Founded: 1824 (licensed; illicit distilling on the site predates this) (ESTABLISHED FACT) Location: Ballindalloch, Speyside, Scotland Founder: George Smith
George Smith obtained one of the first licenses under the 1823 Excise Act, founding The Glenlivet in 1824 — the first licensed distillery in Speyside. The Glenlivet name was so widely used by other distilleries that Smith successfully fought for legal exclusivity (other distilleries were forced to prefix “Glenlivet” with their own names). Today owned by Pernod Ricard and one of the world’s best-selling single malts. (source: Wikipedia)
Signature style: Light, elegant, floral — pineapple, pear, honey, almond, gentle oak.
Famous expressions: The Glenlivet 12 Year, The Glenlivet 15 Year French Oak, The Glenlivet 18 Year, The Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, Nadurra.
Trivia: George Smith reportedly carried a pair of hair-trigger pistols for protection after receiving death threats from illicit distillers angered by his decision to go legal. (source: Wikipedia) — ESTABLISHED FACT