glenturret triple wood 2024 release review

Glenturret Triple Wood (2024 Release)

This caused a bit of stir recently: Glenturret will stop using peat in their whisky production. That won’t be an issue for much of the core range, certainly not the Glenturret Triple Wood I’m reviewing today, but I’ve seen fans of peated Glenturret already mourn its loss.

Ruadh Maor, which is the official name for peated Glenturret, was first introduced in 2009 and has been produced annually since (according to this article). Under previous owner Edrington much of the peated production ended up in The Famous Grouse Smoky Black. But the distillery’s philosophy has changed since Lalique took control of Glenturret.

When I first heard the news I immediately thought the change in course was fueled by a sustainability effort. While official communication highlights that as part of the reasoning, I can’t help but get the impression that the decision was mostly “made with a clear future house style in mind.” One that centres around the light, fruity spirit and maturation in American oak sherry seasoned casks.

Prior to Lalique stepping in as owners, the majority of Glenturret’s spirit was made for blending. Heavily peated whisky was part of that. I had assumed some old bulk contracts would remain in place. After all, they are the lifeblood of many Scottish distilleries. But maybe not anymore for the Glenturret. Or at least, that’s how it comes across, with the distillery announcing its focus on single malt production (without peat).

The Glenturret Triple Wood isn’t in danger of being affected by the distillery’s decision to stop using peat. This non-age statement single malt is unpeated and matured in American and European oak sherry seasoned casks, as well as ex-bourbon barrels. In other words, it fits in nicely with the new direction of Glenturret.

glenturret triple wood 2024 release

Glenturret Triple Wood (44%, OB, 2024 Release)

Nose: A somewhat green and vegitative first impression, which disappears after just a few minutes. There’s a good amount of oak and some polished copper. Sprinkles of sawdust, a touch of caramel, and strong breakfast tea. Then there’s slivers of cigar tobacco and Werther’s Original too.
Taste: Somewhat creamy. The oak spices you’d expect from European oak. Slightly astringent, but nothing too bad. Quite enjoyable actually and pretty full-bodied for its abv. More notes of tobacco, some teak, cloves as well and certainly cracked black pepper.
Finish: Medium length. Tannins, nutmeg and just a tinge of pomegranate.

Conclusion
It surpassed my expectations, which is good. Maybe it also says something about my thoughts on Glenturret, a distillery I like but generally don't hold in the highest regard. Either way, the Glenturret Triple Wood certainly is just a that – a nice coalescence of three different wood types.
8.3

Photo: Brühler Whiskyhaus

Power your creative ideas with pixel-perfect design and cutting-edge technology. Create your beautiful website with Zeen now.