Our story begins in the Livet valley in Scotland. Remote and isolated, this terrain was ideal for illicit distillation and is where our founder, George Smith, learned his craft. In 1824, George was granted the first legal distilling license in the parish of Glenlivet. After this, he battled against all odds, risking life and liberty to establish his smooth and fruity whisky as the definitive taste of the Speyside region of Scotland.
In 1871, George passed away and the job of continuing his life’s work fell to his youngest son, John Gordon Smith. And, in 1884, with other competitors desperate to take the name ‘Glenlivet’ for themselves, John established the brand as the one and only ‘The Glenlivet.’
What George started continues to inspire our makers to create whiskies that are enjoyed by all far and wide. To learn more, visit our interactive timeline.