Cover After 200 years, The Glenlivet still pursues founder George Smith’s vision of breaking traditions, setting new standards and moving whisky-making forward (Photo: Courtesy of The Glenlivet)
After 200 years, The Glenlivet still pursues founder George Smith’s vision of breaking traditions, setting new standards and moving whisky-making forward (Photo: Courtesy of The Glenlivet)
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A remarkable whisky steeped in history and inspiration to live life on your own terms
Nestled in a beautiful corner of the Scottish Highlands sits The Glenlivet distillery, which celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2024. The Livet valley in Speyside is one of the best regions in Scotland to produce single malt whisky, and The Glenlivet has upheld a longstanding tradition of creating world-renowned scotch. The Glenlivet continues to be at the forefront of the whisky world, evolving year on year.
Founded in 1824 by George Smith, The Glenlivet is steeped in history. The remote, isolated Livet valley was an ideal place for illicit distillation; this is where Smith learnt his craft before becoming the first licensed distiller in the valley. Among the pine forests and fresh springs of the River Livet, he created a distinctive smooth, rich, fruity whisky using the brand’s familar lantern-shaped stills, before maturing it in oak casks. His vision and tenacity set a precedent for outstanding quality and craftsmanship in single malts; and in 1822, King George IV arrived in Scotland to try a drop of the famous water of life. With a reputation that spread beyond the green hills of Scotland to the smokey skies of London, Charles Dickens once wrote to a friend urging him to try the “rare old Glenlivet”, recommending a single malt that went beyond his great expectations.
This spirit carried through the years, with The Glenlivet facing threats from other illicit distillers in the region, Smith was able to overcome the odds and risk it all to ensure The Glenlivet thrived. Still used today, the unique shape of the stills plays an integral part in the character of the whisky, producing the light, fruity and floral flavour synonymous with the brand. At the distillery, guests can still see how the whisky is crafted and aged, gaining an insight into The Glenlivet’s heritage and unconventional traditions.
Founder George Smith (Photo: Courtesy of The Glenlivet)
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For 200 years, the brand has continued Smith’s legacy, leading to innovations in the art of whisky-making and challenging preconceived notions of what the spirit should be and who it should be for. Now, the brand is known not only for expanding the range of whiskies on offer, but also for expanding and celebrating its diverse whisky community.
To this day, The Glenlivet pursues Smith’s vision of breaking traditions, setting new standards and moving whisky-making forward.
Toast to any celebration with the brand’s premium offering, The Glenlivet 18—a rare and exceptional whisky, perfect for special occasions. Over 18 years, through a combination of cask types, it has developed a complex flavour profile that is fragrant with a sweet oakiness and toffee notes. Smooth and wonderfully balanced, this expression has a long and lingering finish with hints of spice earning it the most awards of all expressions in The Glenlivet range.
