Founded in 1824 by George Smith, who was granted the first official license to distill in the Glenlivet Valley. This made it the first legal distillery in the region, as many distillers were operating illegally (illicit distillation was common in the early 19th century).
George Smith’s decision to apply for a license was met with resistance from local illicit distillers, but his dedication to producing quality whisky eventually won over the market.
The distillery’s location in the Glenlivet Valley in Speyside, Scotland, gives the whisky its distinctive, delicate flavor profile, thanks to the pure water from the nearby Livet River.
Speyside is considered the heart of Scotch whisky production. It is home to over 50 distilleries, and Glenlivet is one of the oldest and most iconic.
The region is known for its smooth, fruity, and often floral style of whisky, which Glenlivet embodies with its elegant expressions.
