The Home of Scottish Malt Whisky
Glenlivet on Speyside is truly the home of Scottish Malt Whisky. It was here in 1824 that George Smith set up the first legal distillery in Scotland.
Before the production
of whisky was regulated, the secluded hills of Glenlivet provided many
places for illicit whisky stills. It is said that there were over 200 illegal stills here in the late eighteenth century. The site of one of these can still
be seen at Knock Earth House, Strathavon.
Today, many of the local distilleries
have visitor centres that offer a fascinating insight into the distillation
process, not to mention the opportunity to sample their wares! Malt
whisky enthusiasts will be particularly interested in the Spirit
of Speyside Whisky Festival, which takes place during May and September each year.
Visitor centres within half an hour's drive include:
|
Speyside
Cooperage, Craigellachie |
web site |
Discover all about the ancient craft of coopering. Watch skilled
coopers and apprentices at work. Have a go at building a cask! |
|
|
Glenlivet
Distillery |
web site |
Discover the home of this world famous 12 year old Single Malt
Scotch Whisky which was established in 1824 by George Smith. Admission
free. |
Glenfarclas
Distillery |
web site |
Established in 1836, Glenfarclas offers a warm welcome. Enjoy
a guided tour, or relax with a dram in the splendour of the Ships
Room. |
Glenfiddich
Distillery |
web site |
Glenfiddich is the only "chateau-bottled" Highland
malt whisky. Bottling at the distillery gives Glenfiddich it's
unique purity of taste. |
Cardhu Distillery |
|
Cardhu is the only malt distillery pioneered by a woman. It stands
in Speyside, close to the secret of it's success - the ice-cold,
fresh mountain spring water. |
The Whisky
Castle |
web site |
An outstanding collection of Scotland's malt whiskies with every
working distillery represented including many rare and selective
bottlings. |
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