Glenturret Distillery, located two miles (3 km) northwest of Crieff in Perthshire, Scotland, on the banks of the Turret River, boasts a rich history as one of Scotland's oldest distilleries. Officially established in 1763, the site has been associated with illicit distilling since 1717. This early history has led to claims that Glenturret is the oldest distillery in Scotland, though this title is contested by other distilleries such as Littlemill and Strathisla.

The distillery's secluded location in the glen, surrounded by high hills, likely contributed to its early use by smugglers. These hills served as lookout points, providing an advantage to those involved in the illicit trade. The distillery was originally known as "Hosh," derived from the Gaelic "cois," meaning foot, and was owned by the Drummond family. In 1845, John McCallum took over the distillery, and in 1875, Thomas Stewart renamed it Glenturret in its centenary year.

The distillery faced several closures during its history, notably during World War I and the Great Depression. It reopened in 1957 under James Fairlie, a whisky enthusiast who aimed to preserve traditional whisky-making methods. Ownership passed through several hands, including Cointreau in 1981 and Highland Distillers in 1990. In 1999, The Edrington Group acquired the distillery, transforming it into "The Famous Grouse Experience," which was nominated for a BAFTA Interactive Entertainment Award in 2002. In late 2018, the distillery was sold to the Lalique Group and one of its major shareholders.

Production and Character The water supply for Glenturret comes from Loch Turret, originating in Ben Chonzie, part of the Grampian Mountain Range. This water, known for its extreme softness due to the region's diorite geology, plays a crucial role in the whisky's character. The distillery follows traditional methods: barley is soaked, malted, and dried over peat smoke before being milled into grist. The grist is mixed with hot water in a mash tun, and the resulting sugary wort is fermented in large pine vessels called washbacks. The wash is distilled twice in copper pot stills, and only the middle cut of the distillate, known as the "Heart of the Run," is used for whisky production.

After distillation, the spirit is reduced in alcohol concentration from 75% to 64% and aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years. For the malt whisky range, maturation periods can extend to 8, 10, 12, 15, 21 years, or longer for special bottlings. Glenturret whisky is noted for its floweriness and pleasing, agreeable character.

Towser the Mouser Towser, a long-haired tortoiseshell cat, served as the distillery's resident mouser from 1963 to 1987, setting a record with an estimated 28,899 mice caught. Her prowess earned her recognition from the Guinness Book of Records and a bronze statue at the visitor center. Her legacy continues with successors like Glen and Turret, who maintain the tradition of pest control at the distillery.

Illicit Distilling The history of Glenturret is intertwined with the broader narrative of illicit distilling in Scotland. The introduction of excise duty in 1660 led to complex taxation laws and rising duties, prompting many to engage in smuggling. Despite legal changes in the early 19th century to encourage small distillers, smuggling remained rampant due to the profitability of evading taxes. Smuggling gangs often outwitted excisemen, using portable stills and secret locations. Over time, increased policing, tariff reforms, and rewards for informers diminished the practice, but tales of the ingenuity and patriotism of whisky smugglers remain part of Scotland's cultural heritage.