Glenturret Distillery

This afternoon we took a breather from walking and climbing and took the car to Glenturret Distillery.

Originally owned by Sir Patrick Murray of Ochtertyre, The Glenturret Distillery is mentioned in the purchase records of the Barony of Ochtertyre as far back as 1763. Today, the distillery still nestles in its original location on the edge of the historic town of Crieff. Known locally as ‘The Hosh’ (Gaelic for ‘the foot’) – it is a picturesque and secluded setting at the foot of green rolling hills in the lower glen overlooking the river Turret.

We were unable to book on an official tour as they were fully booked but still had a little look around. Here are a few of my photos.

The entrance to the visitor centre in the car park.

The spirit still is copper. The tank out side is where the vapour that comes of the still is cooled in a jacket of cold water.

The testing lab.

There is a statue to Towser, the distillery cat and Guinness world record mouser record holder, who, the plaque says, in her 24 years up to March 1987 caught 28,899 mice.

The shop is impressive...

...not least because the distillery is now joint-owned by Lalique glass, which has its own showroom next to the whiskies.

The walls of the gallery over the bar below were hung with tasting notes of the different whiskies.

As I was looking at them one of the members of staff pointed out the 12-year-old and said it was the one to drink.

He then gave a me a generous tasting measure so we were all able to give it a try. Beautiful both neat and with a few drops of water to liberate the flavours. "American oak hogshead casks drive the dessert like sweetness whilst European oak layers the dried fruits and spices leading to a full rich single malt.", says the website.

We had a little walk along the burn before we left, and saw where the water was extracted....

...and the footpath to the Crieff Knock and Hydro, where we were yesterday.

I came away with a couple of little tasting glasses and a bottle of the 12-year-old... one for sipping on special occasions. Not to be opened until Dawn's birthday in September.

You can see more of my photos here on Flickr.