The Glenlivet Distillery

The First Name in Whisky
High in the foothills of the Cairngorm Mountains, Glenlivet is one of the most scenic and romantic glens in the Scottish Highlands. Glenlivet has a rich, cultural and historical heritage. Local Folklore abounds with tales of ghosts, witches and the supernatural, weaving a vivid tapestry of Highland oral tradition. Glenlivet's history is no less intriguing with the role of the glen people in the great "whisky wars" of the early nineteenth century.

Recognising that the stories of the glen and of the world's most famous distillery are inextricably linked, Chivas Brothers have redesigned and enhanced the facilities at the distillery visitor centre to present the story of The Glenlivet in a vibrant and exciting way. Meanwhile, preliminary work has begun to excavate the site of the original distillery at Upper Drumin, to expose the historic ruins of George Smith's original distillery, the birthplace of The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
During the early nineteenth century when the Government imposed crippling excise duties on whisky and other spirits, smugglers worked their illicit stills in almost every Highland glen. Glenlivet was acknowledged as the home of the very best "mountain dew". Casks of "the real Glenlivet" were to be found in the cellars of all the great houses in the land and it received the Royal stamp of approval. In 1822, when George IV visited Edinburgh, it was said that "the King drinks nothing but whisky and is an admirable judge of Glenlivet." It was in Glenlivet that George Smith built a licensed distillery in 1824 and began to make the world-famous, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

The Glenlivet weaves an unbroken thread through Scottish history and culture.

The favoured whisky of dukes and soldiers, writers and lawyers - and King George IV himself - revered by connoisseurs, flattered by its imitators, The Glenlivet can only be made in one particular spot, in a single glen in the heart of Scotland's finest whisky making country. Visit that special place and experience the essence of The Glenlivet. Explore the turbulent history of the whisky smugglers and delve into the intriguing mysteries of distilling, before sampling the golden magic that is The Glenlivet, the very spirit of Scotland.

The Water of Life
Two hundred years ago whisky was closely bound up in the lives of every family in the glen of the Livet.

The rough and ready stills began work as soon as the harvest was safely in and the mashed grain fed the farm beasts during the bleak winter months. Miles from the nearest road, the smugglers believed themselves beyond the law and the heady perfume of a hundred peat fires hung in the air of the glen of the Livet. Aristocrats, wealthy merchants and Royalty all clamoured for illicit Glenlivet and the glen became the centre of the smuggler's war, when local families pitted their wits against the 'Gaugers' - the hated excise men.

In an audio-visual programme you can eavesdrop on The Glenlivet smugglers, discover their secrets and learn about the dangers they faced as they led their hardy ponies over rough mountain rocks- laden with new whisky for the dram houses.

The Birth of a Legend
The Glenlivet owes its very existence to the vision of one man. Quick witted, strong willed and powerfully built, George Smith founded The Glenlivet Distillery in the teeth of ferocious opposition from the glen's illicit whisky makers and smugglers. Furious at Smith's 'treachery' they threatened to burn down the new distillery and murder its owner but Smith's audacity, mental courage and physical strength won the day.

Discover how he confronted the smuggling gangs and see the famous pistols from The Glenlivet Distillery, which he carried in his belt throughout the distillery's tumultuous early years. Find out how this legendary figure overcame every obstacle to become 'the father of licensed distillation' and the creator of Scotland's premier single malt Scotch whisky.

One Place. One Whisky
The Glenlivet is unique. It has defied all attempts at imitation. Its essential magic is drawn from the finest barley steeped in crystal cold Highland water. The simple harmony of elemental forces yields a smooth, light gold dram with a delicate flavour and just a hint of dryness. Here in the heartland of single malt Scotch whisky there are many distilleries, which vye for your attention but only one creates a whisky of a matchless quality that sets it apart from the rest. Only one can give you a flavour of The Glenlivet.

A Unique Taste - A Memorable Experience
Your visit to The Glenlivet Distillery will take you on a fascinating journey to the source of one of the greatest names on Scotch whisky. You'll tour the distillery with its shining copper stills and explore the history of The Glenlivet, brought to life in an exciting atmospheric new exhibition. Conclude your visit with a free dram and a browse round the well-stocked gift shop.

Opening Times
21st March to 28th October
Mon-Sat: 10:30am and 2pm Sun:12:30pm-4pm

Admission
Free

Strathisla Distillery    Glen Grant Distillery    Chivas Regal