Glenturret 11 Year The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

As our sixth exchange of samples begins to arrive, it's time to review another lesser-known Scottish distillery: Glenturret. This Highland distillery claims the title of Scotland's oldest, though this is disputed by several other locations. Officially established in 1775, rumors suggest illicit distilling occurred here as early as 1717. Illicit distillers would alternate shifts producing their "hooch" while lookouts on nearby hills watched for excise officers. In its earliest days, the distillery was known as Hosh, meaning "foot," as all supplies and products were transported by workers on foot. Glenturret is also somewhat known for its resident cats, the "mousers." The most famous, Towser the Mouser, holds a Guinness World Record for mouse kills by a single feline, reportedly dispatching nearly 29,000 mice between 1963 and 1987. A bronze statue honors him at the visitor center. Two "mousers" are currently employed – Glen and Turret. The quirky history and illicit past are appealing for this small distillery. Glenturret operates with only two stills, producing just 340,000 liters annually. Half of its production is used for single malt, and the other half contributes to The Famous Grouse blend. This specific bottling is from Gordon & MacPhail and is bottled at 46%. I don't have the bottle at hand, as it was provided by a friend, but based on my tasting notes, I'd estimate it was aged in a refill sherry cask. It has a pale yellow hue and is quite oily, without significant legs. The initial aroma was sherry-dominant but quickly faded, replaced by molasses, toffee, and some oak. An earthy, funky note then appeared, causing a double-take. It had a scent of wet hay and a band-aid-like funk with hints of grassy fields. It wasn't unpleasant, just unexpected. The palate was creamy, with notes of caramel toffee and mixed nuts, followed by hints of sherry and a sharp peppery quality. The finish was medium and warm for its proof, transitioning from oily to somewhat dry, with traces of sherry and that band-aid funk on the very end. Overall, it's not intensely complex. The funk was surprising, but the full, creamy texture and toffee notes made it mostly enjoyable. I'm curious to taste this with an additional 7-8 years of aging and from a first-fill sherry or oak cask. It could be quite good, I believe. This one was average in my opinion. Many thanks to the person who provided this bottle. A cool, obscure distillery I wouldn't have tried otherwise, thanks to our little exploration. 3 to 3.25 stars for this dram. Cheers.

Stop number 79 on our tour features Glenturret. This 11-year-old Highland single malt comes from the independent bottlers at Gordon & MacPhail. Bottled at 46% ABV and while I lack definitive proof, I suspect it is both non-chill filtered and naturally colored, appearing yellow-gold. The aroma starts with green apples, pears, and green wood. 'Fresh' is the best descriptor. Grassy/malty with some honey, very floral. Light orchard fruits, oranges, lemons, nectarines. Slightly vegetal, reminiscent of hay and grasses. Vanilla, very light toffee, and nuts. Not exceptionally complex, but good nonetheless. The taste is strongly honey-forward initially. Vanilla and orchard fruits, apricots, oranges, and nectarines. The fruits transition to tropical notes and then burst with flavor. Pineapple, coconut, papaya, mango, and melons. Very little oak presence, but a fair amount of spice. Medium-bodied consistency that is quite oily and mouthwatering. A medium-length finish. Fruity with a hint of bitterness. It keeps the mouth watering. I must say this was a very good example of a well-executed independent bottling. It may not be the absolute peak of depth and complexity, but it holds its own against many official releases. Easy to drink but not lacking in character. Priced around $70, it offers good value. I'm unsure of the bottle count but would suggest acquiring one if the opportunity arises. Rated 3.75 stars and thanks to the person who provided the sample. Cheers.

Been unavailable for the past two weeks: business trips to Houston, graduation parties, birthday parties, etc., have just drained my time and review time. Stealing a moment while with the family so I can finally consume something other than beer or everyday party whiskey. Enter Glenturret 11, provided by a friend for the sixth round for our tasting group. Thinly sliced Granny Smith apples drizzled with vanilla and honey start the nose. Some damp hay/straw and an earthy mineral quality emerge as it opens, producing an odd synthetic funk. If you really investigate, you can detect tropical shaved coconut and macadamia nuts. The arrival is gentle and oily, dense. Sweet and spicy. The sweetness of caramel, vanilla, and a hint of honey. A spiciness of ground cinnamon and white pepper. Some mixed nuts are woven through the palate. The palate is left somewhat tingly from the spicy taste with some dry oak that persists for a considerable duration. This was rather average. It's a dram that's good for relaxing and easy sipping, but it's not one I would readily seek out. Not showy or sophisticated. The sweet and spicy characteristic could make this a good cigar pairing sipper. Too bad I don't have a cigar right now. [84/100][Tasted: 6/3/18]

The aroma offers caramel and perhaps a hint of butterscotch, along with some damp cereal grains, akin to oats. The taste includes caramel and cream, pear, specifically pear skin, and mild lemony notes reminiscent of extract. Freshly cut green grass and a subtle damp, musty wood character are also present. The finish features spicy wood notes suggesting cedar and ground ginger. The texture is creamy and multi-layered. This is a very invigorating spirit, bringing to mind early spring – damp and fresh, yet still cool. Overall, this spirit is refreshing and agreeable (in a positive way). It would be a suitable choice for someone new to spirits, potentially finding them intimidating. It's pleasant, offers decent complexity, yet remains approachable and safe. I can appreciate this, even though my usual preference is for coastal and peated malts.

At first nose, it reminded me a little of a Ben Nevis 10. A little funkiness going on, but not as intense. Peaches, nectarines, sulfur, and oak. The palate is quite good with nutmeg, vanilla, rhubarb, white pepper, and light cherries. A very exquisite medium and thick mouth coat, with a medium length oily, yet cashew, toffee, and walnut finish. Thankfully, a solid independent offering for under a 100 bucks. The theme to the dram should be funky and bright too. "Last Child" by Aerosmith will work nicely. 3.75 from me!