Glasgow has a long and proud connection to the whisky industry and a friendly atmosphere that trumps most cities. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a few drams, but where should you go? Here’s our pick for the top 10 places to enjoy whisky in Glasgow.
1. POT STILL, HOPE STREET
One of the top whisky bars in Scotland, never mind Glasgow! The shelves of the Pot Still are rammed with rare and old bottlings and you could lose many an hour sampling their wares whilst talking to the staff and regulars. It’s nice and central too if your staying in the heart of the city.
pot-still-whisky-bar
2. BON ACCORD, NORTH STREET
The Bon Accord is another cracking bar packed to the rafters with delicious whiskies. It’s the place to go in Glasgow if you’d like to sample something from the Scotch Malt Whisky Society – they are one of the few bars in the country to be selected as an official partner.
3. BEN NEVIS BAR, FINNIESTON
An intimate bar with a fine selection of whisky and beer. If you’re looking to sip a whisky with some traditional music then we’d suggest having a look at what’s on in the Ben Nevis Bar and heading along.
4. TENNENT’S TRAINING ACADEMY, DUKE STREET
If you’d like a more formal approach to trying your whisky, and learning a lot along the way, then this Tennent’s Training Academy monthly tasting is for you. They can be booked well in advance to coincide with your visit and make great gifts for whisky lovers.
5. HUTCHESONS, INGRAM STREET
If you’re looking to try your whisky in style, then Hutchesons is the place for you. Have a delicious meal and top it off with a tasty dram or let one of their team recommend one of their cocktails.
hucheson-whisky-bar
6. AUCHENTOSHAN DISTILLERY, CLYDEBANK
Okay, so this one is slightly cheating as it’s a bit out of the city but it’s not too hard to get to and where is better to learn about whisky than an actual distillery? Auchentoshan is Scotland’s only fully triple distilled whisky and you can see it made right here.
7. THE LISMORE, PARTICK
The Lismore lists itself as ‘a Highland Pub in the heart of Glasgow’ and we can’t think of another reason you’d need to visit than that. Great people, great prices in a great setting. It’s the perfect place to try the old Scottish classic of a half ‘n half (a half pint and a nip of whisky).
8. ORAN MOR, BYRES ROAD
The Oran Mor really has it all – bar, restaurant, club and amazing whisky bar. It’s lively and great fun and if you’re lucky enough to visit when they have one of their exclusive bottlings available make sure you try it!
oran-mor-whisky-bar
© Kris Kesiak Photography
9. THE GOOD SPIRITS CO., BATH STREET
Not a bar as such but The Good Spirits Co. run a range of regular tastings for anyone who wants to learn a bit more about what they’re drinking. Book early though- their tastings have a dedicated following and can quickly sell out!
10. ARTISAN RESTAURANT, WISHAW
So this one is definitely cheating but we’d regret not mentioning it. If you take the short trip to Wishaw you’re in for a whisky filled treat. The shelves of Artisan Restaurant are bursting with interesting and rare drams. Be sure to try their famed Bruichladdich Octomore burger too – the sauce is made with one of the smokiest whiskies ever made!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jason Thomson is a published drinks writer based in Edinburgh. He has judged several whisky competitions and has over a decade of experience in the drinks trade. He blogs at Edinburgh Whisky Blog.
