The Grant family
FIVE GENERATIONS
OUR FAMILY
One famous surname, five generations – a family business in the truest sense. Over 160 years of one family’s remarkable story.
ONE FAMILY - ONE DISTILLERY
Purchased by John Grant in 1865, the Grant family have remained the custodians of Glenfarclas Distillery ever since.
While most of their contemporaries have been purchased by international conglomerates at Glenfarclas we continue to produce our Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky on site, the traditional way.
“The Glenfarclas 105 has long been one of the best strong whiskies widely available, and it’s hard not to make comparisons between its robust, self-confident style and the independence of the firm that makes it.”
Iain Banks
John Grant
1805 – 1889
John Grant purchased Glenfarclas Distillery in 1865, although he was more interested in the farm it stood on. A cattle breeder, Glenfarclas lay perfectly, halfway between his farm and Elgin market.
George Grant
1830 – 1890
John’s son, George Grant, was made a partner in the farm and distillery in 1870. On the death of his father George took on full ownership, however, his time was short as he too passed within a year.
George Grant
1874 – 1949
George Grant was only 16 when he took over active management of the farm and distillery along with his brother, John. It was a turbulent time for distilling. As demand for whisky boomed a partnership was formed with Pattisons of Leith in 1886. Pattisons had an impressive reputation and a gift for promotion.
However, all was not as it seemed and by December 1898 Pattisons went into liquidation. Despite losing significant stock and money George Grant didn’t lose heart. Over the following decade he rebuilt the Glenfarclas and his commitment to an independent family business remains with us today.
George S Grant
1923 – 2002
Glenfarclas commitment to independence was never more obvious than in George S Grant. He guided Glenfarclas through wars and recessions, he anticipated the change in demand for single malt after blended whisky had dominated for generations and that consumers might even be interested in visiting a distillery one day.
Things we take for granted today, like aged single malt and visitor centres, were revolutionary ideas at one time. He embraced technology while guarding tradition and help shepherd Glenfarclas into the modern era. A shrewd businessman he first laid down the aged stock that Glenfarclas is so famous for today.
John L S Grant
Chairman
George’s son, John, joined the family business in 1974. After several years managing sales he was appointed Managing Director in 1979, at the age of 28. The last 40 years has seen unprecedented changes in the Scottish whisky industry. Once dominated by independent, family distilleries, now only a handful remain. Under John’s stewardship Glenfarclas has embraced the globalisation of whisky while remaining grounded in our home on Speyside. We are a local company employing local people.
John’s sales background has led Glenfarclas to work with importers and distributors in many countries. Invariably these are similar to ourselves, independent, family businesses who care deeply about their products and their customers. Doing things the right way, the Glenfarclas way, is not always the quickest or the most profitable way, but it is our way.
Duncan Grant
Head Of Sales
The next generation of the Grant family is already in place. Listening, watching and learning. Duncan Grant, John’s nephew, leads our sales department. Looking to the future and the inevitable challenges, and opportunities, that will come our way.
“Our family’s aim is simple: to make the best possible Single Malt Scotch Whisky and to do so with patience, care and traditional values.”
THE GRANT FAMILY