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The
Glenturret, Scotland’s oldest working
distillery, has announced a significant
transition in its production, with plans
to phase out the use of peated malt
starting in 2025 and remove peated
expressions from its core range by 2026.
The Glenturret,
Scotland’s oldest working distillery,
has announced a significant transition
in its production, with plans to phase
out the use of peated malt starting in
2025 and remove peated expressions from
its core range by 2026. While peat was
traditionally used in the distillery's
whisky-making during the 18th and 19th
centuries, much of The Glenturret’s
production has historically focused on
unpeated styles.
Since 2009, the distillery has produced
both unpeated whisky and its Ruadh Maor
peat-smoked expression, but this shift
marks a deliberate move toward a future
house style centred on its signature
light and fruity new-make spirit. This
spirit is primarily matured in American
oak sherry-seasoned casks, highlighting
The Glenturret's distinctive character.
This decision aligns with the
distillery’s evolution under the
stewardship of the Lalique Group, which
acquired The Glenturret in March 2019.
Over the past five years, the brand has
undergone a remarkable transformation,
blending its rich heritage with modern
refinement. Once overlooked, The
Glenturret has risen to prominence as a
highly sought-after single malt, thanks
to substantial investment and a renewed
focus on quality and innovation.
Previously, much of The Glenturret’s
production catered to blending,
including the use of heavily peated
components for popular blends. Today,
the distillery has shifted its focus
exclusively to single malt production,
refining its identity and emphasising
sustainability.
This transition comes as The Glenturret
is celebrated as Walpole’s Sustainable
Luxury Brand of the Year, a prestigious
award recognising its commitment to
environmental responsibility. From
reducing energy and water consumption to
promoting sustainable practices
throughout its supply chain, The
Glenturret has integrated sustainability
into every aspect of its operations.
This accolade underscores the
distillery’s dedication to
craftsmanship, innovation, and a future
grounded in respect for the environment.
The Glenturret’s small and experienced
team have focused their efforts on
crafting a range of whiskies that
showcase the finest and most distinctive
elements of the distillery. Ian Renwick,
Distillery Director at The Glenturret,
explains the important balance between
distilling a high-quality spirit whilst
reducing impact, commenting, "We honour
the environment as deeply as we do our
craft and that is the mantra for The
Glenturret of the future. Our attention
to detail is second to none and as a
small team it’s incredible what we can
achieve in our whisky making.
Significant investment to our production
facilities have reduced our annual
energy consumption by 27%, our process
waste by 1,000 tonnes per year, and
saved 1,000,000 litres of water
annually. As responsible distillers we
seek out not only the best materials but
also the most considered practices when
crafting our whiskies."
The Glenturret remains one of Scotland's
smallest distilleries, yet its global
presence is expanding rapidly. Now
available in 19 markets, including key
luxury hubs such as London, New York,
Tokyo, Seoul, and Paris, the distillery
is captivating an increasingly diverse
audience. This growing consumer base has
played a pivotal role in shaping The
Glenturret’s new premium direction.
Jennie Baernreuther, Managing Director
of The Glenturret, emphasises the
significance of these markets in
defining the brand’s identity, noting:
"We have been collaborating closely with
our global partners and whisky making
team, to understand and truly define
what a consumer should expect when
savouring our range. The last few years
of new ownership have allowed us the
space to dedicate our time and
resources, into crafting something that
celebrates both our incredibly rich
heritage and the unique terroir of our
Perthshire home. Refining both our
production and style gives us confidence
in the future, that alongside the
unforgettable depth of craftmanship in
everything that we produce, our
distinctive fruit notes and American oak
sherry influence will be instantly
recognisable as a Glenturret Single
Malt."
As The Glenturret completes its
transition to a refined, fruit-forward
house style, fans of its peated
expressions still have the opportunity
to enjoy these distinctive whiskies.
Remaining bottles of the 7- and
10-year-old Peat Smoked Editions, along
with other releases, are available at
the distillery boutique, online at
www.theglenturret.com, and
specialist online whisky shops such as
The Whisky Exchange
and
Master of Malt
while supplies last. Visitors can also
experience these expressions during
immersive distillery tours or at The
Lalique Bar, located alongside The
Glenturret Lalique Restaurant, the
distillery’s two-Michelin-starred dining
destination.
For those seeking something truly
exclusive, limited private casks of The
Glenturret peated whisky are available
for purchase. Whisky enthusiasts are
encouraged to explore these final peated
offerings as the distillery embarks on
an exciting new chapter, celebrating the
elegant, fruit-forward character that
defines The Glenturret’s future.
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