Michigan Vacation

2009 marks the 40th anniversary of the birth of Scotch whisky tourism. In 1969, the family-owned Glenfiddich Distillery became the first single malt Scotch whisky distillery to invite the public in to see the time-honoured techniques that go into making the world’s favourite malt. Discerning drinkers in Canada, especially men, are increasingly fascinated by the heritage, craftsmanship and length of time that goes into making every drop of Scotland’s greatest export with more and more visiting the remarkable country to see for themselves how it’s done. 
With the Scottish government-backed Homecoming Scotland initiative, which has hundreds of events throughout the year, coinciding with The Glenfiddich Distillery Visitor Centre 40th Anniversary celebrations, there has never been a better time to visit Scotland and its most famous distillery. More than one million whisky lovers and tourists will visit a distillery over the coming year.

Commenting on the visitor experience, Brian Robinson, Chief Guide, says: “The Grant family is passionate about retaining the skills and working practices that are so important for creating an excellent single malt Scotch whisky. Visitors to the distillery will see skilled craftsmen - 10 of whom have been working here for more than 40 years - carefully create Glenfiddich using techniques and processes lost to most other distilleries.

“Nowhere in the Highlands will you see a team of coopers mending and tending every cask used to mature Glenfiddich; 50,000L fermentation vessels made entirely from wood; unusually small copper-pot stills for distillation; the same source of crisp, clear spring water used throughout production and a family business so dedicated to looking after its visitors,” he continues.

Located deep in the heart of malt whisky territory in the Scottish Highlands, the Glenfiddich Visitor Centre has outstanding facilities, multi-lingual guides and, the distillery a reputation for producing the best malt whisky in the world.