Nestled along the picturesque River Clyde in Glasgow, the Clydeside Distillery offers an immersive journey into the world of whisky production. Housed in a historic 1877 pumphouse, this unique tour guides visitors through the intricate whisky-making process, from malting to distillation. Guests can savor three Clydeside spirits during a tasting session and explore the self-guided area with engaging animations. Whether you’re a whisky enthusiast or simply curious, the Clydeside Distillery tour promises an informative and enjoyable experience. With its wheelchair accessibility and captivating blend of history and modern technology, this tour may just have you reconsidering your perception of Scotland’s national drink.
Key Points
- The Clydeside Distillery Tour offers a 1-hour guided exploration of the distillery’s production areas, including malting, mashing, fermentation, and distillation.
- The tour includes a tasting experience with three Clydeside spirits, providing insights into the impact of cask maturation on taste profiles.
- The distillery’s historic 1877 pumphouse setting and scenic views of the River Clyde enhance the overall experience.
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, and a valid passport or ID is required for entry, with Irn Bru offered to younger visitors.
- The distillery tour has an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 407 reviews, with positive feedback highlighting the informative guides and quality of the whisky.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Clydeside Distillery Tour and Whisky Tasting offers visitors an immersive experience in the heart of Glasgow.
Priced from $24.22 per person, the 1-hour tour is likely to sell out, so visitors are encouraged to reserve their spot in advance.
The tour includes a guided exploration of the distillery’s production areas, as well as a tasting of three Clydeside spirits.
Guests can also enjoy scenic views from the Still House overlooking the River Clyde.
With free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour provides a flexible and convenient way to experience Scotland’s renowned whisky culture.
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Experience Highlights
Visitors exploring The Clydeside Distillery can discover the Old Pumphouse, a historic structure built in 1877.
This self-guided area features live footage and animations that tell the Dockside Story, providing insights into the site’s industrial heritage.
The guided tour takes guests through the production areas, including malting, mashing, fermentation, and distillation.
The highlight is the Still House, where they can enjoy scenic views of the River Clyde.
Guests also learn how different cask types impart unique flavors to the Clydeside spirits, and they’ll have the opportunity to taste three of the distillery’s offerings, accompanied by a small dram glass and two drams of Clydeside whisky.
Tasting and Spirits
What sets the Clydeside Distillery tour apart is its tasting experience. Visitors can sample three of Clydeside’s spirits, allowing them to explore the unique flavors imparted by different cask types.
The tasting includes:
- A small dram glass to properly enjoy the whisky.
- Two drams of Clydeside’s signature whiskies.
- The opportunity to experience how cask maturation can dramatically impact a spirit’s taste profile.
This immersive tasting provides guests with a deeper appreciation for the art of whisky making.
Whether a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of Scotch, the Clydeside tasting leaves a lasting impression.
Accessibility and Requirements
Wheelchair accessibility is available for those who require it at the Clydeside Distillery.
The meeting point is the Premium Retail area within the distillery, and visitors should arrive 10 minutes early. Guests must bring a valid passport or ID, as they’ll not be permitted entry without proper identification.
Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed, with the exception of assistance dogs. For younger visitors, the tour provides Irn Bru instead of whisky samples.
The distillery ensures a comfortable and inclusive experience for all guests, catering to their needs and requirements to make the most of the Clydeside Distillery tour and whisky tasting.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
The Clydeside Distillery tour and whisky tasting has received overwhelmingly positive customer reviews, with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 407 reviews.
Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable and engaging guides, rating them 4.8/5. The value for money is also highly rated at 4.7/5.
Plus, the overall service quality receives a 4.5/5 score. Visitors highlight the informative tours, quality of the whisky, and the opportunity to keep the tasting glasses as takeaways.
With these stellar reviews, it’s clear the Clydeside Distillery offers an exceptional whisky experience that exceeds customer expectations.
Distillery History and Location
Situated along the banks of the River Clyde in Glasgow, the Clydeside Distillery boasts a rich history dating back to the late 19th century.
Originally built as a pumphouse to service the city’s docks, the industrial building now houses a modern single malt Scotch whisky distillery.
Visitors can explore the restored Old Pumphouse, dating back to 1877, and discover the Dockside Story through interactive exhibits and live footage.
The distillery’s scenic location offers stunning views of the River Clyde, providing a picturesque backdrop to the guided tour of the production areas, including malting, mashing, fermentation, and distillation.
Whisky Production Process
At the heart of the Clydeside Distillery’s operations lies the intricate whisky production process. Guests on the tour witness this firsthand, starting with the malting of barley.
This is followed by:
- Mashing, where the malted barley is combined with hot water to extract fermentable sugars.
- Fermentation, where the sugary wort is transformed into a low-alcohol liquid called "wash" through the action of yeast.
- Distillation, where the wash is heated in copper pot stills, concentrating the alcohol and developing the distinctive Clydeside flavor profile.
This meticulous process, coupled with the distillery’s scenic riverside setting, offers visitors a comprehensive understanding of single malt Scotch whisky production.
Unique Selling Points
Beyond the immersive tour and tastings, Clydeside Distillery boasts several unique selling points that set it apart. Housed in a historic 1877 pumphouse, the distillery offers scenic views overlooking the River Clyde.
Visitors can explore a self-guided area with live footage and animations, providing an engaging dockside story. The guided tour takes guests through the production process, from malting to distillation, offering an in-depth understanding of Scotch whisky making.
Tasting three distinct Clydeside spirits allows guests to experience how different cask types impart unique flavors. With its wheelchair accessibility, informative guides, and memorable experience, the Clydeside Distillery tour provides an exceptional whisky experience in the heart of Glasgow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Suitable for Non-Drinkers?
The tour is suitable for non-drinkers, as children receive Irn Bru instead of whisky, and the experience focuses on the distillery’s history and production process beyond just the tasting. Guests can fully enjoy the tour without consuming alcohol.
Can I Purchase Bottles of Whisky On-Site?
Yes, visitors can purchase bottles of Clydeside whisky on-site at the distillery’s premium retail area. The tour includes a tasting, but those not interested in tasting can still explore the distillery and its shop.
Do Tours Operate in Multiple Languages?
The tours at the Clydeside Distillery are offered in English. While other language options aren’t specified, guests can contact the distillery in advance to inquire about availability of tours in additional languages to accommodate their needs.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?
The tour has no minimum age requirement. Children are welcome to attend, but they’ll receive Irn Bru instead of whisky during the tasting portion of the experience.
Are Group Discounts Available for the Tour?
The Clydeside Distillery tour doesn’t offer specific group discounts, but they may provide customized pricing for larger groups. Guests should inquire about group rates when booking to see if any discounts are available.
Recap
The Clydeside Distillery Tour offers an immersive whisky experience in a historic setting along the River Clyde. With guided exploration, a tasting session, and accessibility features, the tour caters to both whisky enthusiasts and newcomers. Whether you’re seeking an informative outing or a chance to savor Clydeside’s spirits, this distillery tour promises an enjoyable and memorable experience in the heart of Glasgow.
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