Notes - The distillery was founded in 1824 by George Smith and his son, John Gordon Smith; it was the first licensed distillery in Scotland. The current distillery was built in 1858, near where the rivers Avon and Livet meet. In 1880, the Smiths won exclusive rights to the name The Glenlivet, enabling them to protect their trademark against encroachment by other, lesser quality whiskies. Described as "the quintessential Speyside malt" by whisky writer Michael Jackson, The Glenlivet 12 year old has become "the benchmark" by which all other malts are measured. A perfectly rich balance of sweetness, floral fragrance and fruitiness that The Glenlivet develops through more than 12 years of patient ageing in oak casks. The essential ingredients are pure soft, natural water from Josies well and the finest barley and yeast. Light golden in colour. Perfectly balanced fruity aroma with delicate floral fragrance and vanilla / honey sweetness on the nose. Classic Speyside, a soft smooth balance of sweet summer fruits and the floral fragrance of spring flowers with a lingering and gentle finish.