William Grant / "William Grant AND Sons"

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William Grand

Each whisky has the, special character distinguishing it from any another. Whence it appears to tell difficultly, but there is an opinion, that unique properties of whisky get thanks to the founder. So, for example, in "recipe" of well-known whisky Glenfiddich, except fragrant malt, crystal-clear spring water and confidential structure of yeast, the big ambitions and patience, fidelity to traditions and William Granta's innovative workings out are switched on also.

William Grant was born in 1839 in a family of the simple soldier. In the childhood it grazed cattle on the bank of the river Deveron (Deveron). Worked as the assistant in a shoe workshop Later. The grant early married and became the father of the big family. To support a family William has got over in a city and it was employed by the clerk in Tininver Lime Works. Having mastered a new trade in perfection, in 1866 the Grant has begun job by the bookkeeper on Mortlach Distillery. Here he has learnt for the first time secrets of distillation and already soon became managing directors.

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Dreams of the Grant of own big project were realised only in twenty years - it was required to time so much to save 750 pounds sterling for purchase peregonnogo the equipment and viskikurni. - hundred pounds a year - the Grant had to dispose of the modest salary more than it is economical: it was necessary not only save money on own business, but also to raise devjateryh children. So there is nothing surprising that it saved the necessary sum so long. As its numerous family concerned rigid economy, the history holds back, but, judging by that children laboriously worked together with the father, they divided its dream «to create the best drink in a valley».

In 1886 William Grant at last could get second-hand peregonnoe the equipment viskikurni Cardhu and a site of the earth near small river Fiddik in area Spejsajd in the central Scotland. Building viskikurni, received romantic name Glenfiddich (in transfer with gelskogo, language of the local Celtic population, - «a valley of deer»), proceeded the whole year - Grants all did. The first whisky has been expelled under Christmas of 1887 - this year and it is considered date of the basis of company William Grant and Sons. In five years demand for Grant whisky has grown, incomes have increased also, and it could equip one more viskikurnju, The Balvenie.

But in 1898 its business has appeared under the threat because of bankruptcy of company Pattison - the largest wholesale dealer of whisky who bought spirits across all Scotland, kupazhiroval them and spilt on bottles. Many vinokurni in Spejsajde were closed, but William Grant, despite the big debts, has decided to spill and sell whisky itself. He rented shop in Glasgow and for one and a half month by means of son-in-law Charles Gordona has sold only 12 bottles. Then - the whole two boxes. Further business have gone uphill.

When the Grant has learnt, that the Supreme commissioner of the Great Britain in Canada (then having the status of dominion of the United Kingdom) is necessary it the distant relative has immediately sent son John to agree about support. In 1905 John Grant has opened company representation in Ottawa. William Grant and Sons in general the first has adjusted scotch whisky deliveries to the North America that has provided to it good profits for many years forward. In search of new commodity markets Charles Gordon has gone on the East and has visited all British colonies from India to New Zealand, on a way having visited Japan, China and Philippines. And after has gone round also Northern Europe. By 1914 at William Grant and Sons in 30 countries of the world was over 60 trading agencies.

Thanks to the incomes received from export, the company it was possible to go through the First World War when the British foreign trade has appeared paralysed, and the government tried to limit alcohol manufacture in every possible way. The certificate, allowed to sell whisky only after two-year-old endurance has been accepted. Then this term have increased till three years, and further in general have temporarily forbidden to deliver grain to manufacturers of alcoholic drinks, except for brewers. Right after the ends of war in the USA in half of provinces of Canada, some countries of Northern Europe and even in separate districts of Scotland have been established the Prohibition. Therefore in Scotland have risked again to open only six vinokuren, from them two belonged William Grant and Sons.

William Grant has died in 1923. After death of the Grant business was taken in hand by his son - John (John). It has started upgrade of already out-of-date capacities of factory of a family. New industrial premises have been constructed, electrification and many other things is spent. Everything made then, is used till now - up to now there were no large reorganisation of manufacture.

William Grant and Sons - one of few family companies, other manufacturers of whisky for a long time skupleny the international or national corporations. Viskikurennym factory Glenfiddich Distillery the fifth generation of descendants of William Granta - William Grant owns already and Sons Bill Gordon, that Charles Gordona's grandson now heads. Probably, owing to family continuity for hundred years of existence Glenfiddich process of manufacture of whisky practically has not changed - the factory strictly adheres to traditional technologies thanks to what the unique bouquet of a drink remains former.

Throughout decades production William Grant and Sons receives various awards and awards. In 1964 on International Wine and Spirit Competition whisky The Balvenie Vintage Cask has received a gold medal as the best one-malt whisky with endurance of 12 years and more. Whisky Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old and The Balvenie PortWood 21 Year Old has been noted serebrenymi by medals. In 1997 at the same competition of whisky The Balvenie DoubleWood was it is awarded by a gold medal. And, at last, in 1998 The Balvenie PortWood 21 Year Old has received a gold medal. In the same, 1998, in Montreal, whisky The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old was is awarded serebrenoj by a medal.