An extraordinary single distillery: Glenlivet

An extraordinary single distillery: Glenlivet

Glenlivet is a Scottish distillery thats has been producing extraordinary single malts for almost 200 years. Keep reading and learn more about the distillery, the production and the different varieties of scotch!

History of the Glenlivet distillery

The Glenlivet distillery was founded in 1824 by George Smith. The founding of the company caused a scandal in Speyeside. It was the first legal distillery in a region where smuggling was a normal part of everyday life. After founding the distillery George Smith got attacked by angry locals quite frequently. In order to protect himself Smith armed himself with a pair of hair-trigger pistols, that Laird of Aberlour gave him as a gift. By 1834 smuggling had vanished from the region and the success story of the distillery began. Even during the hard years of the Great Depression the distillery kept producing high quality single malts. It just closed during World War II and reopened quickly after the end of the war. Nowadays Glenlivet ist the biggest seller of single malts in the USA. Even worldwide the company ranks as the second biggest seller. In recent years the distillery became part of the Paris based company Pernod Ricard, that owns a great variety of whiskey and liquor brand.

Region and distillery

The Glenlivet distillery is located in the town of Moray in north-eastern Scotland. The area belongs to the Speyeside region and is characterized by big plains, swamps and rough landscapes. Due to the clean water and the peat Speyeside is one of the best whiskey producing regions worldwide. The water for the Glenlivet distillery has its origins in Josie´s well – a natural spring that contains water of a very high quality. Also the malt, to be more precise crisp malt has its origins in Moray. Another very special aspect of the distillation process are the lantern shaped stills, which were designed by the company´s founder George Smith. The barrels are made out of American oak and were used for aging bourbon and sherry befor. The flavors of these beverages enrich the Glenlivet whiskeys with subtle notes of fruits, vanilla, oak and nuts.

Different varieties

In 2016 the range of Glenlivet contained 16 different whiskeys. In order to give you an impression of the Single Malts we are going to introduce three different varieties.

Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve

Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve is a single malt whiskey that was created to honor the early years of the distillery. The whiskey is aging in first-fill barrels that were not used for other beverages before. They are made out of American oak that grows mostly in the midwest and in Oregon. The scotch itself is golden and surprises you with a fruity bouquet consisting of lemons and oranges. The taste is sweet and reminds you of pears and caramelized apples. The single malt has a long and creamy finish.

Glenlivet French Oak 15 Years

Glenlivet French Oak 15 years ages for 15 years in french oak barrels that were used for cognac before. The amber colored single malt has a soft bouquet which delights you with fruity notes and a spicy hint of oak. The single malt tastes fruity and sweet. The whiskey´s finish lasts long and leaves a warm feeling in your mouth.

Glenlivet Nà durra First Fill /2014

Glenlivet Nà durra First Fill /2014 ages in first-fill barrels that are made out of soft American oak. The light yellow single malt has a sweet and soft bouquet that contains vanilla, caramel and pears. Its taste is tropical and reminds you of lemons, limes, ripe bananas and delicious pineapples. The finish lasts for an average time span and pleases you with fresh and fruity notes.

Did you ever try a single malt that was created in Glenlivet? Write us a mail or leave a comment! We are curious about your opinion!