I’m not a big whisky drinker, but I’ve always been fascinated by tours and learning about Glasgow’s history. Since this distillery is a modern addition to the river, I wanted to see how they’ve brought the story of the old Queen’s Dock back to life.
The Experience
We started our afternoon with a coffee in the bar while we waited for our tour time. The bar is a lovely, cosy space, and it’s actually quite impressive seeing so many different whisky bottles on display while you look out at the water.
Our tour guide was brilliant – he met us at the start and shared some fascinating knowledge about the history of whisky in Glasgow and how the distillery eventually came to be. After a short video, there’s a self-guided section where you can take your time reading about the heritage of the building and the area. We then moved into the production rooms to see the machinery; it’s all very modern and shiny, and it was cool to see the actual steps of the process up close. We finished at a large table for the tasting of three different whiskies. Even though they were a bit strong for me and I couldn’t quite finish mine, you could tell they were high-quality spirits. Overall, it was a brilliant and very enjoyable experience.
Location & Booking
- Area: Finnieston / West End
- Address: 100 Stobcross Road, Glasgow G3 8QQ
- Nearby Landmarks: It’s sitting right between the SEC and the Riverside Museum.
- Transport Tips: An easy 15-minute walk from Exhibition Centre station. If you’re driving, they have free guest parking right outside.
- Booking: I’d recommend booking your tour time in advance on their website, though you can walk into the bar or shop anytime.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Duration: About 1 hour for the tour and tasting.
- Booking required / walk-in: Tour (Booked) / Bar (Walk-in).
- Price range: The standard tour is £19.50.
- Accessibility Notes: Since the building is so new, it’s very accessible with lifts to each floor and plenty of space.
- The “Non-Drinker” Tip: Don’t feel pressured to finish the drams if they aren’t for you! The history and the views from the Still House are worth the ticket price alone.
Who We’d Recommend This To
- Great for… History lovers, fans of industrial architecture, and anyone who wants a “tourist” experience that feels premium and modern.
- Ideal if you enjoy… Learning the ‘why’ behind a local business and seeing behind the scenes of a working distillery.
- Probably not for… People looking for a dark, old-fashioned “dusty” cellar vibe; this is very much a 21st-century experience.
What about you – are you a fan of whiskey, or are you just in it for the Glasgow history like me? Let me know in the comments!
