Most whisky enthusiasts know the big names from Speyside and Islay, but tucked away in the Scottish Highlands sits a distillery that claims to be Scotland’s oldest working producer. The Glenturret, founded in 1763, is making bold moves that position it as one of the most intriguing destinations in Scottish whisky tourism.
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READ THE STORYSmall Batch Production Sets Glenturret Apart
The Glenturret operates on a remarkably small scale compared to industry giants. The distillery produces just 340,000 liters of alcohol annually, making it one of Scotland’s smallest producers. This output puts it firmly in the artisan category rather than mass production.
Scotland’s Best Restaurant Sits Inside a Distillery
The Michelin Guide describes the restaurant’s unique approach: “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. Chef Mark Donald adeptly balances local and global influences in sophisticated, precisely crafted dishes with superb depth of flavor.”
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This represents a significant shift in distillery tourism. Rather than treating the distillery as merely a production facility, Glenturret has created a destination that extends far beyond whisky tasting. The restaurant offers both traditional fine dining and whisky tasting menus.
World Record-Setting Mousers
The Glenturret maintains a charming tradition with its resident cats. Current mousers Glen and Turret sleep in beds tucked under the stills, where the warmth creates perfect resting conditions between hunting duties.
These cats follow in the paws of Towser, who holds an official Guinness World Record. During her 24-year career, Towser averaged three to four mice daily, totaling just under 29,000 mice. A statue outside the distillery commemorates her legendary service protecting the barley during the floor malting process.
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Beyond Whisky: Aberturret Gin
The distillery recently launched Aberturret Gin, priced at $55 (£45). The gin uses 14 botanicals, including local chamomile and sumac alongside traditional juniper. What makes this gin particularly interesting for whisky enthusiasts is its enrichment with Glenturret new make spirit, offering a taste of whisky flavors before aging.
Luxury Accommodation Completes the Experience
The Aberturret Estate House provides overnight accommodation for visitors seeking an extended experience. This six-bedroom rural estate was formerly the Dower House of the Murray Clan, who founded The Glenturret over 260 years ago.
The property has undergone extensive refurbishment and is available for exclusive use or for guests dining at the Michelin-starred restaurant. Its location within walking distance of the restaurant makes it a convenient luxury option for whisky tourists.
Ultra-Limited Core Range
Master whisky maker Bob Dalgarno, formerly of Macallan, oversees production at Glenturret. In 2024, the distillery released just 210 bottles of The Glenturret 25-year-old and 300 bottles of the 30-year-old expression. These numbers are remarkably low by modern standards.
Dalgarno’s approach prioritizes quality over quantity. If he determines that only 200 bottles meet his standards in a given year, that becomes the entire release. This scarcity model appeals to collectors and supports premium pricing.
Jaguar Partnership
The distillery has formed an unusual partnership with Jaguar Cars. In 2023, Dalgarno created “Jaguar X The Glenturret,” a limited release of 220 bottles celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Jaguar C-Type’s Le Mans victory. The whisky was created from five casks with a minimum age of 32 years.
Scotland’s Oldest Distillery Debate
The Glenturret’s claim to be Scotland’s oldest working distillery remains contested. A distillery was indeed founded on the site in 1763, originally called Thurot and later Hosh. The name Glenturret was adopted in 1875, borrowed from a nearby defunct distillery.
The now-closed Littlemill distillery also claimed the “oldest” title, though the semantics of such claims often depend on factors like continuous operation, site changes, and name evolution. Most 200-year-old distilleries have undergone similar transformations.
The Verdict
The Glenturret represents an intriguing case study in premium whisky tourism. By combining small-batch production with luxury experiences, the distillery has carved out a unique position in the Scottish whisky landscape. Whether it truly holds the title of Scotland’s oldest distillery will continue to be debated I’m sure, but its modern approach to whisky tourism is undeniably innovative.
