Clydeside distillery

Clydeside Distillery

The Clydeside Distillery is a whisky distillery located in Glasgow, Scotland. It is situated on the banks of the River Clyde, in the heart of the city's vibrant waterfront area. The distillery is known for its production of high-quality single malt Scotch whisky.

History

The Clydeside Distillery was established in 2017, but its roots can be traced back to the 19th century. The original distillery, known as the Queen's Dock Distillery, was founded in 1817 by John Morrison. It operated successfully for many years, producing a range of whiskies that were highly regarded for their quality.

However, the distillery faced challenges in the early 20th century due to changes in the whisky industry and the impact of World War II. It eventually closed its doors in 1980, marking the end of an era for whisky production in Glasgow.

In 2014, plans were announced to revive the distillery and bring whisky production back to the Clydeside area. After extensive renovations and restoration work, the Clydeside Distillery opened its doors to the public in 2017.

Production

The Clydeside Distillery follows traditional whisky production methods, combining age-old techniques with modern technology. The distillery sources its water from Loch Katrine, which is known for its pure and soft water quality, ideal for whisky production.

The production process begins with the milling of malted barley, which is then mixed with hot water to extract the sugars. This mixture, known as mash, is transferred to large vessels called mash tuns, where fermentation takes place. Yeast is added to the mash, converting the sugars into alcohol.

The resulting liquid, known as wash, is then distilled in copper pot stills. The distillation process involves heating the wash to separate the alcohol from impurities, resulting in a clear spirit known as new make spirit.

The new make spirit is then transferred to oak casks, where it undergoes maturation for a minimum of three years. During this time, the whisky develops its unique flavors and characteristics, influenced by the type of cask used and the environmental conditions of the warehouse.

Visitor Experience

The Clydeside Distillery offers a range of visitor experiences, allowing whisky enthusiasts to learn about the whisky-making process and sample the distillery's products. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the history, production, and maturation of Clydeside whiskies.

Visitors can explore the distillery's interactive whisky exhibition, which showcases the rich heritage of whisky production in Glasgow. The exhibition features historical artifacts, interactive displays, and informative videos, offering a comprehensive overview of the whisky-making process.

The distillery also houses a whisky shop, where visitors can purchase a variety of Clydeside whiskies, including limited editions and exclusive releases. The shop offers a wide selection of whisky-related merchandise, making it a perfect destination for whisky enthusiasts and collectors.