George Smith, founder of The Glenlivet Distillery, came from a long line of illicit distillers. In 1817 Smith inherited leased land at Upper Drumin Farm where he continued the family tradition to supplement his crofter’s wage. Smith was the first to incorporate his illicit distilling operation after the Excise Act of 1823 was pushed through Parliament, championed by the Duke of Gordon - Smith's landlord. The Duke not only persuaded Smith to take out the first license in the parish of Glenlivet but he also contributed to the distillery build at Drumin. Thanks to their vision – and that of George’s son, John Gordon Smith – the distillery would produce a spirit that defined Speyside whisky. Because of the quality, success, and respect attained, a number of distilleries in the region appended the name Glenlivet to their own. This led to the 1884 landmark decision ruled that only Smith’s single malt could call itself ‘The Glenlivet’.

The Glenlivet spirit continues to command respect and is highly revered around the world for its exceptionally smooth character. The versatility of this spirit allows it to mature majestically in both Sherry and bourbon casks. The Glenlivet spirit is also an excellent candidate for long-term maturation; in 2011 we proudly released the complex ‘Generations Glenlivet’ a seventy year old whisky, distilled in 1940 and matured for seven long decades in a first fill Sherry butt. Like George Smith himself, it has truly become the stuff of legend.