Whisky Review/Tasting: Glenturret Triple Wood Batch 2
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Glenturret Distillery, located in the East Highlands of Scotland.
- Type: Triple Wood, indicating the use of three different types of casks for maturation.
- Distillation & Maturation Process: Utilizes American ex-bourbon casks, European oak sherry casks, and American oak sherry casks. The European oak provides intense oakiness with tannins, bitterness, and spiciness, while the American white oak offers a smoother and weaker profile.
- Age Statement: No age statement provided, but the whisky is mature enough to lack youthful metallic notes, suggesting a maturity of possibly 5-8 years.
- Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but the emphasis on cask influence suggests a rich coloration.
- Bottle Design: Features a green label with the distillery's founding year (1775), indicating its long heritage.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- Balance of Flavors: A strong influence from the casks, with a balance between the smoothness of American oak and the intensity of European oak.
- Unique Characteristics: Notable for its absence of youthful metallic notes, indicating a well-matured whisky despite lacking an age statement.
- Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique triple wood maturation process and flavor profile set it apart.
- Flavor Notes: Fruity with orange peel and vanilla, transitioning to marzipan and faint cinnamon, with underlying notes of cedar wood and coconut. The European oak casks contribute to a long, intense mouthfeel with spiciness and oak wood flavors.
Whisky Storytelling
- Interesting Stories/Trivia: Glenturret is one of only three distilleries in Scotland producing since the 18th century, highlighting its significant heritage. The distillery manager, Neil Cameron, emphasizes the careful selection of casks "by heart and by hand."
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Historical Context: Glenturret's establishment in 1775 places it among the oldest distilleries in Scotland, contributing to its rich heritage and significance in the whisky industry.
- Geographical Context: The distillery's location in the East Highlands and its use of both American and European oak casks reflect a blend of Scottish tradition and international influences.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- Horst Luening's Opinion: Praises the whisky for its mature character, absence of youthful off-notes, and strong cask influence, making it a "wonderful piece of work" that is also affordable.
- Noteworthy Quote: "Sweets! Sweets!" and "Hand picked by heart and by hand," emphasizing the whisky's sweet profile and the careful cask selection process.
Summary
- Glenturret Triple Wood Batch 2 is a well-matured whisky without an age statement, utilizing American and European oak casks for a unique flavor profile.
- The whisky boasts a rich heritage, being produced by one of Scotland's oldest distilleries.
- Its flavor profile includes orange peel, vanilla, marzipan, faint cinnamon, cedar wood, and coconut, with a strong cask influence.
- The distillery's careful cask selection process and the absence of youthful metallic notes are highlighted as key qualities.
- Horst Luening praises the whisky for its maturity, affordability, and distinctive character.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- Whisky Enthusiasts: Those interested in exploring the nuances of cask influence and maturation processes.
- History and Heritage Admirers: Individuals fascinated by the rich history and heritage of one of Scotland's oldest distilleries.
- Budget-Conscious Consumers: Whisky lovers looking for a high-quality, affordable option with a unique flavor profile.