Where Tradition Meets Innovation
For those who truly understand the symphony of flavours that a fine whisky offers, Glenfiddich is not just a name; it’s an institution. It’s why visiting a distillery steeped in single malt tradition was an absolute must for day 3 of our second Whisky Tour of the year.
Nestled in the heart of Speyside, this legendary distillery has been producing some of the world’s most coveted single malts since 1887. Was it any wonder we just had to go take a look for ourselves?
About the distillery
Founded by William Grant, the distillery remains one of the few family-owned distilleries in all of Scotland. Now in the hands of the fifth generation, its core values and distinct flavours have stood the test of time for centuries. From hand-crafting copper stills to maturing its whisky in the finest oak casks, every step in the production process is executed with meticulous care.
- Founded: 1887
- Owned by: William Grant & Sons
- Production: 21 million litres a year
- Signature flavours: fruity notes, warm spices, rich vanilla with a hint of citrus
Visiting the distillery
Glenfiddich is nestled in the ‘Valley of the Deer’ with its two sister distilleries, The Balvenie and Kininvie. The sheer scale of production is a sight to behold, with four giant mash tuns, 48 washbacks and two large stillhouses. It shares its own cooperage with The Balvenie, so that every aspect of the production process remains under the watchful eyes of its Malt Master and the Grant family.
If you’re planning to visit the Glenfiddich distillery, a stop at The Balvenie down the road is a must. Plan your trip carefully as tours book up fast – we recommend starting with a morning tour at Glenfiddich before heading to The Balvenie in the afternoon. That way you’ll have plenty of time to try a few drams at the Glenfiddich Whisky Lounge and a bite to eat at the Malt Barn Coffee Shop before your next tour.
What we sampled
Our dram of the day
The Glenfiddich 18-year-old
There’s no denying Glenfiddich offers a diverse range of expressions, each a testament to its rich heritage. For a distillery so grounded in tradition, it has always been at the forefront of innovation. It was the first distillery to open a visitor centre in 1969 and continues to push boundaries in the whiskies it produces. From its bold cask choices to its changes to the production process to ensure a more sustainable malt, it’s earned its place as the top producing whisky distillery in the world.
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