Glasgow: Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting

Discover the rich whisky heritage of Glasgow at the Clydeside Distillery. This engaging one-hour guided tour takes visitors through the historic Old Pumphouse, showcasing the city’s maritime past and the intricate distillation process behind Clydeside’s distinctive whiskies. After exploring the distillery, guests can enjoy a tasting session featuring three unique "wee drams," gaining insights from knowledgeable guides into the cask influence on whisky flavors. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast or simply curious about the city’s thriving industry, this tour promises a fascinating glimpse into Glasgow’s storied past.

Key Points

• A 1-hour guided tour of the Clydeside Distillery in Glasgow, featuring exploration of the Old Pumphouse, whisky-making process, and dockside history.
• Ticket price of $24 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and wheelchair accessibility with limited group size.
• Concludes with a tasting of three Clydeside whiskies, with non-alcoholic options for children and drivers.
• Learn about the origins of the whisky industry in the 15th century, the impact of Glasgow’s shipbuilding history, and the resilience of the city’s whisky industry.
• Guided explanations of the distillation process, including malting, mashing, fermentation, and the role of copper stills in creating Clydeside’s unique flavor profile.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

Clydeside Distillery offers a 1-hour guided tour that explores the history and whisky-making process of this single malt Scotch whisky distillery in Glasgow.

The tour is likely to sell out, with tickets priced at $24 per person. Guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for free.

Tickets for the 1-hour guided tour are $24 per person, with the option to reserve a spot and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for free.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and limited to 4 participants per group.

Visitors will discover the Old Pumphouse, learn about the industry and city’s history, and witness the distillation process.

The experience concludes with a tasting of three Clydeside whiskies.

Exploring the Old Pumphouse and Dockside Story

The tour begins with an exploration of the Old Pumphouse, a historic structure built in 1877.

Visitors learn about Glasgow’s rich maritime history and the distillery’s connection to the city’s dockside. Through live footage and animation, the guide brings the Dockside Story to life, revealing how the whisky industry and the River Clyde were intertwined.

Guests gain a deeper understanding of the whisky-making process, from malting to distillation, as they move through the different production areas.

The highlight is a visit to the Still House, where they can admire the stunning views of the River Clyde.

Discovering the Whisky Industry and Glasgow’s History

As visitors step into the distillery, they are immersed in the rich history of the whisky industry and its deep ties to Glasgow’s maritime heritage. Through live footage and animation, the guided tour brings to life the evolution of the whisky-making process and the city’s transformation. Visitors learn about the critical stages, from malting to distillation, that shape the unique flavors of Clydeside’s single malt Scotch.

| Key Facts | | |

| — | — | — |

| Whisky Industry | Glasgow’s History | Tour Highlights |

| Origins in the 15th century | Shipbuilding hub on the River Clyde | Malting, mashing, fermentation, distillation |

| Technological advancements | Industrial revolution and port development | Footage and animation on whisky-making |

| Global popularity and exports | Resilience and reinvention | Views of the River Clyde from the Still House |

Guided Tour of the Distillation Process

During the guided tour, visitors witness the intricate distillation process that lies at the heart of Clydeside’s single malt Scotch.

The expert guide leads them through the malting, mashing, and fermentation stages, explaining the crucial role each step plays in creating the signature Clydeside flavor.

In the Still House, guests marvel at the copper stills, learning how the distillation process refines the spirit.

Throughout the tour, informative live footage and animations enhance the experience, providing a deeper understanding of Glasgow’s whisky heritage and the craftsmanship involved in producing Clydeside’s exceptional single malt.

More Great Tours Nearby

Experiencing the Still House and River Clyde

Visitors then step into the Still House, where they’re met with a stunning view of the River Clyde. This iconic waterway has long been the lifeblood of Glasgow’s industrial heritage.

The tour guide explains:

1. The Still House houses the copper pot stills, where the spirit is distilled to its desired strength.

2. Visitors can observe the intricate distillation process and learn how it imparts the unique flavors and character of Clydeside single malt.

3. The large windows provide panoramic vistas of the Clyde, allowing guests to enjoy the distillery’s picturesque riverside setting.

4. This is a highlight of the tour, as it combines the art of whisky-making with the rich history of Glasgow’s industrial past.

The Tasting Experience: Three Wee Drams

After taking in the sights of the Still House and the River Clyde, guests move on to the tasting experience.

They’ll sample three "wee drams" of Clydeside whisky, exploring how different casks impart unique flavors. Children are offered Irn Bru instead of whisky.

For those who can’t finish the tasting, driver jars are available to take the remaining whisky home. This hands-on tasting lets visitors appreciate the nuances of the Clydeside spirit.

With knowledgeable guides on hand, the tasting provides a memorable conclusion to the Clydeside Distillery tour.

Understanding Cask Influence on Whisky Flavors

As guests sample the three wee drams during the tasting, they’ll discover how the choice of casks imparts distinct flavors to the Clydeside whisky.

The tasting experience showcases:

1. Bourbon Casks: Imparting notes of vanilla, caramel, and gentle spice.

2. Sherry Casks: Lending rich, dried fruit and nutty characteristics.

3. Virgin Oak Casks: Imbuing the whisky with bold, toasted oak and spice profiles.

4. Blend of Casks: Blending these cask influences creates a complex, harmonious whisky.

This cask-driven tasting highlights the art of maturation and the profound impact wood has on Clydeside’s single malt Scotch.

Important Information for Visitors

Guests attending the Clydeside Distillery tour should arrive at the Premium Retail area within the distillery at least 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

Visitors should bring a valid passport or ID card for identification.

The distillery observes a silent season from September 13-30, 2024, but tours will continue with full access.

Pets aren’t allowed, except for assistance dogs.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and limited to 4 participants per group.

Guests can take home a driver jar to enjoy the whisky tasting experience at their leisure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Whisky to the Tasting?

No, you can’t bring your own whisky to the tasting. The tour includes a guided tasting of three Clydeside whiskies to experience the unique flavors imparted by different casks. Outside alcohol isn’t permitted during the tasting portion of the tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for the Clydeside Distillery tour. Visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, as the tour involves walking around the distillery and tasting areas. Casual attire is perfectly acceptable.

Can I Purchase Bottles of Clydeside Whisky On-Site?

Visitors can purchase bottles of Clydeside whisky on-site at the distillery’s Premium Retail area. A selection of the distillery’s whiskies is available for purchase, allowing guests to continue their Clydeside tasting experience at home.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?

Yes, the Clydeside Distillery offers group discounts for bookings of 6 or more participants. Larger groups can save up to 10% on the per-person tour price. Reservations are recommended to secure the group rate.

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is allowed during the Clydeside Distillery tour. Visitors can take photos to capture the historic architecture, distillery equipment, and tasting experience, though they’re asked to be mindful of other participants and the tour guide’s instructions.

The Sum Up

The Clydeside Distillery Tour offers a captivating exploration of Glasgow’s whisky heritage. Visitors can enjoy the city’s maritime past, learn about the intricate distillation process, and savor a tasting of three unique whiskies. With a wheelchair-accessible design and flexible cancellation policy, the tour provides a fascinating and accessible experience for whisky enthusiasts and anyone interested in the rich history of Glasgow’s thriving spirits industry.

You can check availability for your dates here: