Glasgow Distillery distillery

Introduction to Glasgow Distillery

A distillery with passion for craft

Glasgow Distillery is a Scottish craft distillery that beautifully marries traditional distillation methods with modern innovation. Located in Scotland’s largest city, this urban distillery has quickly established itself as a pioneer in the renaissance of Glasgow’s once-vibrant whisky production heritage. Since its founding, the distillery has been committed to producing spirits of exceptional quality – created with careful attention to ingredients, technique, and local character.

As the first independent single malt whisky distillery to operate in Glasgow in over 100 years, Glasgow Distillery represents both a revival and a new chapter in the city’s rich distilling history.

Why we have a soft spot for Glasgow Distillery

At Vault of Spirits, we appreciate distilleries that forge their own path – in both flavor and identity. Glasgow Distillery stands out for its commitment to quality, innovation, and urban whisky-making. Their approach to creating distinctive spirits – from their award-winning Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Whisky to their Makar Gin and G52 Botanical Vodka – demonstrates their versatility and dedication to craftsmanship.

We’re particularly drawn to their experimental approach to maturation, utilizing a variety of cask types to create complex and intriguing flavor profiles that honor Glasgow’s industrial heritage while embracing modern distilling techniques.

The History Behind Glasgow Distillery

Origin and development

Glasgow Distillery was founded in 2014 by Liam Hughes, Mike Hayward, and Ian McDougall, who shared a vision of reviving Glasgow’s lost whisky-making tradition. The company takes its name from one of Glasgow’s original distilleries, which operated from 1770 until the early 20th century.

In a city that once boasted numerous whisky distilleries but saw them all close during the 20th century, Glasgow Distillery represents a renaissance of spirit production in Scotland’s largest city. Since releasing their first Glasgow 1770 Single Malt in 2018, they have rapidly gained recognition for their quality and innovation, winning numerous international awards.

The people behind

The distillery is led by a team of passionate spirits enthusiasts with a shared commitment to quality and innovation. Co-founder and CEO Liam Hughes brings extensive industry experience and a vision for what modern Scottish spirits can be, while Master Distiller Jack Mayo oversees production, ensuring each spirit meets exacting standards.

The team’s philosophy centers on respecting tradition while embracing innovation – a balance that defines everything from their production methods to their striking bottle designs. Each release reflects their collective dedication to creating spirits that honor Glasgow’s industrial heritage while looking firmly to the future.

The Craft and Production

From raw material to finished product

Production at Glasgow Distillery begins with carefully selected Scottish barley and pure water. Their whisky is crafted using two copper pot stills named ‘Annie’ and ‘Margaret,’ honoring the founders’ daughters. These stills, manufactured by Forsyths of Rothes, are designed specifically to produce the distinctive Glasgow 1770 character.

The distillery follows traditional Scottish whisky-making methods but incorporates modern precision and technology to ensure consistency and quality. For their Makar Gin, they utilize a separate copper still named ‘Annie,’ which allows for the perfect infusion of their carefully selected botanicals.

Maturation and aging

Glasgow Distillery employs a diverse range of casks for maturation, including first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, virgin oak, port pipes, and sherry butts. This variety contributes significantly to the complexity and depth of their whisky portfolio.

The whisky matures in the Glasgow warehouse, where the unique climate of Scotland’s largest city influences the spirit’s development. The urban maturation environment, with its distinctive temperature fluctuations and atmospheric conditions, contributes to a character that is uniquely “Glasgow.”

Many of their special releases are single cask expressions, offering enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the distinct personality that emerges from each individual barrel.

Selected Products from Glasgow Distillery

Glasgow 1770 Original – An introduction to the house style

The Original expression serves as a wonderful introduction to Glasgow Distillery’s signature style. Matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks, it offers notes of sweet vanilla, orchard fruits, and subtle oak spice with a clean, malty character that speaks to its urban Scottish roots.

With its smooth mouthfeel and balanced finish, this expression has garnered numerous awards and provides an excellent entry point for those new to the distillery’s offerings.

Glasgow 1770 Peated – A bold expression for connoisseurs

For those seeking a more robust experience, the Peated expression delivers complexity and depth. Using richly peated malted barley, this whisky offers an intriguing balance of smoky notes alongside sweet caramel, dark chocolate, and dried fruits.

The higher phenol content creates a distinctively rich mouthfeel and lingering finish that showcases the distillery’s ability to craft a modern, urban interpretation of Scotland’s peated whisky tradition. This is a bottle for those who appreciate both innovation and intensity in their dram.

Visit the Distillery

Tours and tastings

Glasgow Distillery offers guided tours that provide visitors with an intimate look at their production process – from grain to glass. Located in the historic Hillington Business Park, the distillery welcomes enthusiasts to experience firsthand how their award-winning spirits are crafted.

The tasting experience typically includes 4-5 expressions from their portfolio, giving visitors a comprehensive understanding of the distillery’s range and style. Advance booking is recommended as tours are popular and spaces limited.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Glasgow Distillery?

Glasgow Distillery is a modern craft distillery that produces award-winning single malt whisky, gin, and other spirits. As the first independent single malt whisky distillery in Glasgow in over a century, they focus on quality, innovation, and celebrating Glasgow’s industrial heritage while creating contemporary expressions that stand out in today’s competitive spirits market.

Where is Glasgow Distillery located?

The distillery is located in Hillington Business Park in Glasgow, Scotland. This urban setting influences both their brand identity and the maturation of their spirits, as the city’s unique climate conditions play a role in developing the character of their whisky.

What characterizes Glasgow Distillery?

Glasgow Distillery is characterized by its urban approach to whisky-making, innovative cask management, and commitment to quality. Their spirits showcase a perfect balance between respecting Scottish distilling traditions and embracing modern techniques. The distillery is particularly known for creating clean, fruity spirits with exceptional balance and complexity.

Where can I buy whisky from Glasgow Distillery?

You can find selected bottles from Glasgow Distillery at Vault of Spirits. We carefully curate both their core expressions and limited releases, ensuring you have access to the best offerings from this exciting urban distillery. Whether you’re looking for their signature Glasgow 1770 Original or one of their more experimental releases, we’re proud to showcase their distinctive spirits.