Out with the old, in with the new! At The Glenturret (Scotland’s oldest working distillery), they’re making a major shift and calling time on an era as we know it, waving goodbye to peat! For some, this may be no biggie, but for many whisky lovers, this is huge. A distillery steeped in tradition (pun absolutely intended) is making a bold move, and with that comes a mix of emotions: nostalgia, excitement, and perhaps a little bit of FOMO (because let’s face it, many whisky lovers look for rarity).

And let’s be real, when a distillery says they’re stopping production of something, whisky fans ears prick up. The moment something becomes limited, bottles can start flying off the shelves, collectors can go into overdrive, and prices can quietly start creeping up.

Now, the aim is to phase it out over the next two years, so it’s not immediate, but however you feel about this change, one thing’s for sure: peated expressions of The Glenturret may at some point become a whisky treasure. In this blog, we’ll break down what this means for whisky fans, why The Glenturret is moving on from peat, what’s left of their peated stock, what other expressions may become harder to come by, and why collectors might already be scrambling to get their hands on the last of it. Sounds good? Alright then, let’s get into it!

A love affair with peat (great while it lasted)

Now, some of you may be wondering what the fuss is all about. We get it. But honestly? The end of peated The Glenturret is kind of a big deal. Historically, peat has brought a lot to whisky, the signature smoky, earthy character that so many of us have grown to love (or at least respect).

But before we part ways with peat for good, here’s a little backstory. Peat and The Glenturret have had a beautiful friendship, never the main event, but an exciting twist in the distillery’s story. Traditionally, The Glenturret has focused on unpeated spirits, crafting smooth, complex Highland drams. But every now and then, they’ve dabbled in peat, creating some truly special releases that whisky lovers have gone mad for.

Peat itself is an acquired taste, kind of like Marmite. You either love it, or you… well, don’t. But there’s no denying the impact it’s had on the whisky world. A dense, organic material formed from decomposed vegetation, peat has been used in Scotland for centuries as a heating source. Before modern kilns, it was the original way of drying malted barley, infusing it with that next-level smoky aroma that whisky fans can’t get enough of. Islay distilleries have built entire reputations around heavily peated whisky, but for Highland distilleries like The Glenturret, peat has been more of a guest star than the lead actor.

Some of The Glenturret’s most sought-after limited editions have embraced peated methods, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their already rich and complex whisky. Think the much-loved The Glenturret 10-Year-Old Peat Smoked and various vintage peated releases that have now become collector’s items.

But now? The Glenturret is closing the peat chapter for good. No more smoky surprises, no more limited-edition peated drams. Once these bottles are gone, they’re gone. And while change is always bittersweet, one thing’s for sure, peated The Glenturret is about to become whisky treasure. So, if you fancy getting your hands on a piece of whisky history, now might be the time to start making space on your shelf!

Why say goodbye to peat?

Good question! While The Glenturret hasn’t sent out a formal press release explaining their decision, there are some key reasons to take into account:

• Sustainability and environmental impact: Peat takes centuries to form, and with the growing push to protect peatlands, many distilleries are rethinking its use. It’s been a hot topic for the UK governments for the past few years, with calls to preserve this precious natural resource. Peatlands store twice as much carbon as all the world’s forests combined (yes, you read that right). When disturbed, the carbon is released, making it a key factor in the fight against climate change.
  
• Brand evolution: The Glenturret has been refining its identity, leaning into its rich heritage and craftsmanship. Maybe it’s simply time to commit fully to their unpeated style and showcase what they do best.
  

By saying goodbye to peat, The Glenturret is making a choice that aligns with sustainability goals, helping protect peatlands and reducing the carbon footprint of their whisky. It’s a bold step towards a greener future, while still staying true to their craft.

Out of sight, out of mind? (not quite yet)

Collectors, hear us out (and start your engines), we reckon that peated the Glenturret may well become a hot commodity in whisky land. Why, you ask? Because, once these bottles are gone, they’re gone. Older vintages with peat will become even rarer, so now’s the time to grab one if you’ve been eyeing it. But don’t panic buy the first bottle you see, aim for something with a bit of pedigree, like a vintage release.

Talking of which, The Glenturret has also said that it has plans to remove certain vintages from their core range, this would likely be expressions such as The Glenturret Triple Wood, The Glenturret 7 Year Old Peat Smoked, The Glenturret 10 Year Old Peat Smoked and The Glenturret 12 Year Old. While there’s no official confirmation of how this might shape up, we may well see these vintages become harder to get your hands on, and as such, more highly sought after.

If you’re looking for something that’s already rare, you have a few great options, thanks to The Glenturret’s traditional production methods. For example, there are only 210 bottles of the 2024 release of The Glenturret 25 Year Old worldwide, and 300 bottles of the 2024 release of The Glenturret 30 year old. Now that’s what we call a true hidden gem!

As for the future? Peat may be out, but The Glenturret isn’t slowing down. Expect more refined, unpeated expressions that’ll keep whisky fans excited for years to come. So, cheers to the past—and the future!

Final thoughts (and the final countdown)

So, there we have it, the end of peated The Glenturret as we know it is on the horizon. Sad times, we know. But hey, just consider the reasons behind the phase-out as your silver linings. If you love their smoky releases, now’s the time to grab a bottle before they vanish into whisky history. The Glenturret Peat Smoked 10-Year-Old (2024 Release) is still up for grabs.

Fancy seeing it in person? Consider popping into our Knightsbridge store, have a chat, and maybe even discover your next favourite dram while you’re at it. Whether you’re stocking up, savouring the last smoky sips, or looking ahead to Glenturret’s peat-free future, one thing’s certain, this is a moment worth raising a glass to.