Glenlivet

In 1824, the distillery became the first to obtain an official license for legally distilling whisky, taking on the name Glenlivet. To protect his distillery from illicit distillers, George Smith was presented with a pair of pistols by the Earl of Aberlour. The ability to distil without fear of authorities allowed for more consistent quality in production. A partnership with Andrew Usher, credited with pioneering the art of blending, bolstered the distillery's reputation. Indeed, Andrew Usher blended various casks of Glenlivet to create a whisky with superior taste qualities compared to the production of the time. This marked the birth of the first "Vatted Malt" or "Blending Malt."