The Glenlivet

It was in November 1824 that George Smith was granted a distiller's licence for the remote parish of Glenlivet. Within a few months the first legally produced Glenlivet whisky began to flow at the small distillery at Upper Drumin. History - and the single malt that started it all - was in the making. Success did not come easily for George Smith. There were battles to be fought with whisky smugglers and a hostile climate to withstand. But with immense courage and fortitude, and against almost insuperable odds, George Smith and his precious whisky prevailed.

Since it was first licensed in 1824, and through the determination and vision of its founder and those who have succeeded George Smith, The Glenlivet has become the world's second favourite single malt Scotch whisky, and the biggest exported single malt to the United States. At different points in the distillery's history, expansion has been necessary to meet demand. The first expansion was when George Smith took the decision to move his distillery from the original site to nearby Minmore in 1858.

Success continued for the next half century with exports begun to the Americas by the late 19th century and a second pair of stills being installed in 1896 to meet growing demand. Prohibition and the war years tempered sales in the first half of the 20th century. However the post war era represented another major growth period and the distillery doubled in size and won the Queen's Award for Export Achievement. The result was a major distillery at Minmore known throughout the world and remaining a large but integral part of the rural community of Glenlivet. By 2008, The Glenlivet had continued to grow and the decision was taken to make the next expansion of the distillery to meet growing demand that was again threatening to outstrip supply.

The new building sits on the footprint of an existing redundant building (the former malt barn) dating from the 1950s. The new ‘open plan' layout allows visitors to view almost every stage of the production process from one point. Less able visitors and wheelchair users can be view all aspects of the production process from the raised platform holding the mash tun.

The stills were traditionally hand-built in copper in nearby Rothes and have been fitted with advanced heat-recovery technology thus reducing overall energy use. The Glenlivet's tradition of wooden washbacks was maintained, assembled on-site by hand. The use of glass allows excellent views of the surrounding landscape for visitors and employees alike. The site of George Smith's original distillery at Upper Drumin is also visible. Particular care was taken over the exterior finish with the stonework finished in traditional lime mortar to match existing listed buildings.
The new expansion to The Glenlivet Distillery was opened by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales in June 2010. Master Distiller Alan Winchester, a lifelong resident of Speyside who has been a leading light in the industry for 34 years was there to welcome him. Alan commented: "The opening was a momentous occasion in the long and proud history of The Glenlivet Distillery. We were honoured to have such distinguished company to mark the occasion."

Alan Winchester is the new Master Distiller for The Glenlivet. As the ultimate guarantor of The Glenlivet now and for the future his main job will be "to maintain the tradition started by George Smith - the reference point for the industry". Alan will have a personal hand in selecting batches of whisky for limited extra maturation.

Distilling is a way of life in North-east Scotland, but not everyone has the passion for the craft that Alan Winchester brings to his career. Throughout his profession, he has worked his way up the line. He mastered a succession of skills as mashman, brewer and stillman among other jobs until he reached his present position, Master Distiller of The Glenlivet, bringing his enthusiasm and commitment to every level. With his vast experience of distilling, Alan remains a highly regarded distiller among his peers.

No Better Place To Go - Distillery Visits
Along with the other special attractions of the distillery visit, which include the magnificent scenery that surrounds it, the fascinating hands-on display of The Glenlivet and its history is not to be missed. Admission is free.

In addition to a conducted tour of the distillery and its vast bonded warehouses, visitors can view the hands-on exhibition, "Journey to The Glenlivet", which explores the glen's natural resources and what it is that makes them so perfect for whisky-making. The exhibition also traces the fascinating history of The Glenlivet from its illicit origins to its current exalted status. Visitors can choose a dram of The Glenlivet and enjoy light meals and fine home baking in the coffee shop. It is advisable to pre book the new Ambassador's Tour with special tastings and visits behind the scenes.
Weather and stamina permitting, visitors can follow in the footsteps of Glenlivet's legendary whisky smugglers via one of the three trails recently re-opened. They provide a rare insight into Glenlivet's days of illicit distilling, the Smugglers' Trails and open up the glen's majestic beauty with glimpses of its elusive wildlife. The Glenlivet experience remains as incomparable as the whisky itself.

The Glenlivet Nàdurra was voted best single malt in its class at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival for the second time in 2009. It meant that The Glenlivet maintained its unique record of having come top in one or more categories every year since the introduction of the awards in 2005. This superb expression, bottled at cask strength, epitomises the character at the heart of The Glenlivet: the whisky of George Smith. A delighted Neil Macdonald, Brand Director said, "It is especially gratifying to win at the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Awards as the region is the home of The Glenlivet."

The single malt that started it all is still leading the way with its range of delicious single malts. Please visit www.theglenlivet.com for more information.