Glenlivet whiskey: history, overview of taste and types, interesting facts
One of the leaders among Speyside malt products, the winner of numerous awards, The Glenlivet whisky has been a benchmark of excellent quality and taste for more than two hundred years, highly appreciated by royalty and true connoisseurs of Scottish malt.
The history of Glenlivet whiskey
It is believed that "Glenlivet" marked the beginning of the spread and growth of popularity of single malt scotches. The first spirits were produced at the illegal distillery founded by George Smith in the secluded valley of the Leeward River in the early 19th century.
In 1822, during an official visit to Scotland, King George IV tasted them and was pleasantly surprised. It is this period that is taken as the starting point in the history of the company, although the production of whiskey began much earlier, and the brand got its familiar name a little later.
In 1824, George legalized the business, becoming the first in the region to hold a license to manufacture scotch. At the time, it was a bold and risky move that angered local smugglers. Threats from underground producers have forced the owner of the only official distillery to be armed at all times. Nevertheless, the farm survived, and by the 1930s it not only significantly increased its capacity, but also became famous far beyond Scotland.
In the 80s, after George's death, his son John continued the work of his fearless father. It was he who achieved the right for the family products to be called the honorary name "THE Glenlivet". The article in this case was intended to emphasize the exceptional nature of the drinks.
Having survived the trials of the Second World War and the American "dry law" with dignity, the distillery continued to delight fans of good scotch with quality alcohol. The product promotion was facilitated by the conclusion of a contract with the railway company "The Pullman Train", thanks to which Glenlivet became known around the world.
By the middle of the 20th century, the brand accounted for half of the sales of Scotch whisky in the United States, which led to another expansion of the company. And this was just another step on the way to worldwide popularity. Today, the brand is the second most popular single malt scotch in the world. Having changed several owners during the XX century, the plant became part of the alcohol giant Pernod Ricard.
Specifics of Glenlivet whiskey production
The secret of the unique smooth taste of The Glenlivet, full of expressive fruitiness and subtle sweetness, is based on quality ingredients and following the precepts of George Smith.
The main principle is "unhurried" production: the lack of haste makes the whiskey flavorful and ensures the constancy of shades.
The traditional production technology of Glenlivet involves:
The refusal to use peat during malt drying, barley milling in small batches, which allows to emphasize the natural grain notes in the bouquet, gives them the opportunity to open up to the maximum.
The inclusion of crystal clear, mineral-rich water from the local Josie spring’sWell", located on a hill next to the distillery.
Fermentation of wort in large Oregon pine wood tanks instead of the usual stainless steel vessels.
Distilled in copper cubes of a special design, which allow to "cut off" only the lightest, finest alcohols.
Long "slow" aging in European and American oak barrels, which develops sweet fruity notes and gives the drinks a variety of flavors. 20-30 years of alcohol maturation is not the limit for the brand's vintage scotches.
The use of cold filtration, which guarantees perfect purification from impurities.
Overview of Glenlivet whiskey types
The popular brand has several dozen drinks on its account. The main line of The Glenlivet includes the following scotches:
12 YEARS
A balanced whiskey with a bright golden hue and a fruity aroma and flavor, aged in two types of barrels.
Pineapple and vanilla accents are clearly heard in the bouquet.
Aftertaste: long, creamy, smooth.
Recommended to be combined with fried scallops.
15 YEARS
An outstanding scotch of deep gold color, matured in French barrels.
Aroma: rich, oily, creamy.
Finish: exotic, fruity and nutty with a lingering finish of almonds and spices.
Good in combination with flavored game dishes.
18 YEARS
Elegant whiskey with a golden apricot hue for special occasions.
Aged in two types of barrels: American and sherry.
The aroma is dominated by notes of toffee and citrus fruits.
Taste: balanced, with accents of sweet orange.
Finish: long, raisin and spicy.
Perfect gastronomic pairings: filet mignon and foie gras.
21 YEARS
A unique full-bodied amber-copper-colored drink aged in selected American and Spanish barrels.
The aroma warms with notes of sherry and dried fruit.
Taste: sweet, with tones of cinnamon and ginger.
Finish: warm, persistent, with hints of roasted hazelnuts.
Best revealed in combination with chocolate and fruit desserts.
25 YEARS
An amazing multifaceted amber-colored scotch with light golden reflections. Aged in sherry barrels.
The aroma is dominated by tones of dark chocolate and raisins.
Taste: silky, sweet, with hints of cinnamon and a long, balanced finish.
Among the most famous collections of the brand: an exclusive series of cask strength whiskeys "Nadurra Oloroso" and a rare line of 50-year-old single malt "Winchester Vintage".
Interesting facts
"The Glenlivet" single malt whisky is the benchmark for other single malt scotches on Speyside. When creating drinks, Scotch producers are guided by the high standards set by the brand's masters. The motto is the words of one of the Smiths, Captain Bill Grant: "If we can't make good whiskey, we shouldn't make it at all".
Before the introduction of excise taxes, drinks produced at the George Smith distillery did not have a permanent name and were often counterfeited. One of the variants of the name was the phrase "mountain dew".
In the 50s of the XIX century, Charles Dickens became one of the fans of the legendary scotch, who spoke enthusiastically about the brand's products and recommended the "rare old Glenlivet" to his friends.
Glenlivet spirits are a part of many famous blends, for example, the elite line of Chivas Regal.
Update: 18.04.2019
Category: Whiskey and Bourbon