The Glenlivet - 200 Years Anniversary Edition

1815

The remote and isolated valley of Livetsa in the Scottish region of Speyside became the perfect place for illegal distillation. It was here that the founder of the Glenlivet distillery - George Smith honed his craft. Hidden from customs officers and soldiers among the hills and springs, George had time to distill slowly, creating a whisky that soon became world-famous.

1822

In August 1822, King George IV visited Scotland on a state visit and requested a taste of the renowned Glenlivet whisky. It was a illegal batch, but that didn't stop the king.

Two years later, and after a change in legislation, George saw his opportunity and set off to Elgin to obtain a license to become the first legal distiller in the Glenlivet parish. This did not sit well with the illegal distillers around him, who told him that his distillery would burn. He tried to protect himself from these dark smugglers and always carried a pair of pistols to make it clear that he was not afraid of them. His courage laid the foundations for Glenlivet whisky today.

1852

The brand's reputation spread from the green hills of Scotland to the misty skies of London. When Charles Dickens wrote to his friend to try "the rare old Glenlivet," he recommended a simple malt that exceeded his great expectations.

1871

The story continues with the death of George Smith on November 27, when the task of continuing his life's work fell to his youngest son John Gordon Smith. He was studying to be a lawyer, but after his father's death, he returned to take over the management of the business.

1884

When other competitors tried to take the name "Glenlivet" for themselves to profit from the brand's reputation, John found a solution in a small but powerful three-letter word. He stubbornly defended his rights, and in 1884 we became the one true The Glenlivet.

1933

When prohibition ended, Americans were thirstier than ever for excellent straight whisky. Thanks to the persistence of Captain Bill during the economic crisis, Glenlivet was perfectly positioned to meet their needs. One of the first major customers was the Pullman Train Company, which began serving miniature bottles on its train routes, helping to spread excellent whisky across the continent.

1930

By the end of the 1930s, the distillery The Glenlivet was producing over 200 gallons a week. This expansion meant that the founder soon needed more employees. A few years later, Andrew Ushers & Sons from Edinburgh joined as sales representatives, helping to spread the word about whisky.

2015

Almost 200 years since the distillery opened its doors, something new was created to celebrate: the new whisky The Glenlivet Founders Reserve. It was crafted by master distiller Alan Winchester. This exceptional product captures the characteristic, smooth, fruity flavor that George Smith first envisioned in 1824, and has become the best-selling new Scotch product in the last five years (IWSR, 2016). The whisky has even appeared in films: Anchorman (2004), Family Man (2000), Clear and Present Danger (1997), The Birdcage (1996), The Mummy (1997) for which the creators made an authentic replica of a historical bottle.

2024

The brand continues to follow George Smith's vision, breaking traditions, setting new standards, and pushing things forward; by selecting exceptional and unique casks, finishes, and products in general, and providing unique services and cocktails that open up the world of single malt whisky to everyone.