The Glenlivet - 12 yrs - Illicit Still

George Smith, a man who produced illicit whisky until the Excise Act 1823 was initiated. Once the legislation passed, Smith became the first person in Glenlivet, Scotland to apply for and be granted a license allowing him to legally set up shop. Within a year, he opened The Glenlivet Distillery in Upper Drumin with his youngest son, John Gordon Smith.

Business was booming, so they opened another distillery. Realising the growth of the company they began building one large distillery that could cope with large volumes of production in Minmore. By 1859, production began at the new distillery, and the name of the company was changed to George & J.G. Smith, Ltd.

Although not much has changed over the years with respect to its production process, the company has passed through hands of a number of parent companies before being acquired from Seagrams by Pernod Ricard and Diageo. As part of that acquisition, The Glenlivet was separated from its longtime subsidiary Glen Grant Distillers and made a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pernod Ricard with Glen Grant being further sold to the Campari Group in 2005.The Glenlivet, roughly translated from Gaelic means ‘Valley of the Livet’. It is most notable for its exceptionally smooth taste and finish and is commonly regarded as a perfect dram for the novice drinker.

Speyside is a region in Scotland that is renowned for its production of single malt Scotch whisky. The region is located in the northeast of Scotland, and is home to some of the most famous distilleries in the world. Speyside is known for its smooth, fruity and complex whiskies, which are often aged in oak casks to give them their distinctive flavour.

One of the most famous distilleries in Speyside is Glenlivet. Founded in 1824, Glenlivet is one of the oldest distilleries in Scotland, and is known for its smooth and fruity single malt whiskies. The distillery is located in the heart of Speyside, and is surrounded by the beautiful Scottish countryside. Glenlivet produces a range of whiskies, including the classic 12-year-old, the rich and complex 18-year-old, and the rare and exclusive 25-year-old.

Another famous distillery in Speyside is Macallan. Founded in 1824, Macallan is known for its rich and complex single malt whiskies, which are aged in sherry casks to give them their distinctive flavour. The distillery is located in the heart of Speyside, and is surrounded by the beautiful Scottish countryside. Macallan produces a range of whiskies, including the classic 12-year-old, the rich and complex 18-year-old, and the rare and exclusive 25-year-old.

Balvenie is another famous distillery in Speyside. Founded in 1892, Balvenie is known for its smooth and complex single malt whiskies, which are aged in oak casks to give them their distinctive flavour. The distillery is located in the heart of Speyside, and is surrounded by the beautiful Scottish countryside. Balvenie produces a range of whiskies, including the classic 12-year-old, the rich and complex 18-year-old, and the rare and exclusive 25-year-old.

Glenfiddich is another famous distillery in Speyside. Founded in 1886, Glenfiddich is known for its smooth and fruity single malt whiskies, which are aged in oak casks to give them their distinctive flavour. The distillery is located in the heart of Speyside, and is surrounded by the beautiful Scottish countryside. Glenfiddich produces a range of whiskies, including the classic 12-year-old, the rich and complex 18-year-old, and the rare and exclusive 25-year-old.

In addition to whisky, Speyside is also known for its production of gin. One of the most famous gin producers in Speyside is Caorunn. Founded in 2009, Caorunn is known for its smooth and complex gin, which is made using a unique blend of botanicals, including rowan berry, heather, dandelion, and coul blush apple. The gin is distilled in small batches, and is aged in oak casks to give it its distinctive flavour.

Overall, Speyside is a region that is renowned for its production of high-quality whisky and gin. The region is home to some of the most famous distilleries in the world, and is known for its smooth, fruity and complex spirits. Whether you are a whisky or gin lover, Speyside is a region that is sure to impress.