Built in 1963, Girvan Distillery was an amazing feat at the time, taking just 9 months to build. Charles Gordon and four hundred locals worked around the clock to make sure one of the most advanced distilleries in the world was ready in time for the first spirit to be bottled on Christmas Day, as was the case at our sister distillery, Glenfiddich in 1887. In 1990, we installed our first patent still, enabling our unique method of making grain whisky. Today, our Girvan grain whisky is seen as one of the best in the world and is at the heart of every single bottle of Grant’s.
The Master
Skillfully blends whiskies with knowledge shared over six generations. As the 3rd largest Scotch brand globally, we believe it’s our duty to make whisky that can be enjoyed by everybody, not just the privileged few. Every second, 55 drams of our precious liquid is drunk around the world.
The outlook for blended Scotch is exciting, with more people than ever being introduced to the category.
Six generations of Grants have stood together through thick and thin to hold the title of Scotland’s oldest continuously family-run, blended whisky makers. But we couldn’t have done it without a little help along the way.
William Grants
In William Grant’s journey from cow herder to founding father of one of the world’s most loved Scotch brands, it’s fair to say he had a little help along the way.
It was in 1887 when William Grant opened his first distillery in Scotland with the help of his seven sons and two daughters.
William Grant knew a thing or two about a good workforce. George Grant was his maltman, Charlie Grant operated the tuns, Alec Grant was his still-man, and his youngest daughter Meta? Well, the seven-year-old brought the boys lunch. Now that's a family business.
Sharing with the world
William Grant’s son-in-law, Charles Gordon, became the company’s first salesman. Knocking on doors, trying to make his first sale. He called 180 establishments before finding his first customer. Which may have had something to do with the fact that the 181st was the first place he gave a sample to.
This job saw him sailing to the Far East, which took months at a time. Luckily, he never had to take much home again. So, the return leg was always a little speedier.
