The distillery was officially established in 1763, but had previously been under the control of illicit distillers, who sought to avoid paying taxes, since 1717. This early history has led to claims that Glenturret is the oldest distillery in Scotland, a title contested by other establishments such as Littlemill or Strathisla.
The distillery was originally known as “Hosh” and was originally owned by the Drummond family. "Hosh" comes from the Gaelic "cois", meaning foot. It was taken over by John McCallum in 1845, until 1875 when Thomas Stewart took it over and renamed it Glenturret in its centenary year.
A spirit that is almost made for sherry cask maturation, this has long been one of the main components of Famous Grouse and is characterised by the soft, floral, gentle notes found in expression.