The Glasgow Distillery
Travel Distilled’s guide to the Glasgow Distillery in Glasgow, Scotland, makers of Makar Gin, with a brief history and full information on distillery tours.
Deep in the heart of Scotland’s industrial capital, a new chapter of liquid history is being written. The Glasgow Distillery Company is not just a producer of spirits; it is a pioneer of the city’s modern distilling revival.
After over a century where the sounds of stills had fallen silent in Glasgow, this distillery reignited the flame in 2014, becoming the first independent single malt whisky distillery to open in the city since 1902.
While it is perhaps most famous for its award-winning Makar Gin, the distillery is a powerhouse of craft, producing a diverse portfolio that includes single malt whisky, vodka, and rum.
Location of The Glasgow Distillery
Unlike many traditional Scottish distilleries tucked away in rolling Highland glens, The Glasgow Distillery is firmly rooted in the city’s urban landscape. It is located in the Hillington Industrial Estate, situated between Glasgow city centre and Glasgow International Airport. The distillery sits close to the River Clyde, which was once the lifeblood of the city’s global trade and shipbuilding industry. By choosing this site, the founders have positioned the distillery as a “contemporary urban distiller,” proving that world-class spirits can be forged in the same city that once built the world’s greatest ships.
History of The Glasgow Distillery
The name of The Glasgow Distillery Company is a tribute to the past. The original distillery of the same name was founded at Dundashill in Glasgow in 1770. At its height, it was one of the largest in Scotland, but like many others, it fell victim to the economic pressures of the early 20th century, eventually closing its doors.
The modern incarnation was founded by Liam Hughes, Mike Hayward, and Ian McDougall. Their mission was clear: to bring the art of distilling back to Glasgow. In 2014, they officially opened their doors, and on October 27th of that year, they launched their first product, Makar Gin. The arrival of their copper pot stills—affectionately named Annie, Mhairi, Tara, Margaret, and Frances—marked the first time in 110 years that a new independent distillery had produced spirit within the city limits. Since then, the distillery has expanded rapidly, moving from a “gin-only” operation to a multi-spirit producer that competes on a global stage.
Signature Releases
While the distillery produces a wide array of spirits, a few stand out as the cornerstones of their reputation:
• Makar Original Dry Gin: This is the flagship that put the distillery on the map. The name “Makar” comes from the Scots word for a poet or bard. It is a bold, juniper-forward gin bottled at 43% ABV. Its unique hexagonal bottle reflects the seven botanicals used in its recipe: juniper, coriander seeds, angelica root, liquorice, lemon peel, black peppercorns, and rosemary.
• Makar Flavoured Gins: Building on the success of the original, the distillery released several variations, including Makar Cherry Gin, Makar Old Tom, and Makar Mulberry Aged Gin, which is matured in mulberry wood casks to add a rich, woody sweetness.
• Glasgow 1770 Single Malt Whisky: This is the distillery’s Signature Range. It includes three distinct styles: The Original (fresh and fruity), Peated (rich and smoky), and Triple Distilled (smooth and elegant). These whiskies are matured in the finest casks and are always non-chill filtered and natural in colour.
• Banditti Club Rum: A spiced rum named after a group of 18th-century Glaswegian socialites. It is aged for 12 months and flavored with natural spices like cacao, pimento, and orange.
• G52 Botanical Vodka: A range of handcrafted vodkas distilled with fresh botanicals, moving away from the neutral spirit profile to offer something more flavorful and complex.
Visiting the Glasgow Distillery
For many years, The Glasgow Distillery was a closed working site focused purely on production. However, in response to growing demand from enthusiasts, they have recently opened their doors for public experiences.
Visitor Centre and Facilities
It is important to note that The Glasgow Distillery is a working distillery, first and foremost. While it now welcomes guests, it does not have a traditional visitor centre. Instead, it offers an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at a busy production facility.
• Cafe/Restaurant: There is no on-site cafe or restaurant but there are plenty of places to eat nearby.
• Tours: Tours are available but must be booked in advance. Because the distillery is a functioning industrial site, they cannot accommodate walk-ins. See the website (below) for details.
Tour Experiences
The tours are designed to be immersive and hands-on, often led by the distillers themselves.
1. The Glasgow Distillery Tour: This is the standard behind-the-scenes experience. You will see the copper stills (including Annie, the gin still) and learn about the mashing, fermentation, and distillation processes for both gin and whisky. The tour usually concludes with a guided tasting of their core range.
2. Whisky Warehouse Experience: For the true spirits enthusiast, some tours include a visit to the on-site cask warehouse. Here, you can see where the Glasgow 1770 Single Malt matures and, in some cases, sample spirit directly from the cask.
3. Gin Tasting Sessions: Occasionally, the distillery hosts focused gin masterclasses where visitors can dive deeper into the botanicals and history of the Makar range.
Because the distillery is located in an industrial estate, it provides a very different atmosphere than the scenic tours of the Highlands. It’s a tour for people who want to see the reality of modern craft distilling—noises, smells, and all.
Contact Information
Address: The Glasgow Distillery Company, 8 Deanside Road, Hillington Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G52 4XB
Phone Number: +44 (0)141 404 7191
Website: glasgowdistillery.com
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