From the moment it was first created in 1840, the clean distinctive taste and pale gold colour of Glen Grant have set it apart from other single malt Scotch whiskies.

That's why a visit to the Glen Grant Distillery is such a special experience. Discover the mysteries Of malt whisky making, and the extraordinary life and times of the distillery's most famous guardian, Major James Grant, then relax and appreciate the subtle flavours of Glen Grant for yourself, in 'Major Grant's Study'.

Spirited, fresh and light, the essence of Glen Grant is reflected in the woodland setting of the distillery where dappled sunlight and pure Highland air and water come together in the enchanting information garden, carefully restored to its original Victorian glory.

Founded in 1840, Glen Grant was one of the first licensed distilleries in the Scottish Highlands. The brothers John and James Grant found the perfect setting, close to excellent sources of fine Morayshire barley and supplied by soft Highland spring water.

Major James Grant inherited the business from his father in 1872, and by the turn of the century the distillery could boast refrigeration, electric lighting, a hydraulic warehouse lift, and its own fire service. Celebrated in the press for his journeys into the wildcmesscs of India and South Africa, the Major also indulged a typically Victorian taste for fashionable new plant species, creating a romantic woodland garden. Here he would reward his guests for an uphill walk with a dram of Glen Grant from his private bottle hidden in his whisky safe.

At one time Glen Grant Garden provided work for no fewer than eleven gardeners.

And now the Garden can be seen once more in its full splendour, thanks to three years of hard work by a dedicated team of restorers, led by garden expert Karen Ellington.

Inspired by surviving trees and plants and traces of pathways, the team used turn of the century maps to recreate the old woodland walks, and the log bridges and Major Grant's Dram Hut were rebuilt on the evidence of old photographs.

Graduallv the lovely mature orchards and rhododendrons came back into full view and the old lily pond was restored. The ornamental areas have been replanted with native specimens and plants from America, China and the Himalayas.

Glen Grant is made by local people, using skills handed down for generations. You'll find they're proud to show you the time honoured methods of fine Scotch whisky making, from the traditional mashing of the barley to the double distillation in the great copper stills and the long patient wait in oak casks.

The atmosphere of Major Grant's day has been faithfully recreated in Major Grant's Study. As you sample your dram in these avocative surroundings, you'll notice Glen Grant is lighter in colour and flavour than other Highland whiskies, with a characteristic fruity finish. It's one of the most widely enjoyed Speyside malts, prized by whisky connoisseurs but easy to enjoy on any occasion.

Of course a bottle (or two) of Glen Grant makes an ideal souvenir of your visit, and you'll find the Distillery Shop also stocks a wide range of high quality gifts.

How to get there:-

Glen Grant Distillery is at the north end of the village of Rothes, about 10 miles south of Elgin on the A941 Grantown-on-Spey road. Buses from Elgin stop 100 metres from the Distillery.

Opening Times:-

Mid-March to end of May and October
Monday - Saturday, 10am - 4pm, Sunday 11.30am - 4pm.

June - September
Monday - Saturday, 10am - 5pm, Sunday 11.30am - 5pm.

Admission.

£ 2.50 admission to Distillery and Garden includes a £ 2 voucher redeemable in the Distillery shop against the purchase of a 70cl bottle of whisky.
Under 18 years FREE !
Children under 8 years NOT ADMITTED to production area.

Glen Grant Distillery and Garden, Rothes, Aberlour, Scotland. Tel:- 44 (0) 1542 783318, Fax:- 44 (0) 1542 783304.

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