The nights are drawing in and kids are heading back to school, but for those hoping that there’s still life left in summer, The Glenturret has you covered. The Scotch whisky distillery, famed for being the only distillery in the world to have a two-Michelin-starred restaurant on site, is celebrating these final days of the season with the release of a luxurious whisky evocative of beautiful balmy evenings.
The Glenturret Still Life Decanter Series takes inspiration from the unique character of Scottish seasons from dark and cozy winters to endless summer days. It also shines a spotlight on Glenturret’s whisky maker Bob Dalgrano, who in 2024 is celebrating his 40th year in the industry.
Growing up in Speyside, Dalgrano has lived and breathed Scotland’s particularly changeable seasons more than most. He has instilled the four Still Life whiskies (Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn) with flavors associated with those seasons. For summer, Dalgrano looked back at his time working as a farmhand, as well as what is traditionally a silent period for Scotch distilleries.
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He said: “For The Glenturret Distillery, summer is traditionally a quieter time. Historically this was partly due to a lack of water in the warmer months and the need for production workers to assist on farms during the busy summer – many farms were directly owned by, or linked to, distilleries. While modern times have changed this dynamic, most distilleries still observe some downtime in summer for essential maintenance.
“Whilst production may be quieter, farming never slows down and I enjoy watching the barley grow and change from green to gold under the warmth of the sun. Walking through the fields, chatting with farmers, and observing the crop’s progress is something I eagerly anticipate each year.”
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Still Life Summer is the third decanter in the series, released just in time to catch the last of its warm glow. The whisky combines five highly aged casks: three hogsheads (ex-bourbon) and two first-fill sherry casks. That combination of 60% bourbon influence and 40% sherry influence has the potential to bring out the best in Scotch whisky. Hogshead casks impart tropical fruits and vanilla while sherry casks bring richness and dry fruits. To give this an even more luxurious edge, all the whisky used is at least 25 years old (although the Still Life series whiskies are all non-age statement).
That in itself makes this a top-shelf whisky, but The Glenturret has taken it up a notch by decanting it into pristine Lalique crystal bottles. Designed by Marc Larminaux, artistic and creative director at Lalique, these frosted decanters take their lead from the staves of a whisky cask. Only 105 are available, making it an enticing proposition for the collectors amongst you. For those intent on drinking it, our tasting notes are below.
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Still Life Summer – Tasting Notes
Nose: A really beautiful profile right out of the bottle. A boozy fruit salad with hints of strawberries, pineapple and sweet vanilla. There are whisps of cereal grains as well, offering a vision of freshly harvested barley.
Palate: The first-fill sherry casks are more present on the palate with dried fruit and a bit of spice hitting first with hints of cinnamon and aniseed. But the hogshead influence comes back with rich pineapple and a touch of coconut.
Finish: The two cask types sit in perfect harmony. The whisky’s light mouthfeel and low ABV (40.5%) make this eternally drinkable without water and perfect for those warm summer nights.
Score: 9/10
– 10 A unicorn: Spend whatever it takes
– 8.5–9.5 Top shelf: Impress your fellow whisky geeks
– 7–8: Great: Buy two bottles – one to drink, one to keep
– 5.5–6.5: Very good: Keep it on the shelf – a good daily drinker
– 5: Not bad: There’s better out there for the same money
– Below 5 – Disappointing
Still Life Summer is now available online at theglenturret.com or in The Glenturret Distillery Shop for £5,500 (approx $6,600).
