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Whisky in the city

Whisky in the city

Whisky in the city

Known as 'water of life' in Gaelic, whisky is Scotland's national drink. While in the city, be sure to sample a dram, take a distillery tour and find out more about the globally-renowned drink.

Whisky bars

A cosy looking corner of a whisky bar with exposed brick walls, stained glass windows and low level lighting.

Credit: Oran Mor by Mark Wild Photography

In Glasgow you can sample whisky from all around Scotland at traditional bars and pubs. Friendly staff and locals are always on hand to help you choose your dram!

Must visits include The Pot Still in the city centre. It stocks over 600 whiskies and frequently tops TripAdvisor's list of best bars in the city. Oran Mor in the west end is an arts hub with a dedicated Whisky Bar, which won 'Best Whisky Bar' at the 2022 Maltmen Awards. The Piper Whisky Bar has live entertainment and hosts frequent whisky tasting events. Each month they run a promotion to allow customers to try Malt Whisky from across Scotland. For more information on these well loved spots, visit thepotstill.co.uk, visit oran-mor.co.uk and visit piperbar.com.

The Bon Accord, The Ben Nevis, The Dram and The Lismore Bar are also known for their amazing whisky collections. Visit our traditional pubs page for details on each of these and more suggestions.

Whisky distilleries

The Clydeside Distillery exhibition and tour, with a welcome sign reading 'Glasgow & whisky.'

Find out about how the 'water of life' is created with a whisky distillery tour - a unique Scottish experience.

On the banks of the River Clyde in the city centre is the Clydeside Distillery. This is the first dedicated single malt distillery in Glasgow in over 100 years. There is a visitor centre and tour celebrating the city and country’s whisky heritage. Visit The Clydeside Distillery website to find out more.

Just a short distance from the city is Auchentoshan Distillery and Glengoyne Distillery. Both distilleries offer masterclasses and tours, where you can enjoy a day of nosing, swirling and tasting in picturesque settings. Visit auchentoshan.com and visit glengoyne.com to find out more.

Whisky walking tours

Take a journey through some of the best 'off the beaten track' bars available in Glasgow with Once Upon a Whisky. You'll get to visit quirky venues with great food and whisky and hear fascinating stories. Visit onceuponawhisky.co.uk to book a tour which takes place in the city's bohemian west end.

Whisky gifts to take home

A close-up of a whisky bottle with a red label that reads 'Stobcross' with the red box sitting behind it.

Don't leave empty handed! Take home a Scottish gift to treasure or for a loved one.

Pick up a bottle of the first-ever distilled whisky release from Clydeside Distillery, Stobcross. Order a bottle of the lowland single malt from theclydeside.com.

Explore a selection of gift sets from The Glasgow Distillery Co. Choose from their Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Malt Riot Blended Scotch Whisky. Check out the range at glasgowdistillery.com.

Article last updated: January 2024

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