Distillerie of the month August 2016: The Glenlivet

History

At The Glenlivet, we are proud to remember the distillery which George Smith built at Upper Drumin Farm in Speyside.  It was the first distillery in the area to receive a licence to distil following the introduction of the Excise Act of 1823.  In the years leading up to the introduction of the law, the quality of the whisky had been brought to the attention of the monarchy, resulting in King George IV requesting whisky from Glenlivet during a visit to Edinburgh.  For many years the Smith family had to fight against the darker side of the industry which was jealous of their success.  A large number of distilleries, some of which were a long way from the distillery, used the name Glenlivet to tray and profit from the name which was recognised as a sign of superior quality.

Production

The Glenlivet takes it’s subtlety and elegance from the combined effects of the climate and the Speyside countryside as well as Master Distiller Alan Winchester’s unique knowledge and experience.

With it’s position at the foot of the Cairngorms, the distillery is in one of the coldest parts of the British Isles.  The pure air and the harsh climate play a direct role in the maturation process.  Since the beginning, the production process, which has made The Glenlivet the reference for all single malts, remains unchanged:

• The crystal clear and mineral rich water from Josie’s Well encourages the subtle release of the sugars in the malted barley
• The distillation in swan necked pot stills which brings character and finesse to the whisky
• The maturation in mostly American oak casks in the naturally cold warehouses imparts powerful aromas on The Glenlivet