Glen Turner’s owner, La Martiniquaise, isn’t new to this game. They own Label 5, a whisky available nearly everywhere in France, and purchased the Glen Moray distillery in 2008. Also, in late 2009 it was rumoured that they might purchase Whyte & Mackay from United Spirits, but nothing came of the rumours. The bottle we’re reviewing today is labeled as coming from “Glen Turner Distillery Ltd” which is very strange indeed.
First impact on the nose is strong floral notes, followed by a buttery shortbread overtone. The nose then settles into the smell of a bakery, with sweet vanilla and cinnamon. The whisky is smooth on the palate, and has a salty sweet character with more hints of cinnamon. The finish is dry, with a powery icing sugar feel left on the palate. After adding water, this dram changes coniderably, losing its sweetness and becoming bitter like cheese or old shoes. Toffee and molasses notes appear on the nose, and a leathery cigar-like finish emerges. It’s worth a taste, but not something I would drink regularly.
If anyone knows the distillery this whisky is coming from, please make a note in the comments. Thanks!