Glenturret is the oldest operating distillery in Scotland today (founded back in 1775) and the most visited as well. It is a blender’s whisky, better known as the home of Famous Grouse than as connoisseur’s single malt.

Nice to see Malts of Scotland bottled their first Glenturret, a 34 year-old distilled in 1977. Two actually, as they’ve also released a Glenturret 1980 which we’ll try tomorrow.

In case you didn’t see my message on Facebook, the latest batch by MoS also contains a Clynelish 1989, Glen Scotia 1991, a peated Tomintoul 2001 and a Longmorn 1992. All ex-bourbon.

Glenturret 34 yo 1977 (47,4%, Malts of Scotland 2012, bourbon hogshead MoS 12007, 222 btl.)

Nose: sweet grains and vanilla. Nice lemonade fruitiness and lots of rich honey notes. A hint of heather and citrus. Almonds. This may not sound spectacular as such, but it’s wonderfully open and balanced, with a very light dusty / yeasy edge to give away its age. Mouth: sweet barley, soft herbal notes and a nice citrus theme. Sugar and honey again. Marzipan. After a while, there’s a lovely boost of candied fruitiness (peach candy). Surprisingly low on oak. Finish: long, candied with vanilla and citrus. Slowly drying on herbs.

I really like old malts that manage to retain a thick fruity body and add nice hints of oldness to the mix. This remarkable Glenturret fits that description, even when it’s slightly funky. Around € 170. Arriving in stores shortly.

Score: 90/100