Glenkinchie lies in the valley of the Kinchie Burn, near the village of Pencaitland, East Lothian.

Brothers John and George Rate were the founders of the Glenkinche Distillery in 1837. In 1840, there was a take over. In 1852 John Rate bought the distillery once more, but had to close it in 1853, due to profits being low.

In 1890, the site was opened again by a consortium of distillers and wine merchants, who called themselves the Glen Kinchie Distillery Company. In 1914, Glenkinchie was one five distilleries that formed the famous Scottish Malt Distillers Ltd (SMD).

Expectedly, the distillery ceased operations between 1917-1919, due to the World War I. In 1925, SMD was purchased by Distillers Company Limited. Floor maltings were closed in 1968, and Glenkinchie progressed with series of developments, until today.

Glenkinchie produces 1.3 million liters of Whisky per year. It has one giant wash still and one spirit still. Both are uniquely shaped, with a concave surface at their intermediate sections.

Until 1968, maltings were sourced from Lothian's, but after 1968 industrial maltings were the main source. Warehouses can hold up to 10,000 casks, which are composed mostly of American ex-​Bourbon and Amontillado Sherry casks.