beautiful park in the Perthshire town of Crieff, featuring woodlands, a network of paths, and a Victorian bandstand. The park is home to a collection of mature trees, including Douglas fir and noble fir, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk​​.
  • Loch Monzievaird (1.86km from the Distillery): This loch in Perthshire is a popular holiday destination. It’s an ideal spot for those looking to explore the natural beauty of Scotland, with easy access to other notable locations like Aberfeldy, Dunkeld, Perth, and Pitlochry. St Andrews, Dundee, Glasgow, and Edinburgh are also about an hour’s drive away​​.
  • Drummond Castle Gardens (5.53km from the Distillery): One of Europe’s most important and impressive formal gardens, dating back to the 17th Century. The gardens, redesigned in the 19th Century, boast ancient yew hedges and a beech tree planted by Queen Victoria in 1842​​.
  • Loch Turret Reservoir (6.8km from the Distillery): A large freshwater reservoir located at the head of Glen Turret, northwest of Crieff. It’s a popular walking spot, offering stunning scenery and a peaceful environment​​.
  • Innerpeffray Library (6.82km from the Distillery): Scotland’s first free public lending library, founded around 1680. Located in the hamlet of Innerpeffray, this Category A listed building is a must-visit for history enthusiasts​​.
  • Auchingarrich Wildlife Centre (7.99km from the Distillery): Set in 100 acres of Perthshire scenery, this wildlife center is great for a family day out. Located west of Crieff, it’s a short drive from Perth and Stirling and about an hour from Glasgow and Edinburgh​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Glenturret Distillery?

  • The Square Bar & Kitchen: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Square Bar & Kitchen, 35 James Square, Crieff PH7 3EY, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441764653990. 
  • Delivino: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 6 King St, Crieff PH7 3HA, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441764655665. 
  • Craobh – Kroov: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 26 James Square, Crieff PH7 3EY, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441764650762.

What hotels are near Glenturret Distillery?

  • Crieff Hydro Hotel: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is strathearn house, Ferntower Rd, Crieff PH7 3LQ, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441764655555. 
  • Murraypark Hotel: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Connaught Terrace, Crieff PH7 3DJ, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441764658000. 
  • Alpine Cottage: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 41 Burrell St, Crieff PH7 4DX, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +447912227261.