Cool Spaces: The Glenlivet Speyside Visitor Centre

WORDS Michaela Stehr IMAGES Supplied

The iconic whisky brand, The Glenlivet, has upgraded its Speyside distillery in partnership with London-based design studio Blacksheep.

Featuring cutting-edge design, the immersive 855sqm space draws inspiration from the surrounding wilderness of the Cairngorms National Park landscape. The aim was to incorporate natural materials directly from nature, to create an interactive and one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.

Spread over the lower and ground floors of the distillery, every element is carefully chosen or crafted to pay homage to the unique and historical drink.  From custom-made chandeliers in the reception and a comfortable welcoming lounge to a feature working fireplace and paintings from The Glenlivet’s private collection, Blacksheep consciously considered the best way to celebrate the fine craft of whisky through design.

Each section and room tells a story of the process. “The Speyside Room features a dramatically sweeping indoor field of barley, also by Grandirosa. This is the whisky’s key ingredient and has been harvested and preserved at one of the local farms that supply The Glenlivet,” Blacksheep explains. “The walls of the space feature large LED screens that tell a different element of The Glenlivet story.”

The Provenance room is a space for guests to experience an interactive masterclass about the distillation process, while the tasting room with a custom round walnut table is where all of the ages can be sampled.

The visitor experience also includes The Glenlivet Warehouse, featuring the distillery’s whisky casks. A custom lighting scheme by Into Lighting brings a touch of drama to the space and celebrates the casks’ precious contents.