In years gone by, any whisky fan visiting Glasgow would have to travel further out to Glengoyne in Killearn and Auchentoshan in Clydebank to enjoy the full whisky distillery experience. However, a new site on the banks of the River Clyde not far from the city centre recently changed that.
Clydeside Distillery, which opened at the historic Queens Docks in 2017, is now a mecca for whisky fans visiting (or living in) Glasgow, with thousands making the short trip from Glasgow City Centre along the Clyde to enjoy its incredible visitor experience.
Not only is it a delight for the Instagram generation on the outside with its mix of historic and modern aesthetics – a glass-fronted still house looking out to the Clyde and proudly showing off its two copper stills is connected to a former pumphouse at the docks – but inside you'll find plenty for any visitor to enjoy, including some great whisky.
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Lying close to the Transport Museum and the Tall Ship, the distillery is just a short walk from the city centre or west end, with trains running to nearby SEC also an option if you don't fancy walking.
Inside you'll find a cafe with an exciting range of "whisky flights and bites", a well-stocked shop with both whiskies produced here and those from around the country at great prices (including those from other distilleries), and a mini museum where you can learn about the history of this fascinating dock and that of the Glasgow whisky scene itself.
When it comes to tours, you're spoiled for choice with no less than three extensive ones on offer.
First up is the one-hour Clydeside Tour (£15pp), where you'll earn all about how their exciting Stobcross whisky is made and the process behind it, as well as getting to experience the Clydeside new make, followed by two whiskies that have each matured in first-fill bourbon casks and first-fill sherry butts.
The one-and-a-half-hour Chocolate and Whisky Tour (£30pp) combines the tour with five "wee drams" of Single Malt Whisky expertly paired with exquisite artisan chocolates.
Finally, the two-hour distillery manager tour (£120pp) is an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour, hosted by Distillery Manager, Alistair McDonald where you'll try Alistair’s personal selection of premium single malt whiskies for tasting in the distillery blending room.
Not only is it great for visiting tourists but it could also be a great Christmas gift for local residents who love whisky too.
And, after you are finished it's not too far to walk to famous whisky bars such as the Potstill and the Bon Accord back in the city centre if you want to continue to enjoy your whisky adventure.
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