04 Dec Whisky bars in glasgow

Best Places to Drink Whisky in Glasgow: Expert Recommendations for Your Next Visit

Glasgow, a vibrant city in Scotland, is renowned for its rich whisky heritage. With an abundance of bars and distilleries scattered throughout the city, it is no surprise that Glasgow has become a sought-after destination for whisky enthusiasts eager to sample the finest drams. This guide aims to introduce you to the best whisky bars in Glasgow that cannot be missed on any whisky exploration.

In recent years, the whisky scene in this bustling city has been significantly elevated, boasting a diverse selection of bars that cater to both the curious newcomers and the most ardent connoisseurs. Ranging from traditional establishments with a timeless charm to contemporary venues offering innovative whisky pairings, Glasgow offers a unique drinking experience for everyone.

Delving into the assortment of whisky bars in Glasgow, one can expect an immersive journey across the various regions of Scotland, guided by the knowledgeable and passionate bar staff eager to share their expertise. So, whether you favor a peaty Islay malt or a smooth Highland blend, Glasgow promises to leave a lasting impression on your whisky tasting adventure.

The Pot Still

The Piper

The Piper is a popular bar in Glasgow that prides itself with its impressive whisky selection. With hundreds of drams to choose from, including rare malts and whisky from smaller distilleries like Glengoyne and Auchentoshan, you are sure to discover a new favorite. The knowledgeable and passionate staff are always eager to help you choose the perfect dram, while locals and visitors alike add to the welcoming atmosphere.

Glaschu

Glaschu is a refined bar offering a delightful variety of malt whiskies, ranging from the ever-popular Speyside favourites to lesser-known hidden gems. Their whisky tasting events are a must for any enthusiast, providing an opportunity to learn about and sample a range of flavours and distilleries. Coupled with a high-quality menu, Glaschu offers an elegant and enjoyable experience.

Ralph & Finns

This cozy bar and restaurant, Ralph & Finns, combines a relaxed atmosphere with a passion for quality whisky. The impressive gantries showcase an extensive selection of whiskies, including the renowned Speyside whisky and a variety of other styles. Many of its whisky choices have received awards, further solidifying Ralph & Finns’ reputation as a true whisky lover’s paradise. The attentive staff are always on hand to recommend pairings with their delicious food offerings.

Blue Dog

Blue Dog is a stylish cocktail bar known for its extensive range of craft beers and malt whisky. Offering a unique twist on traditional whisky bars, the knowledgeable staff at Blue Dog can expertly blend the flavour of malt whiskies such as Glenlivet with high-quality ingredients to create innovative and delicious cocktails. The inviting environment attracts both whisky connoisseurs and newcomers to appreciate the art of mixology.

The Blythswood Hotel

For an upscale whisky experience, The Blythswood Hotel is the perfect destination. This luxurious hotel offers an exceptional uisge beatha (Gaelic for “water of life”) experience through its exclusive whisky tasting sessions, often incorporating rare and exquisite drams. Tastings often include samples from the esteemed Glengoyne Distillery, offering you the opportunity to expand your palate. The elegant atmosphere paired with top-quality drinks and service is truly unmatched in Glasgow.

Additional Whisky Bars

While The Ben Nevis in Glasgow’s West End is a popular spot for whisky enthusiasts, there are other fantastic bars in the city where you can enjoy a dram or two. One such bar is Bon Accord, located in Finnieston. This bar offers an impressive selection of malts, making it a must-visit location for any whisky aficionado.

The Wee Pub near Argyle Street may be small in size, but has a big reputation for its superb whisky collection. With over 100 bottles available, this small institution is a hidden gem located just off Ashton Lane. Just a short stroll away is the renowned Ben Nevis Bar, known for its warm atmosphere and selection of fine malts and ales.

In the city centre, you’ll find The Scotia Bar, one of Glasgow’s oldest pubs. Alongside an incredible whisky collection, this establishment also regularly hosts live traditional folk music, offering visitors a true taste of Scottish culture.

For those in search of something truly unique, Kelvinside Parish Church on Woodlands Road has been converted into a stunning whisky bar, known as Òran Mór. With an extensive selection of Scotch on offer and a yearly whisky festival that draws enthusiasts from all over the country, this beautiful venue is certainly worth a visit.

Bon Accord, found near the Charing Cross area, boasts another impressive whisky lineup, as well as a friendly atmosphere and live Scottish folk music. With knowledgeable staff and regular bottling events, this bar is perfect for those looking to delve deeper into the smoky, enigmatic world of whisky.

Located in Partick, The Ben Nevis Bar has a rich history, dating back to the Highland Clearances. Owned by the McDonagh family for generations, the bar offers not only a wealth of knowledge but also great banter, making it a true West End institution.

If you’re an aficionado or simply curious about whisky, Glasgow’s diverse collection of bars is sure to satisfy your cravings. From cozy West End pubs to restored parish churches, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy a dram of the water of life while being serenaded by traditional Scottish music.