Glenturret 29 Year Old 1987/2017 - Cadenhead's
Mellow, Sweet Fruity2024-11-24
Smell
The very first nose contact leaves no doubt: fruit is the trump card here! Walnut meets a pleasant sweetness of pears and apples, accompanied by creamy vanilla. The flavours are like a freshly picked fruit basket - but nothing is overpowering. The bouquet remains subtle and light, a gentle autumn breeze that promises but does not reveal too much.
Taste
The first sip takes the whisky in a completely new direction. ‘Wow, that's so sweet’, you might think - and you wouldn't be wrong. Ripe peaches and other stone fruit flavours dominate at first, before an unexpected spiciness enters the stage. This is joined by a hint of cherry and sour apple rings, reminiscent of carefree childhood days. But before it gets too playful, the oak brings everything into balance: powerful, spicy, almost tannic.
Finish
The finish is medium-long, not too short, but not a marathon either. It is pleasantly warming and lingers in the memory with a spicy, rich note. A fine, chalky hint creeps in, reminiscent of cool stone walls or freshly polished chalk.
Thoughts
Glenturret 29 Year Old is like a book with many chapters - some are captivating, others you read to get to the next page. The combination of fruitiness and intense flavour shows how complex a whisky can become through many years of ageing. However, despite all its depth, it does not achieve the brilliance of an absolute top product. It is exciting and unusual. Nevertheless, it lacks that little bit of magic that would make it unforgettable.
This whisky is perfect for pairing with mildly matured cheeses - Camembert or a creamy Brie harmonise perfectly with the fruity and oaky notes. Alternatively, a pear tart with a hint of cinnamon could emphasise its sweet side.