Skip to main content
Canada - English
The Glenlivet Homepage
Subscribe
Homepage
OUR STORY
COLLECTION
COCKTAILS
THE DISTILLERY
BOUTIQUE
ARTICLES

Select your country or region

Australia
Canada - English
Canada - Français
Deutschland
International
New Zealand
Polska
South Africa
台灣地區
United Kingdom
United States
Australia
Canada - English
Canada - Français
Deutschland
International
New Zealand
Polska
South Africa
台灣地區
United Kingdom
United States

Our Story

the glenlivet home Speyside river

The Valley

The remote and isolated Livet valley made it ideal for illicit distillation. This is where our founder George Smith learned his craft. Hidden away from the Customs Officers and soldiers amongst the hills and abundant springs, George had time to distil slowly making a whisky that would soon become world renowned.

The King

In August 1822, King George IV arrived in Scotland for a state visit and asked to try a drop of the infamous Glenlivet whisky. An illegal dram it was, but even that didn’t stop the King.

The Smuggler of smugglers

Two years later and after a change in legislation, George saw his window of opportunity and rode to Elgin to get his licence to become the first legal distiller in the parish of Glenlivet. This didn’t go down well with the illicit distillers around him and he was told he would burn along with his distillery. In a bid to protect himself from these sinister smugglers, he carried a pair of flintlock pistols with him at all times, making it clear he wasn’t afraid to use them. His courage set the foundation for our whisky today.

The whisky business

By the late ‘30’s, The Glenlivet distillery was producing more than 200 gallons a week. This expansion meant our founder would soon need more employees. A few years later, Andrew Ushers & Sons of Edinburgh joined as sales agents, helping spread the word of the whisky.

rare old glenlivet charles dickens writing

THE RARE OLD GLENLIVET

Our reputation spread beyond the green hills of Scotland to the Smoky skies of London. When Charles Dickens wrote to his friend urging him to try the “rare old Glenlivet”, he was recommending a single malt that went beyond his great expectations.

THE STORY CONTINUES

With the passing of George Smith on November 27, the job of continuing his life’s work fell to his youngest son, John Gordon Smith. He had been away training for a career in law but on the death of his father, he returned to pick up the reins of the business.

THE INDENTURE

With other competitors desperate to take the name ‘Glenlivet’ for themselves to capitalise of our notoriety, John found the solution in a small but powerful three-letter word. He fought hard for the rights and in 1884 we became the one and only The Glenlivet.

THE TRAIN PULLS IN

As Prohibition came to an end, Americans came forward; thirstier than ever for fine Single Malts. Thanks to Captain Bill’s perseverance through the depression, we were in the perfect place to serve them a dram. One of our first major customers was the Pullman Train Company, who began serving miniature bottles on their routes, helping to spread our fine whisky across the continent.

the glenlivet founders reserve by alan winchester

THE INNOVATOR

Almost 200 years since our distillery doors opened, we crafted something new to celebrate: The Glenlivet Founders Reserve. Created by Master Distiller Alan Winchester, this fine liquid captures the distinct smooth and fruity taste that George Smith first envisioned in 1824 and is now the 5th biggest Single Malt product globally by sales volume (IWSR 2023 ).

The Sample Room Collection

In 2022, we unveiled our Sample Room Collection, comprising 18, 21 and 25-year-old expressions that capture The Glenlivet’s heritage while making bounds with new flavours. We also opened the doors to our creative epicentre with an augmented reality experience, allowing everyone to explore The Sample Room from their phones.

The Glenlivet

To this day we continue George Smith’s vision to break traditions, set new standards and move things forward; selecting exceptional unique casks, finishes and liquids and delivering unique serves and cocktails to open up the world of single malt to all.

Back to Top
Contact us Social Responsibility Terms and Conditions Product Information
Canada - English

PLEASE ENJOY THE GLENLIVET RESPONSIBLY

the glenlivet bottle

© 2025 Chivas Brothers International Limited, Kilmalid, Stirling Road, Dumbarton, G82 2SS.
Please only share content with those over drinking age.

Terms & Conditions

Your information may be used by Chivas Brothers International Limited and made available through us to any other entities of the Pernod Ricard Group. At any time, you can exercise your right of access, rectification, deletion or objection by contacting us at [email protected]. For further information, please consult our Online Privacy Policy.


The Chivas Brothers International Limited Terms & Conditions apply.



Subscribe now for The Glenlivet Newsletter

press Enter ↵ or
Please fill in the fields highlighted above
You have input an invalid email address
Date of birth appears to be incorrect. Please correct.
You are too young to subscribe
Your progress will appear here.
Progress completed.