The Glenturret has never done this with a 21-year-old single malt, until now

Whisky lovers may be familiar with terroir—the way a spirit’s environment shapes its character. But what happens when a whisky embodies two terroirs at once? That’s the case with the remarkable new release from The Glenturret: the Deux Terrains 21 Year Old Sauternes Cask whisky.

With The Glenturret Deux Terrains 21 Year Old Sauternes Cask Release, the Scottish distillery marries the terroir of Crieff in the Highlands, home to the stills, with that of the famed Bordeaux wine region. This exclusive single malt matured in exceptional sherry-seasoned casks.

The name Deux Terrains, or “Two Lands,” nods to the union of the Scottish Highlands and the renowned Bordeaux vineyards. Distilled at The Glenturret, the whisky first spent over 21 years in sherry-seasoned oak.

It was then finished in casks from Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey, a prestigious Sauternes estate that has held Premier Grand Cru Classé status since the 1855 classification. This marks The Glenturret’s first exploration of Sauternes cask influence on a long-aged single malt.

The choice of Château Lafaurie-Peyraguey is no coincidence. Both the French winery and The Glenturret are part of the Lalique Group, making the exchange of casks—and ideas—considerably easier.

What makes this whisky particularly special is that it’s the first time The Glenturret has used casks that previously held Sauternes.

The official tasting notes are wonderfully detailed. According to the distillery, the nose opens with fresh pineapple and floral aromas. On the palate, you’ll find caramelized apple, gentle spices, and creamy vanilla.

Layers of ginger, sweet cinnamon, ripe citrus, and spiced oak unfold as well. As you sip, a soft, fruity texture develops, leading into a long finish with notes of toasted oak.

The whisky is bottled at 42.8 percent alcohol by volume (ABV).

The Glenturret Deux Terrains 21 Year Old ranks among the distillery’s most exclusive releases, not least because of its debut use of Sauternes casks. Worldwide availability is limited to just 500 bottles. The whisky is sold for 892.95 euros via the distillery’s website.