Some argue that Glenlivet is the most famous whisky in the world. Founded in 1824, it is the oldest legal distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Yet it is also one of the most modern, innovative, and exclusive, following a wealth of refurbishments, renovations, and expansions – the sum of which easily exceeds £10million.
Following the Whisky Excise Act of 1823, illicit distilling made many distilleries redundant. George Smith, a once former illicit distiller, became one of the first in Scotland to obtain a legal license to distil whisky. He built the distillery in 1824. His son took over in 1871, when George passed away.
Then came the Great Depression of the 1930s, forcing many whiskies into redundancy, yet Glenlivet remained in use. The distillery operated until the second World War. Yet by then, Glenlivet had produced some divine drams – including a 70-year-old Scotch; and a 1943 Scotch that was bottled in 2013.
Following the war, Glenlivet reopened and production resumed to full capacity.
Glenlivet Distillery’s huge copper pot stills are designed to maximise the whisky’s contact with copper. Prolonged contact with copper develops esters that give the whisky its unique fruity character. Glenlivet’s water source comes from ‘Josie’s Well’ and ‘Blairfindy Well’, both produce pure, cold water.
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