The Glenlivet Distillery

The Glenlivet Distillery was founded in 1824 by George Smith. Today, The Glenlivet Pure Single Malt Scotch Whisky is one of the most famous and treasured Scotch whiskies, known throughout the world. Glenlivet's twelve-year-old Highland Malt has a distinctive flavor, and one which should be savored. To bring out the best of the aroma, add one drop of water to a room-temperature dram. This will strengthen and improve the flavor, as well.

"Uisge Beatha", which is Gaelic for "Water of Life", dates back in Scotland to the 15th century. The words uisge beatha have been corrupted over the years to sound like "whisky".

Whisky production is a quite extensive process:

Whisky begins as barley, which is placed in water to germinate. After about a week, the germinating barley is sent to a kiln to dry. Here, the smoke from the burning peat flavors the barley.
Next the barley is ground into grist, added to hot water, and stirred or mashed until all of the starches have been converted to sugars. At this point the grains are removed from the liquid, and the liquid, now called wort, is cooled.
Yeast is added to the wort, and the yeast and the sugars produce alcohol. The solution, at this point, is called wash.
After about two days, fermentation slows and the wash is distilled twice.
After distillation, the spirit is placed into barrels and is aged for a period of years.

(The Glenlivet® and Glenlivet® are Registered trademarks.)