The Glenturret 2021 Release

The Glenturret, Scotland's "Home of the Haggis", which has been producing single malt whisky for almost 250 years, released The Glenturret 2021 - a unique 12-year single malt that should be celebrated for its delicious flavor. And what better way to celebrate this release than trying out a bottle, kindly supplied to me through the De Monnik Dranken Flavourmaker program!

A little history!

Glenturret whisky is one of the most popular and well-known whiskies in the world. It has a rich and interesting history that dates back centuries. The distillery was founded in 1775 by Hugh and John Drummond but it had been in the ownership of illegal distillers since 1717, who were attempting to avoid paying taxes. Tucked away in a glen, a mere two miles northwest of Crieff, Scotland, the distillery had an advantageous position as it is said that smugglers used the high slopes on each side of the distillery as viewing positions.

Formerly called "Hosh", the distillery was owned by the Drummond family and has seen a change in ownership multiple times. It was taken over by John McCallum in 1845 until Thomas Stewart took over in 1875. It was Stewart who renamed it Glenturret. Moving on to 1881, Cointreau took hold of the distillery before passing the baton to Highland Distillers in 1990. Finally, 2018, the distillery was put on the market and purchased by the Lalique Group.

The Glenturret Lalique restaurant. Photo by The Michelin Group

And, just in case you missed it, The Glenturret Lalique Restaurant was recently given its first Michelin star.

The 2021 Release - 12 years old

Following the phenomenal success of their 2020 Maiden Release, The Glenturret 2021 Release offers six new extraordinary whiskies, created by their own, renowned whisky maker Bob Dalgarno. The release features a Triple Wood, the 10 years old Peat Smoked, the 12 Years old, the 15 years old, and of course the Extremely Scares 20 and 30 years old. The first thing that you notice from the 12-years old is that lovely deep rich caramel color. It's very different from the other whiskies in this release, which are more corn or golden color.

Described by Bob Dalgarno as “Sprinkles of ginger dance with barley sugar. Rich oak, sultanas and cinnamon waltz slowly to a soft and creamy finale.” Doesn’t that just make you want to pick up a glass and waltz along?

The Nose

This is a nice whisky to start the night with for me. At first sniff, it appears to be quite spicy, bold and there to make you want to try more. There’s that hint of oak and caramel mixed with some tobacco and lovely warm, cooked fruit. Though the wood was very prominent, after while you caught those nice round malty aroma’s.

The Palate

To me this particular palate was unexpectedly smooth as silk. I was quite surprised, considering how powerful and intense that nose was, to discover a whisky which was more gentle and sweet on the palate. So again, you get those lovely wood flavors coming through with sweet, sticky, cooked fruit and the spiciness of cinnamon and cloves. A hint of ginger and after a while you start tasting that nice, chocolatey deliciousness.

The Finish

The finish itself was medium to long and very inviting. It really begs to be drunk again.

The love

That color… that’s all I can say.. Just love it.

Get yourself one of these, you won’t be disappointed