Scotland's Oldest Working Distillery, Its Lalique Masterpieces, and the Famous Cats That Guard Its Legacy

Nestled in the beautiful Perthshire countryside near Crieff, The Glenturret is far more than a whisky distillery. It is a place where Scottish whisky heritage, luxury craftsmanship, world-class hospitality, and even feline folklore come together to create one of the most unique destinations in the whisky world.

Today, The Glenturret proudly claims the title of Scotland's oldest working distillery, tracing its licensed history back to 1763. Yet its story stretches even further into the shadows of illicit Highland whisky-making, when smugglers and farmers distilled spirit in hidden glens long before whisky became a regulated industry.

In recent years, The Glenturret has undergone one of the most remarkable transformations in Scotch whisky, evolving from a largely overlooked contributor to blends into one of the world's most prestigious luxury single malt brands. At the heart of that transformation lies an unexpected partnership with the legendary French crystal house Lalique. Alongside that luxury story remains another beloved tradition: the resident distillery cats, Glen and Turret, who continue a legacy made famous by the legendary mouser Towser.

A Distillery Born from Smugglers

The story of whisky production in the Glenturret valley predates official records. Historical references suggest illicit distilling was taking place in the area as early as 1717, taking advantage of the secluded glens and surrounding hills that helped hide operations from excise officers. The area's geography made it ideal for smuggling, with lookouts stationed on nearby hills warning distillers when tax collectors approached.

The first recognised legal distillery on the site dates to 1763, making The Glenturret one of the oldest continually operating whisky producers in Scotland. Over the centuries it passed through numerous owners and periods of closure, surviving wars, economic downturns, Prohibition in America, and changing fashions within the whisky industry.

Unlike many modern distilleries, Glenturret has retained a remarkably traditional approach to whisky-making. Even today, much of the production process remains hands-on, with minimal automation. Visitors often describe the distillery as a living museum of Scotch whisky production, where centuries-old methods continue to shape the spirit.

The Famous Grouse Years

For much of the late twentieth century, Glenturret was better known as a component malt rather than a stand-alone single malt brand.

Under ownership by Highland Distillers and later The Edrington Group, much of its production was destined for blending, particularly as a key component of The Famous Grouse. The distillery became home to "The Famous Grouse Experience", attracting thousands of visitors each year while its own single malt remained relatively understated.

Although respected among enthusiasts, Glenturret never achieved the same global recognition as many Highland distilleries. That situation would dramatically change in 2019.

The Lalique Revolution

In 2019, The Glenturret entered a new chapter when it was acquired by a joint venture between Swiss entrepreneur Hansjörg Wyss and the luxury goods company Lalique Group, led by chairman Silvio Denz. The acquisition marked Lalique's first major move into Scotch whisky.

For many whisky fans, the announcement initially seemed unusual. Why would one of the world's most prestigious crystal manufacturers buy a Scottish whisky distillery?

The answer quickly became clear.

Lalique saw in Glenturret something many had overlooked: an authentic historic distillery with exceptional stocks of mature whisky, a compelling story, and the potential to become a true luxury whisky brand. The new owners immediately began investing in every aspect of the business, from whisky production and visitor experiences to hospitality and global brand positioning.

The result has been extraordinary.

Today, Glenturret occupies a unique position in Scotch whisky, combining traditional distilling with the luxury craftsmanship and artistic vision for which Lalique is famous.

Understanding Lalique

To appreciate modern Glenturret, it helps to understand Lalique itself.

Founded in 1888 by René Lalique, the French master jeweller and glass artist became renowned for creating some of the world's most exquisite crystal works. Over the decades, Lalique produced everything from jewellery and perfume bottles to architectural masterpieces, luxury interiors, and fine crystal sculptures.

The company's crystal creations are still produced by skilled artisans in Alsace, France, using techniques that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern precision. Lalique crystal has become synonymous with luxury, artistry, and exclusivity.

When Lalique acquired Glenturret, it brought centuries of artistic heritage into the world of Scotch whisky.

The Extraordinary Glenturret Lalique Decanters

Perhaps the most visible expression of this partnership is the range of Glenturret Lalique crystal decanters.

These releases are not simply whisky bottles. They are works of art.

Each decanter is handcrafted by Lalique artisans and often produced in extremely limited numbers. The whiskies contained within are among the oldest and rarest stocks held by the distillery.

Some releases have celebrated specific milestones, while others have explored artistic collaborations that blur the boundaries between whisky and fine art.

One of the most remarkable examples is the "Eight Decades" release created in collaboration with renowned American artist James Turrell.

Limited to just 80 decanters worldwide, the release commemorated Turrell's 80th birthday and represented the first time the artist had collaborated on a whisky decanter. The project required extensive design work, mould creation, crystal development, and artistic refinement. Each decanter became as much an art object as a vessel for whisky.

Priced around £80,000, the release demonstrated how Glenturret had successfully positioned itself within the highest tier of luxury whisky.

Other Lalique collaborations have featured exceptionally old whiskies and intricate crystal designs, often selling out rapidly among collectors around the world.

More Than Whisky: The Lalique Lifestyle

The Lalique influence extends far beyond the bottle.

Visitors to the distillery encounter crystal artwork throughout the site, from the visitor centre to the acclaimed Glenturret Lalique Restaurant.

The restaurant has earned Michelin recognition and has become one of Scotland's most celebrated dining destinations. Guests experience a fusion of fine whisky, exceptional food, and luxury hospitality in surroundings enhanced by Lalique crystal design.

The restoration of estate buildings, visitor facilities, and luxury accommodation has transformed Glenturret into a destination that appeals as much to luxury travellers as it does to whisky enthusiasts.

The Cats of Glenturret

While crystal decanters and Michelin stars may dominate headlines, many visitors arrive hoping to meet the distillery's most famous employees.

The Glenturret cats.

Today, Glen and Turret roam the distillery grounds, continuing a tradition that has become one of the most charming stories in Scotch whisky. Glen is an orange tabby, while Turret is a grey tabby. They can often be found exploring warehouses, inspecting visitors, or sleeping in offices throughout the site.

Their role may seem playful, but distillery cats have long served a practical purpose.

Historically, warehouses storing barley attracted mice, and cats provided natural pest control. Many distilleries kept resident mousers, but none became more famous than Glenturret's legendary cat Towser.

Towser: The Guinness World Record Mouser

Towser, a tortoiseshell cat, lived at Glenturret from 1963 until 1987.

During her remarkable career, she became officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's most prolific mouser. Her estimated tally reached an astonishing 28,899 mice. Auditors observed her hunting habits and calculated the total statistically over her lifetime.

Each morning, mice caught during the night would reportedly be displayed for inspection by distillery workers. Towser became a celebrity, appearing in newspapers, on television, and even on BBC Blue Peter.

Today, a bronze statue commemorates Towser at the distillery, ensuring her place in whisky history.

Glen and Turret may have less pressure to break records, but they remain beloved ambassadors for the distillery and a direct link to one of Scotland's most endearing whisky traditions.

Traditional Whisky Making in a Modern World

Despite its luxury positioning, Glenturret remains committed to traditional production methods.

The distillery draws its water from Loch Turret, fed by the surrounding Highland landscape. Production remains relatively small by industry standards, helping preserve the character and quality of the spirit. The distinctive still shapes and hands-on production approach contribute to a spirit known for elegance, fruitiness, and complexity.

Recent years have also seen the distillery refine its house style further, focusing increasingly on unpeated whisky that highlights the natural character of the spirit and cask influence.

The Future of The Glenturret

Few distilleries have experienced a transformation as dramatic as The Glenturret.

What was once primarily known as a contributor to blends has become one of the most prestigious names in modern Scotch whisky. The combination of authentic heritage, traditional production, luxury hospitality, world-class gastronomy, and artistic collaborations has created something genuinely unique.

Yet despite Michelin stars, luxury accommodation, and six-figure crystal decanters, The Glenturret has managed to preserve the elements that made it special in the first place: its history, its craftsmanship, and its connection to the people, animals, and traditions that have shaped the distillery for more than 250 years.

Whether you are drawn by rare Lalique masterpieces, exceptional single malts, or simply the chance to meet Glen and Turret wandering the grounds, a visit to The Glenturret offers a glimpse into a remarkable meeting of Scottish tradition and French luxury.

It is a place where whisky, art, history, and even a few famous cats continue to write one of the most fascinating stories in Scotch whisky.

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