Glenturret Ruadh Maor 12 Years Old Dràm Mòr Cask 9002123: A Peated Symphony Unleashed by Scottish Craftsmanship
In the heart of Scotland, where the mist-covered hills echo with the secrets of centuries-old traditions, the Glenturret Distillery stands as a custodian of time-honored whisky craftsmanship. Among its treasures is the Glenturret Ruadh Maor 12 Years Old, a peated expression that has undergone a transformative journey under the expert care of the Scottish independent bottler, Dràm Mòr. Bottled in 2023, this single malt whisky, matured on a 1st Fill Bourbon Hogshead Finish, carries the spirit of the Highlands in every drop.
The Essence of Ruadh Maor
Ruadh Maor, Gaelic for "Red Moor," alludes to the distinctive peat character that sets this expression apart. The Glenturret Distillery, nestled in the scenic surroundings of Crieff, has a rich history dating back to 1763. With a commitment to tradition, Glenturret produces whiskies that reflect the unique terroir of the region.
Distilled in 2011 and matured for 12 years, the Glenturret Ruadh Maor 12 Years Old is a testament to the art of peated whisky-making. This expression encapsulates the marriage of time, tradition, and the mastery of the distiller's craft.
Dràm Mòr: Independent Bottling Excellence
Enter Dràm Mòr, a Scottish independent bottler renowned for its commitment to selecting exceptional casks and bottling whiskies that tell a unique story. The collaboration between Glenturret and Dràm Mòr is a marriage of expertise, with the latter adding its finishing touch to this peated masterpiece.
Cask 9002123: A Bourbon Hogshead Finish
The journey of the Glenturret Ruadh Maor 12 Years Old takes a captivating turn with its maturation in a 1st Fill Bourbon Hogshead. This carefully selected cask imparts a symphony of vanilla, caramel, and oak notes to the peated spirit. The bourbon influence complements the robust peat character, creating a harmonious balance that tantalizes the senses.
Tasting Notes: A Peaty Symphony
At 56.4% ABV, the Glenturret Ruadh Maor 12 Years Old promises a bold and exhilarating tasting experience. The peat smoke greets the palate with a warm embrace, reminiscent of the Highland moors. Layers of rich, smoky flavors intertwine with sweet notes of toffee, vanilla, and a hint of citrus. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a trail of peat and oak on the tongue.
Limited Rarity: 272 Bottles
This exceptional expression is not mass-produced; it is a limited edition, with only 272 bottles available. Each bottle tells a tale of the Highland landscape, the craftsmanship of Glenturret Distillery, and the discerning eye of Dràm Mòr.
Conclusion
The Glenturret Ruadh Maor 12 Years Old Dràm Mòr Cask 9002123 is a peated symphony encapsulated in a bottle. From the misty hills of the Highlands to the careful hands of Scottish independent bottlers, this expression is a celebration of time, terroir, and the art of whisky-making. As you savor its complexities, you embark on a journey through the rugged beauty of Scotland—a journey that unfolds with each nuanced sip, leaving an indelible mark on the palate and the soul.
Malt Fascination (87)
Another name that is not a distillery. This time it’s Glenturret’s brand of peated single malts that are not released under their own name. It’s not something that Kenny and Viktorija came up with, some 30 other bottlers use the same name.
I like the simple fact that even though they are not using the distillery’s name, you can quite simply know what distillery it’s from. It would be very unpractical if everybody would just make stuff up. Now it’s only the first bottler to come up with it that does…
This specific one is from the latest releases from Dràm Mòr that were released this autumn. It took a while before the samples got to me after being shipped from Scotland, but in the end, I got them and for a change, things aren’t sold out already!
Sniff:
Thick, greasy smoke. Soot, barley, scones with clotted cream. Vanilla and creamy caramel too.
Sip:
The palate starts gentle, but builds gradually to something quite fierce. The alcohol bite, with a metallic hint. Copper, oak, earthy peat and a hint of heather.
Swallow:
The finish has a bit of acidity. It’s not too long but the peat (more so than smoke) lingers nicely.
This one holds a really nice balance between cask influence, smoke and spirit. It’s quite well balanced and very enjoyable. The greasy notes on the nose make for an interesting experience, since you don’t often get that outside of Islay drams, but those are coastal and this one is not. Good stuff!
Serge Valentin (88)
No wine involved this time, but TBH earlier peated 'turrets by Dràm Mor that had met wine casks had remained very good. Even white Port. Colour: straw. Nose: super close to the Hogshead Imports, just a tad tighter yet. Gooseberry and lime juices, cigar ashes, husk, cut grass. With water: once again, chalk, clay, charcoal, plasticine… Mouth (neat): cuts you in perfect halves. Gherkin brine and lime juice. With water: more sweetness (limoncello) from the bourbon cask, a little aniseed, turmeric, green peppercorn, and just spicy bread. Finish: really long, a notch medicinal now. Big pepper in the aftertaste. Comments: mucho impressive, surprisingly impressive.
