Glenlivet

Introduction:

Glenlivet is a renowned distillery in the Speyside region, known for its impressive range of official bottlings. Their core range includes 12-year-old, 15-year-old, 18-year-old, 21-year-old, and XXV expressions. The distillery also offers themed collections such as the Limited Range, Nàdurra Range, Winchester Collection, and Travel Exclusives. Independent bottlings, primarily by Gordon & MacPhail, have also been produced at the distillery. One notable bottling by Gordon & MacPhail is a 62-year-old whisky from 1952. Glenlivet also has a range of bottlings under the name Smith’s Glenlivet, including a 15-year-old, 21-year-old, and rare vintage bottlings dating back to 1946.

The majority of the single malt produced at Glenlivet is sold as such, with the distillery producing enough spirit for over six million bottles annually. The remaining spirit is used in Pernod Ricard’s blended whiskies, like Chivas Regal. Nearly half of all the single malt bottled at Glenlivet is sold in the United States.

Production:

Water for production is sourced from Josie’s Well. The distillery has an impressive production capacity of 10.5 million liters per year. Fermentation at Glenlivet takes around 50 hours, which is relatively long. The distillery’s modern mash tun allows for maximum extraction of malt sugars. Despite the challenges of cleaning, wooden washbacks are still used at Glenlivet. The use of wood is believed to contribute to the creation of subtle and nuanced flavors and aromas in the whisky.

Pot Stills:

Glenlivet operates eight stills, divided into four wash stills and four spirit stills. The wash stills have a capacity of 15,000 liters, while the spirit stills can hold 10,500 liters. The unique lantern still shapes at Glenlivet were meticulously recreated by modern coppersmiths when the stills needed replacement. The design includes constricting pieces in the intermediate section to maximize contact with the purifying copper. The long, narrow necks of the stills ensure that only the lightest vapors reach the top. The size and shape of the stills have remained consistent for over 150 years, a testament to the distillery’s commitment to tradition. In 2010, the distillery tripled its capacity to 10.5 million liters per year by constructing a new still house and adding 14 stills.

Maltings:

Until 1966, Glenlivet used its own floor maltings. Currently, the distillery sources its malt from professional maltsters, particularly from Crisp Maltings in Portgordon. The malt used in production is unpeated, allowing the distillers to explore the full range of flavors it offers.

Warehouse:

After distillation, the spirit is transported off-site to Keith, where its alcohol content is slightly reduced. The spirit is then filled into a combination of European and American oak casks carefully selected for maturation. These casks are returned to the dunnage warehouses located on the distillery’s site. Currently, over 65,000 casks of maturing single malt are stored in these warehouses.

History:

Glenlivet was founded in 1824 during a rush of distillery constructions following a reduction in the cost of distillation licenses in the UK. Prior to this change, much of whisky production in the UK, especially in Scotland, was illicit. George Smith, the founder of Glenlivet, was one of the first distillers to obtain the new license. Despite being viewed as treacherous by his illegal distilling neighbors, Smith saw the opportunity for greater profit by operating legally. Threats against Smith and his distillery led him to carry pistols for protection, which are now displayed at the distillery. Glenlivet experienced success, but the demand outpaced their capacity, leading Smith to acquire more properties and establish additional distillation facilities.

In 1864, George Smith formed a business partnership with Andrew P. Usher, an influential whisky agent, and began exporting Glenlivet’s product. In 1880, Glenlivet obtained the exclusive right to use the name “The Glenlivet” after a legal battle with other distilleries using similar names. A fire in 1890 resulted in significant damage, but the distillery was rebuilt and expanded, with two new stills installed in 1896. The distillery passed down through generations of the Smith family and underwent several ownership changes and mergers throughout the 20th century. In 2001, Pernod Ricard and Diageo acquired Seagram, giving Pernod control over the Chivas Group. Glenlivet has since become one of the most successful single malt brands.

Visitor’s Centre:

Glenlivet boasts an award-winning visitor’s centre that features a gift shop, café, facility tours, and an exhibition.

Visitor information:

The Glenlivet Distillery
Ballindalloch
Banffshire
AB37 9DB
Tel: +44 (0)1340-821720
Email: theglenlivet.admin@pernod-ricard.com