Scotch

Whisky Review: The Glenturret Still Life Winter

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Whisky Review: The Glenturret Still Life Winter

by Phil Dwyer
November 18, 2024

Phil Dwyer is a whisky enthusiast, YouTuber, and manager of The Whisky Shop Manchester, UK.

Tasting Notes:

About:

Launched in 2022, The Glenturret Still Life Winter is part of a limited collection of whiskies crafted by Whisky Maker Bob Dalgarno that reflects both his personal life and his life at The Glenturret Distillery. This is the first such release, housed in a stunning Lalique decanter at 42.5% ABV. Only 105 bottles were produced.

Appearance:

Well Aged Sherry.

Nose:

A more classic approach to sherry with this one compared to The Spring release. An instant hit of orange skin and orange oil, creamy milk chocolate, strawberry syrup (the cheap stuff we get on ice cream in the UK), apple blossoms, jasmine, a touch of Cognac, and that classic sweet raisin note we all look for. After a while in the glass we are treated to some hazelnut notes that seem to blend in very well with the wood influences that appear as almost a salted caramel smell.

Palate:

A nice sweet start to things! We have strawberry and mango syrups, lychee, more of those salted caramel and hazelnut notes. A little note of banana appears, but because of the sweetness at the start it becomes an almost banana split flavour with ice cream and syrups. Peaches, orange oil, angostura bitters, a touch of something herby like basil or oregano. Rounding off to those orange and milk chocolate notes that were so prominent on the nose.

Finish:

Gently drying and oaky. Getting more of those classic Christmas/winter notes now with this. Ginger, raisin, nutmeg, honey, soft wood influences that start to pull but of moisture from your pallet.

Comments:

I loved the cherry notes in the Spring Release, but there’s something unmistakably classic and well balanced about this. The syrup notes, chocolate, the exotic flourishes of mango and peach – all rounded off by notes that can be found in an Old Fashioned cocktail, but one made with those. Truly delicious. Better than a lot of old, official Macallan releases I’ve tried.

Whiskies Similar To The Glenturret Still Life Winter Release?

As mentioned in the review, this whisky can rival some of Macallan’s higher-end releases, so the comparison is fitting. Its tasting notes suggest a classic, old-style sherry-matured whisky, yet it carries The Glenturret‘s modern character. While there isn’t much to directly compare with older Glenturret releases—most were independently bottled before the new ownership—the price comparison with brands like The Macallan, The Dalmore, The Glenturret, and The Glendronach is compelling. With similar bottles priced at $5,000 and up, this Glenturret offers substantial value, especially considering its genuine rarity compared to these larger, more globally recognized distilleries.

Availability and Exclusivity?

With only 105 bottles available globally, this release has already sold out on Glenturret’s website, making it a bit challenging to source. However, a few retailers still appear to have limited stock, sometimes just a single bottle. Given The Glenturret Distillery‘s prime location—right at the entrance to the Scottish Highlands, en route to Inverness or east toward Aberdeenshire and Speyside—and the thousands of visitors it attracts each year, it’s no surprise these bottles don’t stay available for long.

Final Thoughts On The Glenturret Still Life Winter?

This is a wonderful example of old sherried whisky that has been vatted together phenomenally well. If you’re a fan of this style and have the cash to warrant a purchase like this, you would not be disappointed with the flavor, the color, and the design – it all works very well together.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer's passion for whisky is undeniable. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil manages The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curates an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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