Glasgow: Clydeside Distillery Whisky Tour & Tasting

Summary

Glasgow’s whisky spirit returns with dockside tales, hands-on distilling, and a tasting overlooking the Clyde

You’ll step into Glasgow’s whisky history at Clydeside Distillery, following local guides through working stills and stories from the old docks. Taste three single malt whiskies while sunlight pours over the River Clyde, then linger in their bar for a cocktail or flight. The warmth stays with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“You can smell the barley before you even see it,” our guide Callum grinned as we stepped inside Clydeside Distillery. He was right — that toasty, almost sweet scent hit me first, mixing with a faint tang of river air from the Clyde outside. I’d walked past this old dock building a hundred times, but never guessed what was brewing inside. The place feels both shiny-new and kind of storied, if that makes sense — copper stills gleaming next to brick walls that have seen more than I ever will.

Callum had this way of slipping in stories about Glasgow’s whisky roots without sounding like a textbook. He pointed out a faded photo on the wall — dockworkers hauling barrels — and said his gran used to bring sandwiches down for her brothers here. Stuff like that sticks with you. We watched the craftsmen work; one of them winked at my friend when she tried to pronounce “wort” (she totally butchered it). There’s something satisfying about seeing people actually make things by hand, not just watching machines do all the work.

The best bit? Sitting in their tasting room — all glass and sunlight bouncing off the river — with three wee drams lined up in front of us. I tried to pick out flavors like Callum described (“honeyed oatcakes” was his favorite), but mostly I just liked how it warmed my chest and made everyone at our table relax into easy conversation. Afterward we wandered into their new whisky bar for a cocktail — mine had orange peel and something smoky I couldn’t quite name. Still think about that view over the Clyde, honestly.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Clydeside Distillery and Tasting

• Discover whisky industry history
• Tour Clydeside Distillery with guide
• Meet craftsmen making new spirit
• Enjoy views from Still House
• Taste three wee drams
• Visit whisky bar for drinks

Top questions

Is the Clydeside Distillery tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces at Clydeside Distillery are wheelchair accessible.

How many whiskies do you taste during the tour?

The tour includes a guided tasting of three single malt Scotch whiskies.

Is there parking available at Clydeside Distillery?

Yes, free parking is available onsite for visitors.

Can infants or small children join the tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the visit.

Are service animals allowed on this whisky tour?

Service animals are allowed throughout the distillery experience.

Does this day trip include public transport options nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available near Clydeside Distillery.

What else can you do after the main whisky tasting?

You can visit their newly opened whisky bar for curated flights or cocktails after your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to Clydeside Distillery with guided storytelling from local experts, a behind-the-scenes look at traditional whisky-making methods, three wee drams of single malt Scotch for tasting, plus free onsite parking and full wheelchair access throughout your visit.