Whisky Focus - The Glenturret Launches Aberturret Estate House And Gin

The Glenturret, Scotland’s Oldest Working Distillery, has announced the launch of Aberturret Estate House on its Crieff property. This historic building, formerly the Dower House of the Murray Clan, who were the original owners and founders of the Glenturret distillery over 260 years ago, has undergone meticulous and extensive refurbishment and is now available for exclusive hire.

Aberturret Estate House offers a secluded retreat within walking distance of the Two Michelin-starred The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, nestled in the heart of the Glenturret Distillery. Featuring six bedrooms that can accommodate up to 12 guests, this elegant estate is situated amidst the picturesque landscape of rural Perthshire. Combining the charm of country living with the sophistication of a lavish retreat, Aberturret Estate House features open fires, the finest Scottish fabrics, the comforting warmth of an Aga stove, and a formal dining room complete with a cocktail bar. Guests can relax and indulge in the epitome of Scottish hospitality.

Guests staying at Aberturret Estate House also enjoy priority access (subject to availability) to The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, an extraordinary two Michelin-starred dining experience located within The Glenturret Distillery—a distinction that is the first of its kind worldwide. For those desiring a more intimate dining affair within the comforts of their own abode, private catering services can be arranged at the House.

John Laurie, Managing Director at The Glenturret, says "Aberturret Estate House is a beautiful and traditional Scottish estate property. It is where we want our guests to relax, gather with friends and family and experience the very best that Scotland has to offer. We have been inspired by the historic estate and The Glenturret Distillery, the breath-taking scenery and gardens. In the restoration of the house, we have unlocked forgotten history and connected with our Clan Murray roots. It has now been rejuvenated to provide our guests with a comfortable private home and an extraordinary gastronomic experience that respects the seasons and the local terroir."

Four king size and two double ensuite bedrooms have been meticulously designed, blending bespoke furniture with antique pieces to create havens of comfort and relaxation. Adorned with luxury Egyptian cotton bedlinen and Lovat Mill throws, each room offers picturesque country views.

This is a space that envelopes you in warmth and sophistication. The walls are adorned with artwork from The Fine Arts Society Edinburgh, featuring pieces dating back to the 1800s by renowned artists such as Joseph Farquharson, Edward Arthur Walton, George Harvey, and Sir Eduardo Paolozzi. All displayed artwork is available for purchase.

Beyond the culinary delights, guests can indulge in exclusive activities organized by the team. Whether it's a BBQ in the expansive 3-acre garden, private distillery tours, exploring the gateway to the Highlands on foot or off-road driving, archery, fishing, or golfing – the surroundings of Aberturret Estate House offer a true treasure trove of experiences.

The Glenturret, under the ownership of the Lalique Group alongside Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist Hansjörg Wyss since 2019, has gained international acclaim for its Single Malt whiskies. The distillery has also opened the world's first Michelin-starred restaurant located within a distillery, recently earning a second star, and has introduced a Gin to their repertoire.

The unveiling of Aberturret Estate House proudly joins Lalique's and Mr. Wyss' upscale hospitality offerings. This includes Silvio Denz's classified red wines from Saint-Emilion and white wines from Sauternes and Bordeaux, cultivated organically with the highest environmental and biodynamic practices. Mr. Wyss' Halter Ranch, an organic nature estate dedicated to land, art, and legendary terroir-driven wines made with the finest organic grapes in Paso Robles (USA), mirrors The Glenturret's exclusivity. Halter Ranch offers guests exclusive lodging options such as a historic farmhouse and luxury cottages, along with a restaurant that highlights regional ingredients and organic produce.

Silvio Denz, Chairman of the Lalique Group says that "I am proud we can breathe new life into this classic Scottish estate house entwined with all the history of the Murray clan. Aberturret Estate House is perfectly situated a short walk to The Glenturret, its 2 Michelin Star Restaurant and world class shopping at the Lalique boutique nestled in the heart of this ancient distillery. It provides our guests with a unique experience – one that is unmatched in Scotland and joins Mr. Wyss and my other establishments: Halter Ranch in Paso Robles (USA), Villa René Lalique, Château Hochberg (Alsace) and Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey (Bordeaux) in providing the very finest in hospitality and gastronomy."

Aberturret Estate House is now accepting bookings. For availability and package details, please reach out to aberturrethouse@theglenturret.com. Exclusive hire prices begin at £3,000 per night.

The Aberturret Gin

Coinciding with the launch of Aberturret Estate House The Glenturret distillery is entering the Gin marketplace with the announcement of the launch of of The Aberturret Gin, a blend of heritage, tradition, and an innovative approach to gin's origins, Aberturret Gin combines The Glenturret's renowned distilling techniques with 14 carefully selected botanicals. Enriched in richness and complexity by The Glenturret New Make Spirit, this unique London Dry Gin introduces a second spirits category to the brand.

Crafted by hand, Aberturret Gin harkens back to the spirits enjoyed centuries ago. Its botanical blend includes coriander, angelica, cloves, lemon, lime, cinnamon, grapefruit, liquorice root, pine, juniper, and pink peppercorn, alongside three local botanicals: chamomile, sumac, and The Glenturret's famous New Make Spirit. The result is a well-balanced gin with captivating complexity, perfect for a signature Gin & Tonic, a traditional Martini, or a classic Negroni.

Named after Aberturret House, formerly the Dower House of the Murray Clan who established The Glenturret distillery over 260 years ago, this gin pays homage to its historic roots.

Spirits expert Peter Jauch, who worked on the recipe, comments that "Working on the creation of The Aberturret Gin together with the Lalique and The Glenturret teams was pure joy! It was important to me to reflect on the rich history of The Glenturret - that's why we developed a classic gin with a modern twist. You can smell juniper on the nose, surrounded by fresh, earthy notes. On the palate, the juniper impresses with warming notes and ends with a slightly sweet kick of freshness. Overall, the gin is very smooth and, at 45%, perfect for all classic gin cocktails."

Joel Harrison & Neil Ridley, authors of The World Atlas of Gin, comment that 2Social and cultural terroir is an important factor in gin-production; each gin should reflect the area in which it is rooted, and The Aberturret Gin builds-in an important aspect of it’s raison d’être in New Make Single Malt Spirit from the celebrated Glenturret Distillery which the gin calls its Highland home.

"Gin is a complicated spirit to get right. A heart of juniper, with a balance of botanicals which weave into a cogent flavour, for a combination that is pleasing not just when sampled neat, but paired with tonic, mixed into a Martini, or as the essential base for a negroni.

"In The Aberturret Gin you find a balanced, unctuous and rounded, expressive palate of flavour that reflects not just the Highlands of Scotland, but the spirit within."

The design of Aberturret Gin draws close inspiration from the iconic whisky bottle of the distillery, crafted by Claudio Denz, son of Lalique's chairman Silvio Denz, and Marc Larminaux, Lalique's Artistic and Creative Director. In 2019, The Lalique Group, in partnership with Swiss entrepreneur and philanthropist Hansjörg Wyss, successfully acquired The Glenturret. Mr. Wyss, known for his commitment to history and nature, already owned a vineyard in California but found a new avenue to explore his passion in Scotland's Oldest Distillery. This acquisition deepened his ties to the whisky and spirits industry and inspired the logical step of introducing The Aberturret Gin into the portfolio.

The striking bottle design by Claudio and Marc pays homage to Lalique's renowned Art Deco creations from the vibrant 1920s, an era when gin held its place as one of the most popular spirits. Its beautiful deep green color reflects the stunning Highland scenery surrounding the distillery, as well as the rich green hues of the Clan Murray Tartan.

The Aberturret Gin is available online now at www.theaberturretgin.com for RRP £45

You will find the current Glenturret whisky range available from specialist online whisky shops such as The Whisky Exchange and Master of Malt
 

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