Whiskey Tour - The Glenlivet Distillery

The second stop on our whiskey tour was the Glenlivet Distillery, producer of the renowned Glenlivet single-malt (duh!). Known as the "single malt that started it all," Glenlivet is currently the biggest selling single malt brand in the US and is personally my favorite single-malt scotch.

* This sign goes to show how all of our beloved scotch whiskey brands are just literally, neighbors.

* Unlike the charmingly ancient-looking and picturesque Strathisla distillery, this distillery just screams with modernity, which is just as well as it was just recently renovated.

* Founded in 1824 by George Smith, who was somewhat of a cowboy-ninja-entrepreneur, the brand has continued to grow leading up to the aforementioned expansion completed in 2010 which now sees the production capacity of the distillery increase to over 10 million liters a year.

* One more difference between the two distilleries is the presence of these pretty, Scottish receptionists!

* I just had to capture a shot of this amazing spiral bottle display, a replica of which will be the centerpiece of my future home's rumpus room.

* The Glenlivet boasts of an excellent range of 12, 15, 16, 18, 21 and 25-year variants; along with limited edition whiskies exclusive for travel retail and duty-free markets.

* The malt mill here was at least three times bigger than the one in Strathisla! I wish we could have actually seen these machines at work though, that would have been cool!

* The Mash Turn which for some reason reminded me of a huge pizza oven.

* A whole section full of washbacks. The aroma is unmistakably Glenlivet.

* So much space. With glass walls, a REALLY high ceiling and polished metallic finish, the stills area is truly impressive.

* Everything just looks so clean and new! All that's missing are the Jetsons-style, robotic workers.

* A shot of the lantern-shaped still with its long and narrow neck, responsible for the smoothness and lightness of the The Glenlivet.

* The Spirit Safe which looks like one of those alchemy set-ups in old science fiction / mad scientist movies.

* It was another glorious morning of taste testing and sampling, as I felt a good buzz leading up to lunch. We sampled the 12, 15, 18, 21 and 25 year old variants.

* Leaving the Glenlivet Distillery and seeing another one right next door, further underscoring how all the scotch we enjoy come from just one area in the world.