The Glenlivet whisky brand logo on wavy green background.

Glenlivet Distillery

Region
  • Scotland
Awards
  • Five Double Gold Medals (2005-2012): The Glenlivet 18 Year Old earned this impressive feat at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Gold Medal (2009): The Glenlivet 15yr French Oak Reserve Single Malt was recognized at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Best Visitor Attraction Award (2013): The Glenlivet Distillery Visitor Centre received this recognition at the Scottish Thistle Awards.
Website
  • https://www.maltwhiskydistilleries.com/theglenlivet/
Phone Number
  • +441340821720
Address
  • Glenlivet, Ballindalloch AB37 9DB, United Kingdom

The Glenlivet distillery exterior with blooming trees.

History of The Glenlivet Distillery

 

Founding and Early Years

The Glenlivet Distillery, renowned for its single malt Scotch whisky, was founded in 1824 by George Smith in the Livet valley of the Scottish Highlands.

Smith was among the first to obtain a license for legal distillation following the Excise Act of 1823. This bold move, in a region known for illicit distilling, established The Glenlivet as a pioneer in the Scotch whisky industry.

Expansion and Recognition

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, The Glenlivet gained prominence for its smooth and flavorful whisky. The distillery expanded its operations to meet growing demand, both in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Its reputation for quality led to The Glenlivet being sought after by whisky blenders as a “top-class” malt, contributing significantly to the blends’ character.

Modern Developments of The Glenlivet Distillery

In recent years, The Glenlivet has continued to innovate while maintaining its traditional distillation and aging processes. The distillery has expanded its range of single malts, offering various ages and cask finishes to appeal to a broad spectrum of whisky enthusiasts.

This includes classic aged expressions like 12, 15, and 18 years, as well as special editions and cask-finished varieties.

Environmental Commitment

The Glenlivet Distillery is also known for its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Efforts are made to reduce the environmental impact of production, including energy efficiency measures and sustainable sourcing of materials.

Awards Won by The Glenlivet Distillery

  • Historical Awards: The Glenlivet 18 Year Old has been a standout, winning five double golds from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition between 2005 and 2012. The 18yr Nadurra also earned a double gold medal at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Other acclaimed expressions include:
    • The Glenlivet 12yr Single Malt: Four silver medals and a gold between 2005 and 2010 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
    • The Glenlivet 15yr French Oak Reserve Single Malt: Gold medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
    • The Glenlivet 16yr Nàdurra Single Malt: Silver medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
    • The Glenlivet 21yr Single Malt: Two double golds, one gold, and one silver medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition between 2007 and 2010.
    • The Glenlivet XXV (25yr) Single Malt: Silver medal at the 2009 San Francisco World Spirits Competition​​.
  • Awards in 2023: The Glenlivet won 12 titles in various prestigious events including the International Spirits Challenge, World Whiskies Awards, and the International Wine and Spirit Competition. Notable winners were:
    • The Glenlivet 12 Year Old: IWSC Bronze and World Whiskies Award 2023 Silver.
    • The Glenlivet 15 Year Old: IWSC Gold and World Whiskies Award 2023 Gold.
    • The Glenlivet 18 Year Old: WWA Bronze, IWSC Gold, ISC Gold.
    • The Glenlivet 21 Year Old: ISC Gold.
    • The Glenlivet 25 Year Old: IWSC Silver, ISC Gold, WWA Silver​​​​​​​​​​.
  • Recent Awards in 2022: The Glenlivet 15 Year Old and 18 Year Old both secured second place at the International Whisky Competition in 2022, scoring 87.7 and 90.3 points respectively​​​​.
  • Tourism Award: The Glenlivet Distillery Visitor Centre was named ‘Best Visitor Attraction 2013’ at the Scottish Thistle Awards, highlighting its contribution to the Scottish tourism industry​​.

The Glenlivet Distillery Tour Information and Experience

  • Tour Options: The distillery offers a variety of tours:
    • The Glenlivet Classic Tour: This tour provides insights into the whisky-making and distillation process, complete with a complimentary dram and a toast to George Smith, the distillery’s founder​​.
    • The Glenlivet Inspiration Tour: This tour includes a visit to the No. 1 warehouse for a taste of whisky directly from the cask, followed by a tutored tasting of the distillery’s new whisky expressions​​.
    • The Legacy Tasting Experience: An exclusive tour that includes a tutored tasting of several mature single malt whiskies. Participants also receive an exclusive gift as a souvenir​​.
    • The Archives Warehouse Tour and The Cellar Collection Tasting Session: Additional offerings that allow visitors to explore more unique aspects of the distillery​​.
  • Special Highlights: The tour includes several unique highlights like the Smuggler’s Hideout, Process Room, and The Lounge, each offering a different aspect of whisky lore and production​​.
  • Facilities and Accessibility: The distillery is equipped with parking, WiFi, accessible parking or drop-off, partial wheelchair access, and accessible toilets. It also features a gift shop, a licensed bar, and catering services​​.
  • Ticket Information: Pricing varies based on the tour:
    • The Archives: £100 per ticket.
    • The Original: £15 per ticket.
    • The Single Casks: £30 per ticket​​.

Flask & Barrel Review of The Glenlivet Distillery

Having toured many distilleries, my visit to The Glenlivet Distillery was a standout experience, deserving a solid 4.7 out of 5. Nestled in the scenic Speyside region, the journey to the distillery was as breathtaking as the whiskeys themselves.

The tour was fantastic. They did a stellar job of blending the distillery’s rich history with its modern practices, making it both informative and engaging. I really appreciated the deep dive into their unique distillation process – it’s clear why The Glenlivet has such a renowned reputation.

The tasting session was the cherry on top. Each sample was a testament to The Glenlivet’s mastery of flavor and craftsmanship. The staff’s expertise shone through in their descriptions, making each sip a learning experience.

My only minor gripe? I wish there were more exclusive bottles available for purchase. But that’s just me being a collector wanting to add something unique to my shelf.

Overall, The Glenlivet Distillery is a must-visit for any whiskey enthusiast. The combination of stunning location, engaging tours, and exceptional whiskeys makes it a memorable experience.

What To Do Nearby The Glenlivet Distillery

  • Cragganmore Distillery (5.1 miles): A must-visit for whisky enthusiasts, offering insights into another storied whisky-making process in Ballindalloch​​.
  • Glenfarclas Distillery (5.9 miles): Another celebrated distillery in Ballindalloch, known for its rich history and fine spirits​​.
  • Caorunn Gin Tour (7.3 miles): Located in Cromdale, this tour provides a different spirit experience, focusing on gin production​​.
  • Cardhu Distillery (8.8 miles): Renowned for its history and role in whisky production in Aberlour, a visit here complements the Scotch whisky experience​​.
  • The Old Packhorse Bridge (0.8 miles): A historical site in Glenlivet, perfect for those interested in local history and picturesque views​​.
  • The GlenAllachie Distillery (8.8 miles): In Aberlour, this distillery offers another chance to explore the rich whisky heritage of the region​​.
  • Ballindalloch Castle and Gardens (4.9 miles): A magnificent castle with beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into Scotland’s noble past​​.
  • Aberlour Distillery Brand Home (9.5 miles): Another key player in the Speyside whisky scene, located in Aberlour, providing an in-depth look into whisky crafting​​.
  • Drumin Castle (1.1 miles): A historical landmark near Glenlivet, offering a dive into Scotland’s rich medieval history​​.
  • The Whisky Castle (6.5 miles): Located in Tomintoul, it’s a unique shop with a vast collection of whiskies, ideal for whisky aficionados​​.
  • Glenlivet Mountain Bike Trails (4.4 miles): For outdoor enthusiasts, these trails in Tomintoul offer a chance to explore the stunning landscape on two wheels​​.
  • Knockando Woolmill (8.5 miles): In Aberlour, this historical woolmill combines heritage with craft, showcasing traditional Scottish wool-making techniques​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near The Glenlivet Distillery?

  • Spice of India: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 9-13 Church St, Dufftown, Keith AB55 4AR, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441340820820. 
  • Feast @ Tulchan: It has a rating of 5.0 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 9GRR+JW, Grantown-on-Spey PH26 3LP, United Kingdom.
  • The Glenavon: It has a rating of 4.4 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Square, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch AB37 9ET, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441807580218.

What hotels are near The Glenlivet Distillery?

  • Argyle Guest House: It has a rating of 4.8 stars on Google Maps. Their address is 7 Main St, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch AB37 9EX, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441807580766. 
  • The Smugglers Hostel: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps. Their address is Main St, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch AB37 9EX, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441807580364. 
  • Gordon House: It has a rating of 4.9 stars on Google Maps. Their address is The Square, Tomintoul, Ballindalloch AB37 9ET, United Kingdom.
    For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +441807580282.