The Clydeside Distillery Opens in Glasgow to Make Whisky

Glasgow, Scotland, as we wrote about earlier this year, was once a place where a lot of Scotch whisky was produced. Times changed in the industry, however, and much of that glory faded. But a new Glaswegian distillery has now opened and is producing what eventually will be Lowland single malt.

The new Clydeside Distillery, according to those behind it, is located on the banks of the river Clyde. It is set inside what’s known as the Pump House, which rests on the Queen’s Dock, apparently known at one point for being the heart of Glasgow’s shipping industry. The project to convert the area began in 2012, and now the completed distillery, which also houses a visitor center, is producing the first spirit in the area for more than 100 years.

Owned by Morrison Glasgow Distillers, Clydeside Distillery’s Chairman Tim Morrison is the great grandson of John Morrison, who originally built The Queen’s Dock in 1877. Morrison is also the current owner of AD Rattray Scotch Whisky Company, a well regarded independent Scotch bottler.

“Glasgow has an affinity with Scotch whisky unlike any other city in the world with The Queen’s Dock previously witnessing the exports of whisky with ships sailing past the Pump House destined for all continents of the world,” said Morrison in a prepared statement. “Of course for me and my family there is a very personal link knowing that my great grandfather built The Queen’s Dock where The Clydeside Distillery now sits. We’re looking forward to the future and seeing whisky produced in the heart of Glasgow once again.”

Of note among those who are now working at Clydeside is distillery manager Alistair McDonald, who brings over 30 years of knowledge and experience to oversee all aspects of whisky production. He previously worked for Beam Suntory as Distillery Manager at Auchentoshan, having begun his whisky career as an Apprentice Distillery Engineer at Bowmore Distillery.