Review by: Raygun

Glenturret was purchased by Lalique in 2019, which subsequently led to a new OB line. Currently have up to a 15 year old, and then some breathtakingly expensive limited releases of 25 and up. I take it that this was the first release of the 12, in 2020. European oak only, where the current 12 uses both American and European oak. Photo and sample courtesy of dustbunna (check out his review here). Rested about 10 minutes.

---

Distillery: Glenturret 

Bottler: Glenturret

Region/style: Highlands single malt Scotch

ABV: 46% 

Age: 12 years. Released in 2020. 

Cask type: European oak. Presumably sherry casks, though I suppose there could in theory be some other wines in there. They don’t specify.

Color: 1.5 auburn. Natural color. Non-chill-filtered.

Price: $85 and up in my area

---

Nose: Sherry, of a slightly dirty, funky sort. Not as meaty or rich as Benrinnes. Reminds me of some Glendronach, with that kind of musty, leathery feel. Fruit leather, orange zest. 

Palate: Milder than I’d have thought. Still feels like first-fill casks. Black tea, dried orange peel, ginger, and mocha. Got some brighter flavors too, with fresh plum and some citrus. It’s nice. More Glengoyne here than Glendronach. With a little more dirty funk. Rather tannic for the age. Drinks pretty heavy. 

Finish: No big surprises here. Stronger on the black tea, and the fruit is dialed back. In the neighborhood of Earl Grey now, with that touch of citrus. Chocolate turned up a notch. Pretty similar to the palate. Tannic here too, but not bitter. 

Conclusion: Pretty good. Not had a chance to try to the new OBs from Glenturret, and this is a fairly promising start. Nice to see more options for this style. Tamdhu 12 would be a good one to compare with; I’m curious which I’d like better. This is nice, but in no way subtle. I’m not sure I’d recommend it for a first sherried scotch. The dirty, tannic character might be a bit much as an introduction. 

Buy a bottle? Rather pricey for what you get. I tried the Exclusive Regions Speyside (Glentauchers) alongside it, and liked that better. My focus is elsewhere these days anyway.

Score: 76

---

Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
• 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
• 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)