A Visit to Glenturret: Tasting the 2024 Glenturret 12 Year Old
Hello, I’m Scott Wilson — welcome to Another Dram Du Jour, and welcome to my whisky room. Today, we’re going on a journey to Scotland — not in the literal sense, but metaphorically — as we explore a dram from one of my absolute favourite distilleries: The Glenturret.
Scotland’s oldest working distillery, Glenturret carries a storied legacy, and it continues to impress year after year. Today, I’m diving into the 2024 release of their 12 Year Old, bottled at 46.4% ABV — a dram that holds a regular place in my rotation.
A Dram with Depth and Design
As always, the Glenturret packaging is beautiful — elegant, well-considered, and fitting for a whisky of its calibre. There’s a connection between the bottle design and the distillery’s refined aesthetic, reflected even further in its association with Lalique — not just in presentation, but also in spirit.
Lalique is, incidentally, the name of the two Michelin-starred restaurant located within the distillery grounds, helmed by a world-class chef. The culinary craftsmanship mirrors the quality of the whisky — refined, layered, and full of character.
Cask Influence and Maturation
This 12-year-old expression, released annually, showcases a balance of subtlety and richness. It’s matured in a combination of Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez Sherry-seasoned European oak casks, creating layers upon layers of complexity.
The influence of these casks is unmistakable and adds remarkable depth without ever overpowering the spirit’s natural elegance.
On the Nose: Light and Inviting
Nosing this dram, it opens with light citrus and fresh fruit, giving it an airy and inviting start. Behind that, there’s a warm sense of toasted oak and spice, particularly nutmeg, lending it some richness and intrigue. There’s a moment where I wonder if an aftershave nearby is wafting in — but the toasted wood and spice are unmistakably from the whisky.
On the Palate: Creamy Complexity
On first sip — wow. The vanilla is the first to arrive, soft but prominent. That smooth, creamy texture follows through quickly, almost yoghurt-like, but then deepens into dried fruits — sultanas, dates, and the natural sweetness those suggest.
There’s woodiness present too, giving it structure, and then a lovely little ginger kick — not overpowering, but lively enough to keep things interesting. It’s incredibly smooth, and at 46.4%, very much a sipping whisky — no need for water, though of course, that’s personal preference.
With Water: Mellowed and Measured
Though I often enjoy my whiskies neat, I like to add a touch of water — not because it needs it, but for the longevity of the dram. Adding water opens it up like a book — mellowing the sharper edges and unveiling more nuance.
With a few drops, the dram settles beautifully. The mouthfeel remains excellent, and although the finish isn’t overly long, it leaves behind a warming, oak-led presence — moody, mellow, and satisfying. No peat, no smoke, just a clean, warming trail of quality malt.
Final Thoughts: A Go-To Dram
The Glenturret 12 Year Old remains a favourite of mine — reliable, rich, and never disappointing. It’s a whisky I often return to and one I always recommend. The 2024 release continues the tradition beautifully.
People often ask me, “How should I drink whisky?” My answer is always the same: drink it however you like. Neat, with water, with ice — even lemonade if that’s your thing (though if you visit me, you’ll only get one good dram with mixers like that!). The only rule is that it should be good Scotch malt whisky — beyond that, it’s your experience to enjoy.
So here’s to the Glenturret 12 — complex, comforting, and classic.
And if you’re looking for ideas once the bottle is empty? Turn it into a lamp. Why not?
Until next time, slàinte mhath!