A daring early morning robbery has shaken the tranquil Perthshire countryside, targeting the renowned Glenturret Distillery near Crieff. Thieves made off with a collection of high-value whisky bottles, leaving local residents and whisky enthusiasts in disbelief.
The incident occurred around 4:45 am on Saturday, April 12th, 2025. The perpetrators broke into the distillery and specifically sought out rare and expensive whiskies housed in distinctive Lalique crystal decanters. The targeted nature of the theft suggests a degree of planning and knowledge about the distillery’s valuable inventory. Famous Lalique Whisky Bottles Among Stolen Goods
While the full extent of the losses is still being assessed, it’s confirmed that at least one of the stolen bottles is The Glenturret 25 Years Old, a prestigious single malt presented in a handcrafted Lalique decanter. These bottles retail for upwards of £1,400, placing them firmly in the luxury spirits category. Other stolen bottles were also confirmed to be Lalique. This makes them instantly recognisable to anyone in the whisky world.
The Glenturret Distillery, known for its picturesque setting and traditional distilling methods, is a popular attraction for tourists and a source of pride for the local community. The distillery temporarily closed its doors to the public on Saturday following the incident, citing “unforeseen circumstances”. The disruption is impacting pre-booked tours and whisky experiences, and staff are working to reschedule visitors. Distillery Vows to Return Stronger After Whisky Theft
A statement posted on the distillery’s Facebook page apologized for the inconvenience caused by the closure, thanking patrons for their understanding and continued support. The post assured customers that the team would be in contact to rearrange any disrupted visits or experiences. It also promised further updates via its social media channels, encouraging followers to stay tuned. This demonstrates their commitment to transparency during this difficult time.
The theft has sent ripples of shock through the close-knit community of Crieff and the wider Perthshire whisky scene. The Glenturret Distillery holds a unique place in Scottish distilling history, claiming the title of Scotland’s oldest working distillery. Its whiskies are celebrated worldwide for their quality and craftsmanship, making the stolen bottles highly sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs. This adds another layer of significance to the crime, extending its impact beyond the immediate financial loss.
The distillery’s management has expressed determination to overcome this setback and reopen its doors to visitors as soon as possible. They emphasize the resilience of the Glenturret team and their dedication to producing world-class whisky. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even well-established businesses to criminal activity, and it underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.
The closure is not expected to severely affect any local events in Crieff. However, it is a blow to the local tourist trade at a key point in the whisky calendar. The loss of these unique bottles represents a significant cultural and historical blow, and the community is eager to see these precious items recovered. For those keen on supporting local businesses during this time, exploring other Perthshire distilleries or visiting local shops and restaurants in Crieff could be considered. Perthshire has a thriving food and drink scene, with numerous award-winning restaurants showcasing local produce. The area is also known for its natural beauty, with sites like Scone Palace and the Hermitage offering alternative tourist attractions.
The incident occurred around 4:45 am on Saturday, April 12th, 2025. The perpetrators broke into the distillery and specifically sought out rare and expensive whiskies housed in distinctive Lalique crystal decanters. The targeted nature of the theft suggests a degree of planning and knowledge about the distillery’s valuable inventory. Famous Lalique Whisky Bottles Among Stolen Goods
While the full extent of the losses is still being assessed, it’s confirmed that at least one of the stolen bottles is The Glenturret 25 Years Old, a prestigious single malt presented in a handcrafted Lalique decanter. These bottles retail for upwards of £1,400, placing them firmly in the luxury spirits category. Other stolen bottles were also confirmed to be Lalique. This makes them instantly recognisable to anyone in the whisky world.
The Glenturret Distillery, known for its picturesque setting and traditional distilling methods, is a popular attraction for tourists and a source of pride for the local community. The distillery temporarily closed its doors to the public on Saturday following the incident, citing “unforeseen circumstances”. The disruption is impacting pre-booked tours and whisky experiences, and staff are working to reschedule visitors. Distillery Vows to Return Stronger After Whisky Theft
A statement posted on the distillery’s Facebook page apologized for the inconvenience caused by the closure, thanking patrons for their understanding and continued support. The post assured customers that the team would be in contact to rearrange any disrupted visits or experiences. It also promised further updates via its social media channels, encouraging followers to stay tuned. This demonstrates their commitment to transparency during this difficult time.
The theft has sent ripples of shock through the close-knit community of Crieff and the wider Perthshire whisky scene. The Glenturret Distillery holds a unique place in Scottish distilling history, claiming the title of Scotland’s oldest working distillery. Its whiskies are celebrated worldwide for their quality and craftsmanship, making the stolen bottles highly sought-after by collectors and connoisseurs. This adds another layer of significance to the crime, extending its impact beyond the immediate financial loss.
The distillery’s management has expressed determination to overcome this setback and reopen its doors to visitors as soon as possible. They emphasize the resilience of the Glenturret team and their dedication to producing world-class whisky. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even well-established businesses to criminal activity, and it underscores the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement.
The closure is not expected to severely affect any local events in Crieff. However, it is a blow to the local tourist trade at a key point in the whisky calendar. The loss of these unique bottles represents a significant cultural and historical blow, and the community is eager to see these precious items recovered. For those keen on supporting local businesses during this time, exploring other Perthshire distilleries or visiting local shops and restaurants in Crieff could be considered. Perthshire has a thriving food and drink scene, with numerous award-winning restaurants showcasing local produce. The area is also known for its natural beauty, with sites like Scone Palace and the Hermitage offering alternative tourist attractions.