United States
The Glenlivet Homepage
Join Us
Homepage
BUY NOW
OUR STORY
COLLECTION
COCKTAILS
EXPLORE THE GLENLIVET
PERSONALIZATION

Select your country or region

Australia
Canada - English
Canada - Français
Chile
Colombia
Deutschland
India
International
Malaysia
Nederland
New Zealand
Polska
South Africa
台灣地區
United Kingdom
United States
Australia
Canada - English
Canada - Français
Chile
Colombia
Deutschland
India
International
Malaysia
Nederland
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 distill slowly making a whisky that would soon become world renowned.

the glenlivet King George iV

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 glenlivet flin

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 license 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 glenlivet barrels

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 glenlivet our story

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 glenlivet letters

THE INDENTURE

With other competitors desperate to take the name ‘Glenlivet’ for themselves to capitalize on 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 glenlivet train

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 Founder’s Reserve. Created by Master Distiller Alan Winchester, this fine liquid captures the distinct, smooth, fruity taste that George Smith first envisioned in 1824, and went on to be amass highest sales volume of any new Scotch product launched in the last five years (IWSR, 2016).

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 Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Social Responsibility Terms and Conditions Nutritional Information
United States

PLEASE ENJOY THE GLENLIVET RESPONSIBLY

facebook icon pinterest twitter
the glenlivet bottle
instagram Youtube Con

© 2023 The Glenlivet Distilling Company, New York, NY.

 

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 contactus@theglenlivet.com. For further information, please consult our Online Privacy Policy.


The Chivas Brothers International Limited Terms & Conditions apply.



the glenlivet original taste banner

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

Gain access to exclusive interviews with original thinkers, tradition-breaking guides to single malt, cocktails, bars, news, releases and more.

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

I consent to receive news and invites from The Glenlivet and other trusted brands from Pernod Ricard USA.

 

 

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.

Subscribe now for The Glenlivet Newsletter

By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

I consent to receive news and invites from The Glenlivet and other trusted brands from Pernod Ricard USA.

 

 

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.