The Glenlivet

THE GLENLIVET DISTILLERY

Nestled in an untamed, remote valley next to a babbling brook, you’ll find The Glenlivet Distillery, home of the self-proclaimed ‘definitive’ Speyside whisky.

Founder George Smith established the first licensed distillery in the parish of Glenlivet in 1824, an area notorious for smugglers and thieves. You can read about how George successfully defended his liquid gold from these outlaws at The Glenlivet Exhibition inside the distillery, which tells of the history of the whisky from its Speyside beginnings to being enjoyed across the globe. Interested visitors can actually walk in the shoes of these infamous criminals by following the Smuggler’s Trail through the distillery grounds. Grab a map at the visitor centre and trace the history of the whisky down one of the three clearly signposted walks. The distillery operates three types of tour: The Glenlivet Classic Tour, The Definitive Spirit Tour and the Drams of Distinction Tasting. On the Classic Tour, guests are shown the process of whisky making in The Glenlivet’s modern distillery. After a tour of the traditional dunnage warehouse where the casks are left to slowly mature, visitors are then invited to toast George Smith with a dram of his beloved whisky. For those looking for a more in-depth tour experience, The Definitive Spirit offers both an immersive tour and the opportunity to taste the new make spirit and a selection from the range of other whiskies. This tasting experience showcases how the infusion

of the wood into the spirit creates Glenlivet’s ‘definitive whisky’. Lastly, for the serious whisky enthusiast, The Glenlivet offers the Drams of Distinction Tasting. The hour-long tasting allows guests to sample a selection of rare whiskies paired with tasty bites. This tasting does not include a tour of the distillery itself.

Become a Guardian of The Glenlivet for free before travelling to the distillery and you will also be invited to experience the hidden Library, an exclusive whisky lounge where you’re encouraged to take a seat by the fire with your favourite dram in hand.

ADDRESS: Ballindalloch, Banffshite, AB37 9DB T: +44 (0) 1340 82120 W: www.maltwhiskydistilleries.com/theglenlivet OPENING HOURS: Monday-Sunday: 9:30am-6pm (March-November)

TOUR DETAILS AND PRICING: The Glenlivet Classic Tour: £10pp, 1hr 15mins. Max 12 people. Daily tours from 10am, every half hour with the last tour at 4:30pm.

The Definitive Spirit: £65, 2hr 30mins. Max 10 people. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 2:00pm (subject to availability).

Drams of Distinction Tasting: £40, 1hr. Tuesday and Thursday 11:00am and 3:00pm, Saturday 11:00am (subject to availability).