At 100 Stobcross Road beside the River Clyde, The Clydeside Distillery makes single malt whisky in the former Queen’s Dock Pumphouse. Its guided tour connects Glasgow’s dockside history with the stages of whisky production, from mashing to distillation, then ends with a tasting. You can also explore a small museum, browse the whisky shop or settle into the cafe. The glass-fronted distillery gives a view of the working interior, and the historic building adds context to a visit focused on Glasgow’s whisky-making past.
A distillery in the old Queen’s Dock Pumphouse
The Clydeside Distillery is housed in the former Queen’s Dock Pumphouse on the River Clyde. The building once controlled the flow of goods into the dock; it now holds a modern single malt whisky distillery. Production began in 2017, bringing whisky-making back to Glasgow city centre after more than a century away.
The change of use gives the tour two strands: the history of the dockside and the work of making whisky. The building’s glass frontage lets you see into parts of the distillery from outside, while a small museum upstairs adds historical context during a visit.
What the guided tour covers
The tour starts with the story of Glasgow’s docks and the site, then introduces the whisky-making process before taking you into the production area. There, you can see the stages discussed earlier in action, including mashing and distillation. Guides explain the process and the history along the way.
The tour lasts about 50 minutes to an hour, with a tasting at the end. The standard tasting has included three Clydeside whiskies, though the selection can differ. If you have a particular preference, check what is being poured when you book or arrive. You can ask for containers to take the samples away if you are driving or do not want to drink them during the visit.
Tastings, the shop and the cafe
The distillery runs different tour and tasting experiences, including a chocolate-and-whisky pairing. The paired option matches whisky with handcrafted chocolates, and its time slots can sell out, so book ahead if that experience is your priority.
After the tour, the on-site shop sells whisky and souvenirs. The cafe is another place to pause, with a selection of drinks and food; venison salami with oat crackers has been noted as one of its offerings. The bar serves whisky and cocktails, as well as wine and prosecco. Check the current menu before visiting if you have a specific drink or food in mind.
FAQ
How long does a tour at The Clydeside Distillery take?
Allow about 50 minutes to an hour for the guided tour and tasting.
What can you see on the distillery tour?
The tour covers Glasgow dockside history and the whisky-making process, then takes you through the production area to see stages including mashing and distillation.
Does the tour include a whisky tasting?
The guided tour ends with a tasting. The selection can vary, so check what is available when you visit.
Is there a chocolate-and-whisky tour?
Yes. The distillery has offered a tour pairing whisky with handcrafted chocolates. Book ahead, as those time slots can sell out.
