Behind the barrel, our series that deep dives into the history and traditions of the whisky distillers, bottlers and collections. Today's entry is focusing on Glenturret Dsitillery for the Scottish highlands. 

Who Are Glenturret?

One of Scotlands oldest distilleries, are located a couple of mile outside of the town of Crieff, Perthshire of Scotland along the banks of the river Turret. High hills around the distillery were used in illicit days of production as lookout points for smugglers. 

The History of Glenturret

The official records have the Glenturret Distillery been established in 1763, but like many distillery starts was previously under the possession of illicit distillers since 1717, likely to avoid paying the high taxes on alcohol at that era.

Early history claims Glenturret may be the oldest distillery in Scotland, due to lack of records it is contested, mostly by establishments of Strathisle or Littlemill. Regardless it is well within the conversation of oldest distillery. 

The original name of the distillery was known as the "Hosh", the original Gaelic translating to "cois" meaning foot. The original owners were the Drummond family. In 1875 Thomas Stewart took over and renamed the distillery to Glenturret in the Centenary year. 

Closures and Production Halts

The turn of century like many distilleries across Scotland suffered a low period due to world events, many beyond the walls and power of the distillery its self. As First World war began, the doors of were shut and production ceased. Upon the end of the war was reopened for a few short years, 1921. Probation in United States and the great depression saw it close once again. 

The down period saw the buildings used as storage for Murrays of Octertyre, Scottish Lords various businesses. The distillery remained closed until 1957, when James Fairlie, a whisky enthusiast intend on making whisky the traditional way and preserve  the craft of distilling. 

Back Open & To The Modern Day 

over the 1980s and 1990s periods 3 more owners came and went. First in 1981 bought by Cointreau, French Congac Distillers, then 1990 Highland Distillers, purchased it. And in 1999 The Edrington Group, Glasgow based distributor claimed ownership. 

The distillery was put up for sale once again in 2018, bought by French group Lalique, as majority shareholders, a luxary glass and goods company. 

In November 2024, Glenturret announced as of 2025, they will be removing peat from production.