Scotland’s Oldest Working Distillery
Hidden in a secluded location in the ‘Hosh’, Crieff, deep in the Perthshire countryside, flanked by high hills and perched on the bank of the river Turret, sits The Glenturret Distillery.
Steam rising from the still gives the distillery a sacred, magical air. It is a place unfettered by technology, fads, or impatience – here, time-worn experience is highly valued and respect for the craft of whisky-making by hand and heart is practised and preached.
In 1763, a rental document of Sir Patrick Murray of Ochtertyre refers to Thurot Distillery, the earliest known name for The Glenturret. The Murrays of Ochtertyre were a baronial family that owned extensive lands and property that they would rent out to tenants. This gives rise to the claim that The Glenturret is Scotland's oldest working distillery.
In 1814, the Murray family, sold Thurot Distillery to Thomas MacInnes, who renamed it The Hosh Distillery. It remained The Hosh until 1873, when The Glenturret name was introduced.
Having been visited down through the centuries by writers and poets, including Robert Burns, feted by Prime Ministers, Princes, and home to a long honour roll of skilled and dedicated distillers, The Glenturret Distillery has long stood proud at the heart of Scotch Whisky country since 1763.
In 1825, seven years after purchasing the Hosh Distillery, local distillers and grain merchants John and Hugh Drummond secured the Ochtertyre Agreement, which granted the distillery explicit permission to use both water from Loch Turret and peat from the riverbank in its production. Being passionate pioneers, securing the best quality ingredients, understanding the importance of the terroir and obsessive around detail, the brothers were important in setting the foundations of the crucial elements of today's whisky.
By the late 19th century, two more brothers were at the helm of The Glenturret. David and William Mitchell were Scots-born whisky merchants with global ambitions. In 1890, they added The Glenturret to their portfolio. Soon, this famed family of distillers, merchants, and blenders were exporting their whisky to Australia, the USA, and South Africa.
In 1957, James Fairlie purchased The Glenturret Distillery, which had been silent for over 30 years. Fairlie was a visionary with the ambition to preserve the traditional methods of distilling and to grow the appreciation for whisky. He sought to bring back the magic of the past and reinstated the original distilling equipment. James Fairlie subsequently led the distillery for over 20 years as both Director and Master Distiller.
Lalique Group, in association with Swiss entrepreneur Hansjörg Wyss, acquired the distillery in March 2019, chosen by the existing owners from an array of global bidders. The deal included the distillery, the single-malt brand and more than one million litres of maturing stock.
In early 2020, a new brand identity was created, including a beautiful new bottle designed by Marc Larminaux, Artistic and Creative Director at Lalique and The Glenturret welcomed a new annual range of whiskies created by former Macallan Whisky Maker, Bob Dalgarno, an industry legend recognised as one of the finest whisky-makers in the world.
In September 2022, decanter #1 of 150 of The Glenturret 50 Years Old Release, was auctioned off by Sotheby's as part of their 'Whisky in Lalique' auction. The final auction price of the decanter and bespoke artwork from Matthew Draper sold for £63,000, presented in a bespoke black case with mother-of-pearl inlays.
The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant
In 2021 a spectacular new dining experience was introduced at The Glenturret Distillery – The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant – the first of its kind in Scotland and home to one of the finest whisky bars in the world. A jewel-like gastronomic experience, The Glenturret Lalique is now a TWO MICHELIN Star restaurant (February 2024), with critically acclaimed Scottish Chef Mark Donald at the helm as Executive Chef.
This intimate restaurant mixes the luxury with the familiar, in both its décor and its dishes. The likes of tattie scones are served alongside Highland Wagyu and caviar, in a room that features both a rustic beamed ceiling and maple leaf Lalique chandeliers. Executive Chef Mark Donald adeptly balances local and global influences in sophisticated, precisely crafted dishes with superb depth of flavour.
The Aberturret Estate House
Hidden within the woodland area of The Hosh, and surrounded by elegant gardens overlooking the River Turret, The Aberturret Estate House introduced to The Glenturret portfolio in March 2024 is a 19th century Dower house, formerly owned by the Murray Clan - which is now available as a private hideaway for up to 12 guests, or exclusively to Glenturret Lalique Restaurant Guests for an overnight stay experience.
The Aberturret Estate House seamlessly blends the allure of country living with the refinement of a luxurious retreat. Perfect for holidays, family get togethers or special occasions.
The Aberturret Gin
In 2024 The Glenturret, Scotland’s Oldest Working Distillery, announced the creation of a small-batch gin, also distilled in Scotland: The Aberturret Gin, a fusion of heritage, tradition, and an innovative approach to the origins of gin. Named after Aberturret House, formerly the Dower House of the Murray Clan, who founded The Glenturret distillery more than 260 years ago. Combining the time-honoured distilling techniques that The Glenturret is renowned for with 14 selected botanicals, enhanced in richness and complexity by The Glenturret New Make Spirit to create a unique London Dry Gin – adding a second spirits category to the brand.
The Aberturret Gin is a hand-crafted gin reminiscent of the spirit discovered and enjoyed centuries ago. Botanicals include coriander, angelica, cloves, lemon, lime, cinnamon, grapefruit, liquorice root, pine, juniper and pink peppercorn; complemented by the three local botanicals chamomile, sumac and The Glenturret’s famous New Make Spirit. A well-balanced gin with a captivating complexity, perfectly suited for a signature Gin & Tonic, a traditional Martini or a classic Negroni.
Today the distillery continues to expand and provides all manners of reasons to visit and stay, including daily whisky experiences, a two Michelin-starred restaurant and Lalique Bar, a dedicated retail store, onsite café, the only Lalique Boutique in Scotland, a newly launched Aberturret Gin and exclusive accommodation offering at The Aberturret Estate House.
