The Glenturret Distillery
Scotland's oldest working distillery, offering tours, tastings, and a Michelin-starred dining experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
The Glenturret Distillery
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Scotland's oldest working distillery, offering tours, tastings, and a Michelin-starred dining experience.
"Absolutely fantastic distillery tour! Incredibly friendly and knowledgeable staff. "
🎯 Ask for John!
Guides like John are frequently praised for their passion and knowledge, making tours unforgettable. :star:
🍫 Don't Skip the Chocolates!
The tasting experience often includes delicious chocolates, a delightful pairing with the whisky. :chocolate_bar:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Distillery Tour
The Glenturret Distillery
Explore Scotland's oldest working distillery, learn about traditional whisky making, and enjoy a dram.
Michelin-Starred Dining
The Lalique Restaurant
Experience fine dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant set within the historic distillery.
Whisky Tastings
Tasting Room
Sample award-winning whiskies, including highlights like the Triple Wood and Peated editions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Consider Transportation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ask for John!
Guides like John are frequently praised for their passion and knowledge, making tours unforgettable. +2 :star:
🍫 Don't Skip the Chocolates!
The tasting experience often includes delicious chocolates, a delightful pairing with the whisky. :chocolate_bar:
🐾 Meet the Distillery Cats
Keep an eye out for the resident cats, famous for keeping the distillery rodent-free!
🚗 Designated Driver Needed
If you plan on tasting, ensure you have a designated driver or plan alternative transport. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ask for John!
Guides like John are frequently praised for their passion and knowledge, making tours unforgettable. +2 :star:
🍫 Don't Skip the Chocolates!
The tasting experience often includes delicious chocolates, a delightful pairing with the whisky. :chocolate_bar:
🐾 Meet the Distillery Cats
Keep an eye out for the resident cats, famous for keeping the distillery rodent-free!
🚗 Designated Driver Needed
If you plan on tasting, ensure you have a designated driver or plan alternative transport. :car:
🛍️ Explore the Shops
Beyond whisky, find unique gifts in the perfume and crystal shops on site. :gift:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Glenturret Distillery for its rich history, knowledgeable and passionate guides like John, and the quality of its whiskies. The beautiful setting and the unique Michelin-starred dining experience at The Lalique Restaurant are also major highlights. However, some guests have noted that customer service in the shop and bar areas could be more welcoming and attentive, and pricing for individual drams can feel steep.
"Glenturret was started in 1763 and is the oldest continuously operating whisky distillery in Scotland. The tour was excellent. John was our tour guide and was very knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and entertaining. For a whisky aficionado, this was a great experience. The tasting was excellent. You can buy bottles in the shop for a reasonable price for their Triple Wood expression. If you have a spare £80,000.00, you can buy one of their special bottles in a specially designed bottle. Definitely worth the time if you like whisky."
John Jordan
"An absolutely fantastic distillery tour! The staff were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. I seriously recommend this experience. Our guide was clearly passionate about their product, and we learned so much about how they make their whisky — all done the old-fashioned way, which was fascinating to see. On top of that, there’s a lovely perfume store and a crystal shop on site, which made the visit even more"
Marce T
"Beautiful setting with characterful whisky, but a mixed experience overall.
The distillery is tucked into beautiful woodland by a river, with classic whitewashed architecture that gives it real charm. Parking was convenient off-season, with EV charging spots on site, though we couldn’t get them working.
The tour itself was very enjoyable. The site has real heritage and uniqueness, and our guide John made it a standout experience: knowledgeable, welcoming, friendly, and passionate.
We tasted several whiskies, and the Triple Wood and 14 Year Old Peat Smoked were personal highlights, balanced, rich, and elegant drams.
Unfortunately, the customer service in the shop and bar didn’t match the rest. The staff we encountered seemed uninterested and transactional, which was disappointing. A simple request for a driver bottle to take away a paid tasting dram (as I was driving) felt like an inconvenience. The dram was eventually poured into the bottle without a funnel, spilling some in the process, and not a word of apology or any gesture of goodwill, even though we were the last customers there.
Being charged £16 for a standard 25ml dram, of the regular 14 Year Old Peated, just before purchasing the £150 bottle, also felt excessive and off-putting. Many distilleries would show a more welcoming and commercial approach in that situation, encouraging return visits and loyalty.
In short: absolutely worth visiting for the setting, the whisky, and the guided tour with John, but the customer service outside of that experience needs improvement to match the expected Lalique experience."
Alex
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Glenturret Distillery is accessible by car, with parking available on-site, including EV charging spots. Some visitors opt for public transport to Crieff and then enjoy a scenic 0.5km walk through a forest road to reach the distillery.
Yes, parking is generally convenient, especially off-season. EV charging spots are available, though some visitors have reported issues with them functioning.
Taxis can be arranged to reach the distillery, which is a good option if you plan on participating in tastings and do not have a designated driver.
The walk from the nearest bus stop is described as a pleasant, fresh green forest road, adding to the overall experience for many visitors.
Yes, The Glenturret Distillery can be a great day trip from Edinburgh, offering a scenic drive and a unique cultural experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary depending on the experience. It's recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing for standard tours, tasting experiences, and the Whisky Maker's Experience.
It is highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially for popular experiences like the Whisky Maker's Experience or if you plan to dine at the Lalique Restaurant, as they can sell out.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to consult The Glenturret's official website for the most current operating times for tours, tastings, and the restaurant.
Yes, you can purchase a variety of The Glenturret whiskies directly from the distillery's shop, including special releases and tasting drams.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, booking in advance is key. Keep an eye on their social media or website for any seasonal promotions or package deals.
🎫 🥃 Whisky & Tastings
Visitors often rave about the Triple Wood and the 14 Year Old Peat Smoked whiskies. The Glenturret 12 is also a recommended alternative to more expensive options. +1
The Whisky Maker's Experience is an in-depth tour that provides a comprehensive understanding of the whisky-making process, often highlighted as a standout experience.
While some distilleries offer driver drams, one visitor found this request met with disinterest and a messy pour. It's best to clarify policies upon arrival or opt for a tasting if you are not driving.
While specific details on the 10 Years Peat Smoked edition are scarce, the distillery is known for its peated expressions, such as the 14 Year Old Peat Smoked.
The Glenturret whisky is unique due to its production at Scotland's oldest working distillery, using natural spring water and traditional methods, often resulting in balanced, rich, and elegant drams.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, The Glenturret Distillery features The Lalique Restaurant, a Michelin-starred establishment offering fine dining experiences.
The Lalique Restaurant offers a fine dining experience, typically with tasting menus. Prices reflect its Michelin-star status, and it's advisable to check their website for current menu and pricing details.
Yes, tasting drams are available as part of tours and experiences. However, be aware of pricing for individual drams if purchasing outside of a tour package.
While the Lalique Restaurant is the primary dining highlight, the distillery shop and bar area may offer lighter refreshments or snacks. The café is also mentioned as a place to enjoy chocolates.
The Lalique Restaurant focuses on fine dining, often featuring tasting menus that showcase Scottish produce with a sophisticated culinary approach.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the charming whitewashed architecture, the scenic woodland setting, the distillery's interior with its copper stills, and of course, the beautifully presented whiskies.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas of the distillery during tours, but it's always good practice to ask your guide if you're unsure, especially in production areas.
The classic view of the distillery buildings nestled in the landscape, the unique Lalique-designed elements, and the resident cats are popular subjects for photos.
A versatile camera with a good lens for both wider shots of the scenery and tighter shots of the whisky or distillery equipment would be ideal. A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is also sufficient.
Drone usage is typically restricted at operational facilities like distilleries due to safety and privacy concerns. It's best to check with the distillery directly before attempting to fly a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Some tours may offer a more general overview of the process that can be engaging, and the gift shop offers more than just alcohol. Consider focusing on the historical aspects and the beautiful natural surroundings. 🥂 Whisky Connoisseurs
✈️ Day-Trippers
Ensure you have your transportation sorted, whether driving with a designated driver or utilizing local services, to maximize your time. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Scotland's Oldest Distillery
+1 This rich heritage is palpable as you walk through the grounds, offering a glimpse into centuries of Scotch whisky craftsmanship. Acquired by a joint venture led by The Lalique Group in March 2019, The Glenturret has undergone significant investment, blending its historic charm with modern luxury. This partnership has elevated the visitor experience, most notably with the introduction of the Michelin-starred Lalique Restaurant and a focus on premium whisky releases.
The distillery's commitment to its past is evident in its traditional production methods, including the use of natural spring water and carefully selected casks. +1Visitors often remark on the unique atmosphere created by this blend of history and contemporary elegance. The passion of the guides, like John, who share stories of the distillery's past and present, further enhances the immersive experience.
Experiencing The Glenturret Whisky
+1For those seeking alternatives to more expensive single malts, The Glenturret 12 is often recommended.
The tasting experience is a crucial part of any visit, allowing guests to appreciate the nuances and craftsmanship that go into each bottle. Beyond the standard tours, The Glenturret offers specialized experiences like the Whisky Maker's Experience, providing a deeper dive into the art of whisky creation.
The Lalique Restaurant: A Culinary Gem
The restaurant's ambiance is often described as sublime, complementing the exquisite food and whisky pairings. Dining at The Lalique Restaurant is an opportunity to savor sophisticated cuisine, often presented as tasting menus that highlight the best of Scottish produce.
The experience is designed to be a luxurious extension of the distillery visit, where the artistry of the kitchen mirrors the craftsmanship of the whisky makers. While the restaurant offers a high-end experience, it's essential to book well in advance due to its popularity and Michelin status.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit