Celebrate Whisky Month in Glasgow

May is National Whisky Month, and with World Whisky Day falling on Saturday 17 May, what better place to raise a dram than Glasgow?

Known as the “water of life” in Gaelic, whisky is Scotland’s national drink. While you’re in the city, be sure to sample a dram, take a distillery tour, and even book your accommodation at a working distillery.
Check out our guide to discover more about this globally renowned drink.

Whisky Distilleries

Glasgow is lucky to have many world-class distilleries on its doorstep – including one right in the city centre—making it a paradise for whisky lovers.

On the banks of the River Clyde in the city centre is The Clydeside Distillery – the first dedicated single malt distillery in Glasgow in over 100 years. It features a visitor centre and guided tours celebrating both the city’s and the country’s whisky heritage.

Just a short distance from the city are Auchentoshan Distillery and Glengoyne Distillery. Both offer masterclasses and tours where you can enjoy a day of nosing, swirling, and tasting in picturesque settings.

Alternatively, book onto the Rabbie’s ‘Whisky and Loch Lomond’ guided bus tour. You’ll visit both The Clydeside and Glengoyne distilleries, while also enjoying the stunning views of Loch Lomond.

You can even stay at Glasgow’s newest distillery, Jackton Distillery, by booking into one of the 12 on-site cottages and immersing yourself in a Lowlands whisky experience. Located just a short train ride from Glasgow, this exciting female-led distillery offers both tours and tastings.

Whisky Bars

In Glasgow, you can sample whiskies from across Scotland at traditional pubs and bars. Friendly staff and locals are always happy to help you choose your perfect dram!

Must-visits include:

The Pot Still (city centre) – boasting over 600 whiskies and frequently topping TripAdvisor’s list of best bars in Glasgow.
Òran Mór (west end) – an arts hub with a dedicated Whisky Bar, winner of ‘Best Whisky Bar’ at the 2022 Maltmen Awards.
The Piper Whisky Bar – featuring live entertainment and frequent whisky tasting events. Each month, it runs promotions showcasing malts from across Scotland.
Other great spots include The Bon Accord, The Ben Nevis, Dram! , The Islay Inn, The Lismore Bar, and The Wee Whisky Bar at the Ubiquitous Chip – all known for their exceptional whisky selections.

Whisky Walking Tours

A fantastic way to discover Glasgow is by walking tour – and it’s even better when whisky is involved!

Take a journey through some of Glasgow’s best off-the-beaten-track bars with Once Upon a Whisky. You’ll visit quirky venues in the city’s bohemian West End, enjoy great food and whisky pairings, and hear fascinating stories along the way.

Join a guided pub crawl with Scottish Rogue. In each venue, you’ll sample a dram while learning about malt whisky production and the city’s rich connections to Scotland’s national drink.

Short on time? Try ‘A Wee Walk and a Whisky Tour’. The first part explores Glasgow’s key sights, and history, ending with a premium whisky tasting in a cosy local pub.

Tasting Experiences

A brilliant way to try a variety of whiskies is by ordering a whisky flight.

City centre spots like The Citizen and The Pot Still offer curated flights, while Scottish restaurant Mharsanta pairs its flights with Scottish cheeseboards or sharing platters, guided by their in-house whisky expert.

At Mackintosh at the Willow, why not sample one of their whisky-infused teas? Each one is inspired by one of the five main whisky regions of Scotland.

For a top-notch whisky cocktail, book a meal at Glaschu, where you’ll find creations named after local icons such as The Mackintosh, Forbes, and Central Station.

Join Once Upon a Whisky for their ‘Glasgow Whisky and Food Pairing Experience’. Your whisky ambassador will guide you through the craft of whisky and food pairing, enriched with stories from Glasgow’s past for a full-flavoured Scottish experience.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, book a spot on the Chocolate and Whisky Tour at The Clydeside Distillery. Sample five single malts expertly paired with locally made artisan chocolates.

To find out more of what to see and do in Glasgow go to visitglasgow.com.

-BreakingTravelNews